Grilled Flank Steak | Hey Grill, Hey (2024)

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By Hey Grill Hey

On April 09, 2024 (Updated May 10, 2024)

32 reviews

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Marinated and grilled flank steak is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare this cut of beef. The rosemary balsamic marinade is the perfect blend of savory with just a touch of sweetness that is all highlighted in the steak by char from the grill.

What is Flank Steak?

Flank steak is a long and thin cut of meat taken from the lower chest or abdomen of the steer. It is a versatile cut of steak that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Because it is a well-used muscle, it can often be a bit tough. Cooking this steak correctly (over high heat) helps to ensure that your meat comes out tender and moist.

Flank vs Skirt vs Marinade

While flank steak, skirt steak, and flap steak are all thin, flavorful cuts of beef, there are some key differences. Flank steak is wider and thicker than skirt steak, with a more intense beefy flavor. Skirt steak is long, thin, and chewy, with a robust taste that works well in stir-fry dishes. Flap steak, also known as sirloin tips, is a thin, relatively tender cut that is best marinated and grilled or pan-seared over high heat.

Other ways to ensure your flank steak isn’t tough include slicing against the grain (don’t forget about this) and cooking it at or below medium doneness. By doing these simple things, you’ll have a tasty steak ready to eat as-is or serve in fajitas or steak salads.

Grilled Flank Steak

As mentioned in the previous section, you can cook flank steak in many different ways, including roasting, boiling, grilling, braising, and more.

The muscle fibers in flank steak all run in a single direction, so this cut of beef is ideal for tenderizing with a marinade and grilling over high heat. I like to marinate to help tenderize and flavor the steak and then sear over scorching high-heat until medium rare.

Flank Steak Marinade

The key to any great flank steak marinade is including these 5 key elements- salt, sugar, acidity, oil, and seasonings. The salt and sugar help season the meat as well as increase the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. The acidity, such as lime juice or red wine vinegar, adds that tangy bite, and the olive oil helps to transfer all of that marinade into the meat itself. Finally, the seasonings like garlic, black pepper and Dijon mustard are there to really influence the overall flavor profile of the meat.

Here’s what you need to make this marinade:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 5 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

This marinade covers all of those bases with balsamic vinegar for acidity, olive oil, salt, a little hit of sugar, and plenty of flavor from the rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. It really is the perfect balance of flavors that also helps tenderize the flank steak while it marinates. I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but this marinade is so balanced, you can push it up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

How to Grill Flank Steak

This flank steak recipe includes marinating in an aromatic rosemary balsamic marinate prior to a quick sear on a hot grill. Let’s get into the process. Here’s how to grill flank steak to complete and utter perfection.

  1. Marinate. Combine the ingredients for the marinade and place the steak in a zip-top bag with the marinade. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The marination time for this steak is up to you. Aim to marinate the meat for at least 2-4 hours, but you can leave it in the marinade for up to 24 hours if desired.
  2. Preheat. When you are ready to cook your meat, fire up that grill. Preheat your preferred grill to high heat (at least 450 degrees F) so that when the steak hits the grates, you get a nice crispy sear on the outside.
  3. Grill. Since the steak is so thin, it cooks up incredibly quickly. Once your grill is preheated, place the meat directly on the grates and close the lid. Grill for 4-5 mins per side, or until the steak reaches your preferred internal temperature. Try not to cook flank steak beyond 145 degrees F. It becomes extremely tough the longer you cook it. Medium-rare is my preferred doneness, but medium will also work well.
  4. Slice and serve. Once you pull the steaks off the grill, remember to slice them against the grain to ensure they are as tender as possible. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Grilled Flank Steak | Hey Grill, Hey (5)

Temperature Doneness Guide

I recommend using a meat thermometer (I love this simple digital thermometer) to monitor the steak as it is grilling. Pull the steak from the grill when it reaches your target temperature (I’m a medium rare gal myself). I do not recommend cooking the steak above medium. If it’s cooked past 145 degrees F, it tends to dry out and get tough.

Here are the target temps depending on your preferred doneness:

  • Rare: 125 degrees F
  • Medium Rare: 135 degrees F.
  • Medium: 145 degrees F
  • Medium Well: 155 degrees F
  • Well Done: 165 degrees F

More Ways to enjoy flank

Ah, grilled flank steak. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it tastes completely amazing. It’s also affordable and makes for a great dinner option that’ll feed the entire family. This versatile cut works great in steak fajitas, on a hearty steak salad, or in flank steak tacos. Download the Hey Grill Hey app, and then access all the recipes below, and hundreds more.

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Grilled Flank Steak Recipe

Follow the recipe, and I’ll teach you the simple steps to marinate and cook flank steak at home. Hey Grill Hey is dedicated to help you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. You can find more of my smoking and grilling recipes and videos on YouTube,Instagram,or ourFacebook Page.

Grilled Flank Steak | Hey Grill, Hey (11)

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Marinated and Grilled Flank Steak

By: Susie Bulloch (heygrillhey.com)

4.85 from 32 votes

Marinated and grilled flank steak is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare a flank steak. The rosemary balsamic marinade is mouthwatering.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Marinating Time2 hours hrs

Total Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings4 people

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 1.5-2 pound flank steak

Rosemary Balsamic Marinade

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

  • Make marinade. In a gallon zip top bag, combine all of the ingredients for the rosemary balsamic marinade. Zip the top, then toss gently until all of the salt and sugar granules are dissolved.

    1/2 cup olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 5 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary

  • Marinate steaks. Place the flank steak in the marinade, press out any excess air from the bag, and seal tightly. Using your hands, massage the marinade around the meat to ensure it is evenly covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.

    1 1.5-2 pound flank steak

  • Grill steaks. Preheat your grill for direct heat grilling at 450 degrees F. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 130-135 degrees F for medium rare or around 145 degrees for medium. Remove the steak from the grill to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

  • Slice, serve, and enjoy. Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain (perpendicular to the long strands of muscle) and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 148IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

**This post was originally published in June 2018, but we recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. However, the recipe remains the same.

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About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

Read More About Me

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Grilled Flank Steak | Hey Grill, Hey (2024)

FAQs

How long should you cook flank steak on the grill? ›

Preheat your grill for direct heat grilling at 450 degrees F. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 130-135 degrees F for medium rare or around 145 degrees for medium. Remove the steak from the grill to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

What is the trick to cooking flank steak? ›

The trick is to only cook for about 5 minutes on each side to medium rare. Any further and you'll risk overdoing it, turning your beloved flanks into hockey pucks. Allow resting for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

How to cook flank steak on a smokeless grill? ›

Turn your Kalorik Smokeless Grill up to high heat and turn on the fan. Grill the steak to the desired doneness, about for 5 minutes per side for medium rare. 5. Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.

How long to grill skirt steak on the grill? ›

Skirt steak is a lean, thin cut of meat, which means for the best results you need to cook it hot and fast. You'll only need 3 to 4 minutes per side for a golden brown, crispy crust that gives way to a decadently juicy, pink interior. Ideally, go for rare to medium-rare and no longer.

Do you grill flank steak with the grill open or closed? ›

Step 3: Sear Over Direct Heat

Make sure the grill temperature is approaching 500°F. Place the flank steak on the grill and close the lid. Barbecue for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium to medium-rare steak. Open the lid only once to flip the steak.

How long do you let flank steak rest after grilling? ›

Rest your Flank steak for 5 minutes before serving, covering lightly with foil. The temperature of the meat will continue to rise about 5°F during this time (this is called "carryover cooking"). The final temperature will read 135°F.

Do you cook flank steak fast or slow? ›

To get a juicy steak, grill your flank steak hot and fast and serve it between medium-rare and medium.

How do I get my flank steak tender? ›

Cut Across the Grain.

It's the muscle fibers in flank steak that make it tough; making thin slices across the grain cuts through the fibers, giving you tender pieces of meat.

Should you flip flank steak? ›

Flank steak tends to be chewy if overcooked: watch the side of your steak as it cooks, the color will begin to change and creep up the side of the steak – when it reaches about 1/4 inch up the side, it's time to turn the steak over. Continuing cooking until desired doneness.

Why was my grilled flank steak tough? ›

Flank steak is known for being a finicky cut, and if you accidentally keep it on the grill for even a minute too long, you can end up with one that's dense and chewy rather than tender. Don't worry, though. If you know what you're doing, flank steak can be just as delicious as any other, more expensive slab of meat.

Do you cook flank steak on high heat? ›

Flank steak is typically grilled over high heat for a short amount of time. It's a thin cut, so it doesn't need as much grill time as a thicker steak.

Is it better to smoke or grill flank steak? ›

While smoking flank steak takes longer than grilling or searing it on the stovetop (about two hours versus ten minutes), the resulting smoky flavor and tender meat are worth the wait. Serve smoked flank steak with your favorite BBQ sauce or chimichurri, a popular asado (barbecue) condiment in Argentina.

How to cook flank steak on a gas grill? ›

Instructions
  1. Oil Flank Steak & season with salt + pepper.
  2. Preheat grill to 400°F (medium-high).
  3. Sear for 1-2 minutes, then rotate.
  4. Cook addition 2-3 minutes, then rotate again.
  5. Cook another 2-3 minutes, then flip.
  6. Cook until internal temp reaches 135°F, about 5 minutes more.

What is better to grill flank or skirt steak? ›

Skirt steak will have more marbling than flank and it is somewhat more tender and flavorful. Skirt steak takes to a marinade well and is excellent on the grill. It also needs to be cooked quickly over high heat – be careful not to overcook.

How do you know when flank steak is done? ›

Flank Steak Internal Temperatures

For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally. For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally. For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally. For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.

How often do you flip flank steak? ›

Let sear on one side for 2-3 minutes before flipping to the other side and searing for another 2-3 minutes. Remove flank steak when the internal temperature reaches 125-130℉ in its thickest part. Then, rest for five minutes until the final temperature comes to 130-135℉.

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