Looking for a delicious dinner solution to wow your family? Flank steak is the way to go! Whether you’re looking for something quick yet impressive, or an adventure in bold flavors, flank steak has the versatility and taste to make it a centerpiece of any meal. It works equally as well for Sunday dinners and midweek meals on busy nights. Let’s explore all that flank steak has to offer– its nutrient content that makes it worthy of being at the top of your grocery list; easy-to-make preparations and marinades so simple even novice cooks can achieve restaurant quality entrees; how even 3 small servings yield large rewards with all cuts yielding significantly more than just protein, iron and zinc–and great recipes using this affordable cut!
What Is Flank Steak?
It is a cut of beef from the hindquarters of cattle, typically from the lower chest and abdomen. It is characterized by its long, flat shape and rich flavor, making it an ideal choice for quick-cooking preparations like grilling and pan-frying. It is highly nutrient-dense, with one serving providing high levels of protein, iron, and zinc. Additionally, it is affordable and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight meals or special occasions. There are many delicious recipes that feature flank steak as the star ingredient, including fajitas, stir-fries, kebabs, and tacos. Whether you are looking for simple flavors or bold, complex flavors, there is a flank steak recipe that is perfect for you! So what are you waiting for? Head to the grocery store and pick up some fresh flank steak today, and start cooking up something delicious tonight!
How to Cook Flank Steak
There are many different ways to cook, depending on your personal preferences and the flavors you are trying to achieve. Here are a few tips for how to cook it perfectly every time:
- Marinate the beef in your favorite marinade or sauce for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will infuse the meat with tons of flavor and help keep it juicy and tender.
- If you prefer a more crisp, charred crust on your steak, try grilling or pan-frying the flank steak over high heat for a few minutes per side until it is browned and slightly charred.
- If you are looking for something a little more tender, try cooking the steak low and slow. This can be done by roasting the meat in the oven at a low temperature for several hours, or by braising it on the stovetop in a flavorful liquid like wine, stock, or barbecue sauce.
- Once your flank steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is perfectly juicy and flavorful.
What Does Flank Steak Taste Like?
Flank steak has a rich and beefy flavor that is somewhat milder than other popular cuts like ribeye or strip steak. It also tends to be slightly chewy, but this texture can be improved through proper marinating and cooking techniques. Due to its relatively lean nature, it has a fairly mild taste, with notes of grass, beef, and umami. Because of the strong flavor, it is typically paired with bold, spicy flavors that can complement or even overpower its taste. Common seasonings used in recipes include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, cumin, paprika, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Overall, it is a versatile and delicious cut of beef that is perfect for grilling, roasting, stir-frying, or braising. Whether you prefer simple flavors or complex and bold flavors, there is a flank steak recipe that is sure to please!
Flank Steak vs. Skirt Steak
Though they are both flavorful cuts of beef that are most commonly used in Mexican cuisine, flank steak and skirt steak have some important differences. Flank steak is a long, flat cut of beef that usually comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It has a fairly lean texture and a somewhat milder flavor than other cuts like ribeye or strip steak. Skirt steak, on the other hand, is a much thinner cut of beef that comes from a different part of the cow’s abdominal region. It has a more intense flavor and somewhat chewy texture, making it ideal for dishes like fajitas or stir-fries. Both cuts are delicious when cooked properly, but flank steak is typically considered the more versatile of the two, as it can be used for a wide range of recipes and cooking methods. Whether you prefer simple flavors or bold and complex ones, there is a flank steak recipe that is sure to suit your tastes!
How to Choose Flank Steak
When buying, there are several things to keep in mind. The most important thing is to look for a cut of meat that is bright red and has a good amount of marbling, or the thin lines of fat that run throughout the meat. You should also check the steak to make sure it’s not too dry or tough, since these are common issues with it. It’s also important to choose a piece of meat with good marbling, as this will help ensure that the steak stays juicy and flavorful when cooked. Finally, be sure to check the expiration date and look for any signs of discoloration or spoilage before purchasing.
Flank Steak Recipes
- Grilled Flank Steak Fajitas: This quick and easy recipe uses bold Mexican flavors to turn flank steak into a delicious fajita filling.
- Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry: This flavorful stir-fry is loaded with spicy, savory, and umami flavors that perfectly complement the rich beefy taste of flank steak.
- Flank Steak Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce: These simple grilled kebabs are loaded with fresh, vibrant flavor thanks to the sweet and tangy chimichurri sauce.
- Slow-Cooker Korean Barbecue Beef Tacos: This easy slow-cooker recipe delivers bold, complex flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you are serving them on tortillas or over rice, these delicious tacos are sure to be a hit!
Where to Buy Flank Steak
If you don’t feel comfortable preparing it at home, there are plenty of great options for buying it online. Companies like Snake River Farms and Crowd Cow offer high-quality cuts of meat that can be delivered right to your door, making it easy to prepare delicious recipes at home. Whether you’re looking for premium American Wagyu beef, or a more budget-friendly grass-fed option, these companies offer a wide range of cuts and styles to suit all tastes. So why wait? Start browsing today, and find the perfect flank steak for your next recipe!
Flank Steak Storage and Preparation
One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying and preparing is proper storage. To properly store it, it’s best to place it in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate it as soon as possible. You should also try to use your beef within 3-4 days of purchase, as this will help to ensure that it is as fresh and tasty as possible when you are ready to cook it.
When it comes to preparation, there are a few tricks that can make a big difference in the end result of your flank steak recipes. For one thing, you should always let your meat rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking, as this will help to redistribute its juices and keep it from drying out. It’s also important to pat your meat dry before cooking, since this will help prevent steaming when you put it in the pan or on the grill. Finally, remember that flank steak is a relatively thin cut of meat, so don’t overcook it! This will not only make the steak tough and chewy, but will also cause it to dry out. A few minutes on each side should be enough to get a nice crust and a pink, juicy center. With these tips in mind, you can easily cook up a delicious and tender batch of flank steak for your next recipe!
At the end of the day, a good flank steak is all about quality. If you focus on buying the best meat possible, and then treating it with respect – whether that means marinating overnight or cooking quickly over high heat – you’ll be well on your way to a delicious dinner. Once you’ve got the basics down, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques. The possibilities are endless!
