Fire up the Flank Steak

Spring is a great time to peel back the cover of your grill and start enjoying all benefits of grilled meats. One of our favorite meats to grill is flank steak. Flank steak is a very lean, flavorful boneless cut of meat. This thin, flat steak comes from a well-exercised part of the cow which usually would mean a tough piece of meat. However, when marinated, grilled or broiled, and cut thinly against the grain, flank steak becomes very tender.

Preparation, uses & tips:
Marinades:

Most often you will find that flank steak is marinated prior to grilling or broiling. Marinating flank steak helps tenderize the meat particularly when the marinade contains ingredients such as lemon juice, wine, vinegar and other natural tenderizers like ginger and pineapple. After preparing the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally while it marinates.

Grill:

Place the flank steak directly over hot coals or medium-high heat and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, turning once half-way through.

Broil:

Place the marinated flank steak on a broiling pan. Broil 2-3 inches from the broiler element and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Stuff & Bake:

You can also prepare a stuffing and spread it evenly over one side of the flank steak. This creates a beautiful presentation when sliced and the meat still remains fairly tender throughout the cooking process, particularly
if you add liquid or stock to the roasting pan as it cooks. To prepare flank steak in this manner, roll the flank steak up into a log-shape. Secure with kitchen twine at 2 inch intervals down the length of the log. Place in a baking pan and bake at 350°F. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool before slicing.

Glutenfreeda’s favorite flank steak recipes:

As you can see there are several different ways to prepare flank steak. Our favorite is grilling, only because it brings out a wonderful flavor in the meat, it’s quick and extremely easy. Here are several of our favorite recipes that we think you and your family will enjoy!

Cinnamon Spiced Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak with Shallot-Ginger Marinade

Grilled Oriental Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak with Sauteed Mushrooms

Flank Steak with Asparagus & Wild Rice Pilaf

Gingered Flank Steaks

Flank Steak with Roasted Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade

Cornbread Stuffed Flank Steak

Flank Steak Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomato Polenta

Enjoy!