Flank Steak

Bos taurus Meat/Beef

Flank Steak Meat/Beef

At a Glance

  • Category Meat/Beef

The Forktionary Angle

"The marinade maestro, a lean cut that transforms with proper technique into tender, intensely flavorful meals."

Definition

A lean, flavorful cut of beef from the abdominal muscles, best cooked quickly at high heat and sliced against the grain.

Ideal Cooking Method Grilling, broiling, pan-searing quickly to medium-rare.
Marinade Absorption Excellent absorption due to its loose muscle structure.
Muscle Structure Long, coarse muscle fibers, requiring slicing against the grain for tenderness.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Flank Steak are:

Beefy savory slightly gamey

Chef’s Secret

Always marinate flank steak for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours) with an acid (like lime juice or vinegar) and oil to tenderize it before cooking.

Best Substitutes

Skirt Steak

similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Hanger Steak

more tender
Ratio 1:1

Sirloin Steak

less grain
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for well-marbled pieces; ensure it's a uniform thickness for even cooking.

Recipes Using Flank Steak

Dinner Party Dietary Asian 30 Minutes Or Less

Beef And Scallops

Experience a whirlwind of flavor with this incredibly quick and easy Beef and Scallops Stir-Fry! Perfectly seared beef and succulent scallops dance in a vibrant, light sauce – no heavy saucing here! Serve this restaurant-quality dish over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

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Time To Make Meat Grilling Cuisine

Argentine Grilled Flank Steak

Experience the sizzling flavors of Argentina with this mouthwatering grilled flank steak recipe! Brought back from a honeymoon in Argentina, this simple yet impressive dish requires only minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. The secret lies in an 8-hour marinade (inactive prep time) that infuses the steak with incredible depth. Perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches or salads!

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Cuisine Course Comfort Food Central American

Ajiaco Cubano

Embark on a culinary journey through time with this authentic Ajiaco Cubano recipe! This hearty Cuban stew, a true reflection of Cuba's rich and diverse heritage, is a celebration of flavors from Indigenous roots to Spanish, African, and Chinese influences. Fernando Ortiz famously described Cuban cuisine as a 'mestizaje'—a vibrant blend of cultures—and this Ajiaco embodies that spirit perfectly. Imagine tender chunks of affordable, Cuban-style cut meat simmering alongside a medley of indigenous root vegetables like potatoes, yuca, malanga, and sweet potatoes, enhanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and turnip, and a hint of exotic spices. This isn't just a meal; it's a story told through every delicious bite. Learn the secrets passed down through generations, from 1925 cookbooks to modern Cuban kitchens, and create a dish that's both comforting and historically significant. Serve with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a truly authentic Cuban experience.

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3 Steps Or Less Preparation Meat Course

1 2 3 Steak On Noodles

Step back in time with this vintage 1964 recipe! Tender, flavorful steak simmered in a tangy 7UP and soup sauce, then served atop a bed of noodles. This nostalgic dish is perfect for a family dinner and pairs wonderfully with creamy coleslaw, buttered green beans, and a slice of homemade apple crumb pie. Get ready for a taste of the past!

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High Protein Number Of Servings Beef Preparation

Asian Marinated Flank Steak

Elevate your weeknight dinner or camping menu with this flavorful Asian Marinated Flank Steak! Inspired by Sunset Magazine, this recipe features a vibrant marinade that's perfect for beef, chicken, or salmon. Tender, juicy, and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe is quick to prep and incredibly delicious. Make it ahead and freeze for an easy OAMC (One-Minute-Ahead-Meal) option. Skip the ground ginger – fresh is key!

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30 Minutes Or Less Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Course

Beef Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Beef Teriyaki Shish Kabobs! Marinated in a savory teriyaki glaze, these juicy skewers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. Easily substitute chicken or shrimp for a delicious variation. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Preparation Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Beer Soaked Flank Steak

This incredibly juicy and flavorful beer-soaked flank steak recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Marinated to perfection in a zesty beer marinade (recipe below), this steak grills up quickly to tender perfection. Cut against the grain for unbelievably tender slices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Dinner Party Healthy Stir Fry Occasion

Beef Tomato Chow Yuk

Experience the sizzling flavors of Beef Tomato Chow Yuk! This quick and easy recipe delivers tender beef in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is bursting with fresh vegetables and a delightful sweet and tangy taste. Get ready to impress your family with this authentic Asian-inspired stir-fry.

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30 Minutes Or Less Green Yellow Beans Equipment Preparation

Beef With Green Beans

This incredibly easy Beef with Green Beans recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes! Inspired by classic Chinese stir-fries, this recipe is surprisingly low-calorie and packed with flavor. Tender beef strips are marinated for maximum flavor, then expertly stir-fried with crisp-tender green beans and aromatic ginger. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor without any heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

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Time To Make Broccoli Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Experience the vibrant flavors of this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, a Bon Appétit-inspired recipe! This quick and easy stir-fry delivers tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory, mouthwatering sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for an explosion of taste in under an hour!

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High Protein Beef High Protein Meat

Beer Marinated Flank Steak

This incredibly flavorful Beer Marinated Flank Steak recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by Bon Appetit, this easy recipe features a simple yet delicious marinade that will leave your steak incredibly tender and juicy. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Steak Main Dish Steak Meat

Asian Style Flank Steak

Experience a flavor explosion with this quick and easy Asian-style flank steak recipe! Perfectly broiled flank steak is coated in a luscious honey-ginger-soy glaze, creating a tender and savory dish ready in under 30 minutes. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal.

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Lettuces Low Cholesterol Southwestern United States Greens

Avocado And Beef Torta

This Avocado & Beef Torta swaps creamy mayo for healthy avocado, creating a delicious and surprisingly light sandwich. Inspired by a neighborhood newspaper recipe, this version adds a zesty cilantro kick! Juicy grilled steak, fresh tomatoes, crisp greens, and a creamy avocado spread all come together in perfectly toasted Italian rolls. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

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Low Carb Chinese Time To Make Meat

Beef With Fresh Asparagus

This vibrant Beef with Fresh Asparagus stir-fry recipe delivers a burst of umami and fresh spring flavors. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this dish is easily customizable to your spice preference. Tender beef marinated in a savory soy sauce mixture is perfectly complemented by crisp-tender asparagus and carrots. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Asian Main Dish

Beef With Cabbage And Mushrooms

This quick and easy Beef with Cabbage and Mushrooms stir-fry is ready in just 25 minutes! Tender flank steak is paired with crisp-tender cabbage and earthy mushrooms in a savory soy sauce glaze. Serve this delicious dish on its own, over fluffy rice, or alongside your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Time To Make High Protein Beef Low Carb

Asian Flank Steak

Sizzle into summer with this incredibly flavorful Asian Flank Steak! Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive summer barbecues. Tender, juicy steak marinated in a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce – it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

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North American Mexican North American Preparation

Arrachera Beef Marinade

Craving authentic Mexican flavors? This Arrachera marinade recipe delivers tender, juicy flank steak perfect for tacos, fajitas, or chili! Transport yourself to Mexico with this easy-to-follow recipe, even when you're miles away. Marinate for at least 1 hour (longer is better!) for maximum flavor absorption. Get ready for the most delicious arrachera you've ever tasted!

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Dietary Low In Something Grilling Broil

Bacon Stuffed Flank Steak

Sizzle into summer with this mouthwatering Bacon-Stuffed Flank Steak! Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and bursting with smoky bacon flavor, this recipe is a simple yet elegant summer supper. Serve with grilled potatoes and a fresh tossed salad for a complete and satisfying meal that won't overheat your kitchen! Inspired by Bon Appetit (May 1982).

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