Marinated Grilled Flank Steaks are juicy, tender and full of flavor after being marinated in a soy-balsamic Italian marinade. Grilled to perfection and topped with an Easy Herb Butter for a delicious easy BBQ meal.
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Marinated Grilled Flank Steaks
These grilled flank steaks were marinated overnight and are almost so tender you can cut it with a fork. The secret is in the special marinade. If you throw on a few sliced onions and peppers or our Grilled Chili Lime Okra on the grill at the same time, you can have dinner ready in a jiffy.
Our grilled flank steaks are delicious on our Seared Steak Salad with Strawberry Cucumber Dressing , in a fajitas or even in a Thai Beef Salad. Maybe, Dad would just like a plain steak with a baked potato on the side. The choice is yours. We like to make our Healthy Alternative Zip Sauce to serve on the side as a dipping sauce.
How to make flank steaks tender
The Flank steak is a cut of beef taken from the abdominal muscles or lower chest of the steer. This steak comes from the well-exercised part of the cow and it can be tough. Who knows why this part of the cow gets so much exercise maybe they do sit ups and crunches? (smiling) Therefore, there are a few things that need to be done to keep this cut of meat tender and delicious.
- Remove any tough fascia from the flank steak before marinating.
- Marinate your flank steak in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate it the better. We like to marinate our steaks the night before so that they have about 24 hours to do their thing. However, you can also marinate them for just 2 hours, but they are not as tender as when you do it overnight.
- Be sure to take your flank steaks out of the refrigerator at least 20 - 30 minutes before grilling to allow the steaks to come to room temperature. Don’t be putting a cold steak on a hot grill! If you put a cold steak on a hot grill they want to shrivel, and it won’t cook evenly. The goal is to cook your steaks quickly over a higher heat to get a nice sear and keep them tender and let them cook evenly.
- Do not overcook the steaks. Cook to a medium rare. Do not cut your steak until after it is cooked.
- Let your flank steak rest for about 10 minutes under aluminum foil before carving and slice very thin. This helps keep the juices in your steak.
- Make sure you cut against the grain of the steak and not with the grain of the steak.
Best Steak Marinade
Just a handful of pantry ingredients make this marinade extra special. Ok, the secret is out! This savory flank steak marinade is fantastic for meat but is also fantastic for mushrooms and grilled veggies too. Just to note, vegetables and mushrooms only need to be marinated for about 15 minutes unlike a steak that needs at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. For about a 1.5 pound flank steak we marinate our flank steaks with the following ingredients…
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce or Tamari sauce for gluten-free
- Aged balsamico from Mie Radici – it is naturally sweet from the aging process so there is no need to add a sweetener to this recipe as some do.
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh minced onion
- Italian dried herbs
- Fresh ground pepper
How long to cook a flank steak?
That depends on how you like your steaks. If you want to keep your flank steaks tender, be sure to keep them to no more than medium for the best outcome and the most tender steak. You can check the doneness of your flank steak by internal temperature or the finger touch method. Don’t be cutting into your steak to take a look or you will lose all that delicious juice.
- Rare: 125 to 130 degrees F (51 - 54 degrees C)
- Medium rare: 130 to 140 degrees F (54 – 60 degrees C)- our favorite way to grill flank steaks!
- Medium: 140 to 150 degrees F (60 - 65 degrees C)
- Medium well- not recommended
- Well- not recommended
Finger touch method
The finger touch method is great, especially if you do not own a meat thermometer. Check out this helpful infographic from the Furious Grill.
Infographic by FuriousGrill.Com
How long does it take to grill flank steaks to medium rare?
As for a time estimate, we cooked our 1.5 pound (680 grams) for about 4-5 minutes on each side. However, everyone’s heat level can be different depending on if you have a gas grill or coals, etc. So, it is best to go by internal temperature or finger test for best results. Maybe some guys out there will say, by the time I’m finish my first cold beer, their steak is ready… (smiling) It is not an exact science, but hey whatever works for you.
If you like this Marinated Grilled Flank Steaks recipe, you are going to want to try our Grilled Flank Steak with Thai Style Chimichurri Sauce, Wasabi Bloody Married Flank Steak , Herb Marinated Grilled Rack of Lamb and our delicious Caramelized Red Pepper Pesto Steak too.
What to serve with grilled steaks?
A delicious topping that takes your marinated grilled flanks steaks from delicious to epic is our Easy Herb Butter. Slather on a dollop upon serving to allow it to melt and it really kicks up this recipe.
If you already have the grilled fired up, you might as well add a few of our easy sides like our Best Grilled Asparagus, Feta Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms and grilled shishito peppers.
To keep the hungry family and friends happy while we are grilling, be sure to serve an Easy Bruschetta Bread or a Chargrilled Halloumi Prosciutto Wrapped Nectarines and Balsamic Glaze or spicy Firecracker Grilled Shrimp.
For dessert try our light and easy Grilled Nectarines with Coconut Cream.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Flank steak is a very lean piece of meat. It needs to be cut super thin and across the grain to keep it tender. This process helps cut though those tough fibers lending it to a tender bite. Look at the flank steak and look to see what way the long muscle fibers are running. Then, line your knife up to cut perpendicular though the fibers and across the grain. Do not cut parallel with the muscle fibers but across or perpendicular the muscle fibers. This method ensures a tender bite.
It is best to marinade flank steaks for at least 2 hours, but it is optimal to marinade overnight to ensure tenderness. Marinating your steak with acid (balsamic vinegar), fat (olive oil), Italian seasoning and fresh herbs and spices not only tenderizes the meat but also makes it extra delicious and gives the steak extra flavor.
Flank steak is from the bottom abdominal area of the cow. This area of the cow gets quite a workout. This cut of meat has a lot of tough fibers running through it and a very lean cut of beef. A flank steak is thicker, and wider compared to a skirt steak. In addition, generally the muscle fibers run lengthwise.
Skirt steak is from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. The cut of meat is much thinner compared to a flank steak and is much longer. In addition, it is very lean cut of meat. We think it has even more tough muscle fibers than a flank steak. The muscle fibers run horizontally across a skirt steak.
Either a flank steak or skirt steak can be used in our Marinated Grilled Flank Steak recipe.
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Marinated Grilled Flank Steaks
Equipment
- Grill or Grill pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak whole (trimmed of fascia)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried (mixture basil, oregano, thyme, etc)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar we used an aged thick Mie Radici organic balsamic
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- salt and pepper to taste or a steak seasoning for grilling
Instructions
- In a sealed plastic bag or plastic container place your flank steak, olive oil, onion, Italian seasoning, black pepper, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic. Sealed and rub the steak to make sure the marinade is all over the steak.
- Marinate steak for 2 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer you let your steak marinade, the more tender it will be. We like to marinate our steak the day before in the evening and by the next evening it is ready to go.
- Preheat you grill to medium high heat. Prep and clean your grill. Remove your flank steaks from the marinade but leave on the attached onions and garlic as these are flavorful when they cook. Salt and Pepper Flank Steaks well on both sides or use a grill spice like McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning before placing the steak on the grill.
- Grill flank steaks about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare steak.
- Rare: 125 to 130 degrees F (51 - 54 degrees C)Medium rare: 130 to 140 degrees F (54 – 60 degrees C)- our favorite way to grill flank steaks! (perfectly juicy and tender)Medium: 140 to 150 degrees F (60 - 65 degrees C)Medium well - not recommendedWell done - not recommended
- You may also use the finger method to determine when you flank steak is cooked. Refer to the infographic above in the post for details.
- Remove your steak from the grill and let it rest, tented with aluminum foil for about 10 minutes.
- Slice Flank Steak across the grain and thin. Serve with Easy Herb Butter or our Healthy Alternative Sip Sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Remove any tough fascia from the flank steak before marinating.
- Marinate your flank steak in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate it the better. We like to marinate our steaks the night before so that they have about 24 hours to do their thing. However, you can also marinate them for just 2 hours, but they are not as tender as when you do it overnight.
- Be sure to take your flank steaks out of the refrigerator at least 20 - 30 minutes before grilling to allow the steaks to come to room temperature. Don’t be putting a cold steak on a hot grill! If you put a cold steak on a hot grill they want to shrivel, and it won’t cook evenly. The goal is to cook your steaks quickly over a higher heat to get a nice sear and keep them tender and let them cook evenly.
- Do not overcook the steaks. Cook to a medium rare. Do not cut your steak until after it is cooked.
- Let your flank steak rest for about 10 minutes under aluminum foil before carving and slice very thin. This helps keep the juices in your steak.
- Make sure you cut against the grain of the steak and not with the grain of the steak.
Karista says
That's a meal my two sassy gals would love! Your flank steak looks perfectly prepared. 🙂 I just had dinner and now I want flank steak with herb butter.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Karista. My teenage boys sure loved this meal. I think this one, maybe minus the Spinach, is big with the teenage clan. Take Care, BAM
ChgoJohn says
What a feast you've prepared, BAM! That herbed butter sounds delicious and garlicky potatoes are always a good idea in my book. Add one grilled-to-perfection steak and you've got a great meal. Best of all, it's a snap to put together. With the holidays approaching fast, we would all benefit with spending a little less time in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing a great meal idea.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Gratzie John! I knew anything with a little garlic in it would have your vote as you and I still are one of the heavier users of garlic in our club! Have a super weekend! BAM
Tandy says
Listening to your body is so important BAM 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
You have that right on! When your tired, you should take a moment to take care of yourself by eating right and getting some good sleep. Both of those things are going to be high on my priority list this weekend. Take care, BAM
jothetartqueen says
Bam! the steak looks really juicy and lovely. I love the idea of the herb butter served with it. It looks really delicious! I do agree with your boys that bacon just makes everything taste better!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Jo. I think I have a new idea for an alarm clock for teenagers, an alarm clock that emits a bacon essence. The only way that I can get my teenagers up in the morning is if I fry up some bacon. Their idea of a perfect day is for it to be raining bacon. Take Care, BAM
thecompletecookbook says
Heaven on a plate Bam. I had a simplified version of this last night - a pan fried steak with a microwaved, baked potato topped with fresh garlic and chives and a side of mushrooms. Yours sound MUCH nicer - love the idea of the bacon bashed spuddys.
🙂 Mandy
Healthy World Cuisine says
I don't know Mandy your description of your last nights dinner really had my mouth watering. I guess I still need more iron as I am still craving steak! Thanks again and have a super weekend. BAM
Jeno @ Week Nite Meals says
All I can say if, Bam your family is so lucky to have you! The meal looks so tasty!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Jeno. Take care and have a fun weekend. BAM
Dawn says
My husband just found out what has been ailing him for months - he is allergic to soy, gluten, dairy and eggs (oh, and did I mention garlic, mushrooms and peanuts?) - I see a lot of steak and potatoes in our future - without the herb butter....
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dear Dawn, well at least he knows what is ailing him. Believe it or not, I suffer deeply myself from egg, gluten and dairy intolerance. I don't let that stop my cooking for my family but I just adapt my portion. However, to have an intolerance to garlic would cause my world to come crashing down around me!!! Have him start some good probotics and I will start posting some of recipes I make for myself so that you can give them a try. Take care, BAM
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen says
I sure here you, my whole family must be low on iron, lol! I, for one, am craving this meal.. so it would seem I am in need of iron. I'd keep those potatoes on the menu too.. good hearty food for a cold winter's day!
Healthy World Cuisine says
We grill out all year around, even when we lived in snowy Michigan. However, now in Hong kong I don't even have to shovel a path out to the grill which is a relief. Meat and potatoes is a meal that my teenagers come running home for. Take care, BAM
yummychunklet says
That looks like a delicious way to get more iron!
hikingtohealthy says
Yum! So trying this!!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
A great boost of energy after a big long hike!
Profiteroles & Ponytails says
Gorgeous meal! Your photos are making me crave steak! My ponytails would whole-heartedly agree with your boys that bacon makes everything taste better...I'd say add a little of your herbed butter and now you're talking my language!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank You. My boys think that bacon is one of the major food groups. I can't say that I disagree with them. This herbed butter goes great on so many things and so handy to make in advance and keep in the freezer. Take Care, BAM
Sibella at bakingwithsibella.com says
Wow, looks like a dinner of my dreams! Everything prepared to perfection, juicy steak, potatoes, spinach, herbed butter mmmmmmm mouthwatering!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Sibella. I wish my teenagers gave me compliments like that but all I get, at best, is a cleaned plate and little groan... Teenagers! Uggh! How about you? Take Care, BAM
Sibella at bakingwithsibella.com says
I guess teenagers are same everywhere! ;)))) Have a great weekend my friend!
saffronandhoney says
Mmm herb butter. Making me hungry!
Eha says
A loud 'yes' as far as 'mile high spinach' goes! And the whole of the oh'so'tasty menu 🙂 ! After nearly 30 years of learning about nutrition, and still doing so, the one lesson I have surely appreciated is that we all are individuals: I firmly believe our bodies tell us what they need . . . sometimes it is the iron and zinc and CoQ10 etc of a lovely, bloody [sorry!] steak!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Eha, you are absolutely right! So I must be craving magnesium when I crave chocolate? What are your thoughts on that topic? Take care, BAM
Eha says
Chocolate:? - definitely!!!! OK: only 70% + and about 30 gms/day 😉 ! Ha'de'hah!!!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
A square of dark 70 % chocolate every once in a while makes mama very happy!
kitchenriffs says
I really like your method of "bashing" potatoes! Works for me. And bacon does make everything taste better. I haven't had a steak for ages, and now I'm totally craving one. This looks like a terrific meal. Love the Mile High Spinach - as you say, it really does cook down a lot. Fun post - thanks.