Flank steak marinade is the secret behind that mouthwatering, tender meat that makes you weak in the knees. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly marinated flank steak, with flavors dancing on your tongue like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show. It’s juicy, it’s flavorful, and it’s bound to make you the star of any barbecue or dinner party. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen? This flank steak marinade is your culinary superhero, swooping in to save the day. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weekend cookout, this marinade will have everyone saying, “What’s your secret?” Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing flank steak marinade brings together bold flavors that elevate simple cuts of meat into gourmet delights.
- Its easy preparation allows for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
- You’ll love how the vibrant colors and aromas fill your kitchen, making every bite an experience.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for stir-frying or oven roasting.
Ingredients for flank steak marinade
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak: Look for a fresh piece with good marbling; it adds flavor and tenderness after marinating.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps to carry the flavors and keeps the meat moist.
- Soy Sauce: This salty goodness not only seasons but also tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a slightly sweet tanginess that balances out the savory notes.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides that aromatic punch that makes everything better.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness from honey complements the savory elements perfectly.
- Fresh Herbs (like Rosemary or Thyme): These bring a fragrant earthiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make flank steak marinade
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, grab all your ingredients from your kitchen. Lay them out like you’re prepping for a cooking show—this makes everything easier!
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, and chopped herbs until well combined. You want this mixture to look like liquid gold; trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Marinate That Steak
Place your flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal it up (or cover) and give it a little massage—yes, I said massage! Let those flavors dive deep into the meat.
Step 4: Chill Out
Refrigerate your marinating steak for at least one hour or up to overnight if you’re feeling adventurous. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor-packed goodness you’ll unleash when cooking.
Step 5: Cook It Right
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess drip off (but don’t rinse!). Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches your desired doneness.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the cooked steak rest for about five minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve it up with sides of roasted veggies or on top of fresh greens for an impressive meal everyone will rave about!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any leftover marinade that’s been cooked down safely for extra flavor enjoyment!
You Must Know
- This flavorful flank steak marinade offers more than just tenderizing magic; it simplifies your dinner prep.
- Customize the ingredients based on what you have, and enjoy vibrant aromas that elevate any meal.
- Perfect for grilling, but versatile enough for pan-searing or baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your flank steak for at least one to two hours, or overnight if you’re feeling fancy. Sear the steak in a hot skillet or grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for that perfect medium-rare finish. perfect side for grilled steaks
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with the marinade! Swap out soy sauce for teriyaki, add some lime juice for zing, or toss in fresh herbs like cilantro to make it your own masterpiece.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating is key; even a short time enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Always allow your meat to rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and better presentation.
Sometimes I whip up this flank steak marinade when friends stop by unexpectedly, and they can’t believe how easy and delicious it is! Their clean plates tell me everything I need to know!
FAQs :
What is flank steak marinade?
Flank steak marinade is a flavorful mixture used to tenderize and enhance the taste of flank steak. Typically, it combines acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice with oils, herbs, and spices. This mixture helps break down the meat’s fibers, making it more tender and infusing it with delicious flavors. A good marinade can transform a simple flank steak into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for grilling or roasting.
How long should I marinate flank steak?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, you should marinate flank steak for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. A longer marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. However, if you use an acidic marinade, avoid exceeding 24 hours, as this can start to break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture.
Can I use flank steak marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! Flank steak marinade is versatile and can be used for various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, or even vegetables. The key is to adjust marination times according to the type of meat. Philly cheese beef skillet For instance, chicken may require less time than beef due to its tenderness. Experimenting with different meats can yield delicious results. For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.
What are some common ingredients in a flank steak marinade?
Common ingredients in a flank steak marinade include soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and various herbs like cilantro or rosemary. These ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile that complements the natural taste of the beef. garlic parmesan chicken comforting chili recipes You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.
Conclusion for flank steak marinade :
Using a well-crafted flank steak marinade elevates your cooking game by enhancing both flavor and tenderness. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients and adjust marination times based on your preferences. Whether you’re grilling for family or hosting friends, this simple yet effective technique will make your dishes unforgettable. Enjoy experimenting with different marinades to find your perfect flavor combination!
Flank Steak Marinade
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Flank steak marinated to perfection is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that will impress family and friends. This easy marinade combines olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and honey to create a tender and juicy steak bursting with flavor. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, this dish transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Dive into this simple recipe and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), chopped
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage to coat the meat thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until achieving desired doneness.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb flank steak (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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