Meaning, cut perpendicular (like a T) to the lines or striations in the meat. The flank steak is a very lean cut of beef from the underbelly of the cow. In the same skillet, saute onion for 1 minute. Allow the meat to simmer slowly on the stovetop or in the oven for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is done and tender. Flank steak is famous for its intense flavor – and for how tough it can be if improperly cooked. So what's the secret to cooking flank steak? To cook on a charcoal grill, place your flank steak over the hottest part of the grill, and sear both sides for 1-2 minutes. Cutting against the grain this way exposes more surface area in each fiber and keeps the fibers from being stacked directly on top of each other in each slice of meat, further weakening the bonds that hold them together. Preheat the grill at high levels. … Your steak should come out fork-tender and full of flavor. Flank steak can be used in most recipes that call for skirt steak. , Heat skillet or griddle on medium heat. The resultant curtain of meat is perfect for stuffing and rolling up, … Use the chart below to determine how long to grill flank steak. A very hot pan delivers the best sear. Put the cooking grate in place, cover, and allow grill to preheat for 5 minutes. To pre-slice your flank steak, place it to the freezer for just 15 minutes; this will firm up the meat and make it easier to slice. The acid ingredients in the marinade break down the connective tissue that is partly responsible for making the meat tough. Be sure your flank steak is completely thawed. Sear both sides for 1-2 minutes, then reduce to medium heat and continue to grill. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse Grilling is perhaps the best way to cook flank steak, but you can also pan-sear it in a skillet or broil it in your oven. Allowing the steak to rest will give the juices time to sink back in and throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. The end result should be medium-rare. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Because it has long muscle fibers and little marbled fat, it requires proper cooking and slicing to bring out the tenderness. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Directions In a skillet, brown steak in oil; transfer to a 5-qt. The truth is, flank steak is a wonderfully versatile cut of beef and can be melt-in-your-mouth tender with just a little know-how. Cook flank steak to medium-rare or medium doneness to prevent overcooking the meat. If you … It is harder to get that angle on the end of the flank steak when you start carving. Cook on low-heat for 8 hours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking flank steak to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Flank steak is best cooked rare, medium rare or so well-done that it is fork tender. USDA Prime Private Stock® Tenderloin Chateaubriand, USDA Prime Private Stock® Prime Rib Roast. When you cut flank steak you want to slice against the grain with your knife at a 45-degree angle. Behind the Issue: A Primitive, Perfect Method for Grilling Steaks with Cook’s Illustrated’s Dan Souza The real trick is to keep your flank steak grill time to a minimum; this lean cut is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium. If You Can’t Find Flank, Use These Cuts. Copyright © But, there's an easy solution – learning to carve your flank steak against the grain. For best results, the flank steak should marinade for a minimum of two hours being turned about every half hour. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron skillet over high heat until hot, for about 5 minutes. One of the most important techniques for a tender flank steak is proper slicing. Set it on the grill. It can become tough when cooked too long at low temperatures unless it is braised low and slow until tender like in ropa vieja – there is no middle ground when it comes to cooking flank steak. These steaks do best when cooking over high heat for a short period of time to give them the perfect texture and taste. Hover your hand over the skillet or grill a couple of inches to ensure that it is nice and hot. Medium. Longer marinating times risk denaturing the meat and ruining the texture of the steak. 1. For perfect doneness, we recommend you use a meat thermometer and use the Measuring Doneness chart below. Why? Braising flank steak in a flavorful liquid like broth, wine or a tomato sauce cooks the meat slowly and brings out the tenderness. There's still time! 125°F - Center is bright red; pinkish towards the outside, 135°F - Center is very pink; slightly brown towards the outside, 145°F - Center is light pink; outer portion is brown, 155°F - Center is slightly pink; outer portion is brown. Trim off any excess fat, mix together a beef steak marinade according to its recipe. Home / The Steak Guide / How to Cook / How to Cook Flank Steak. The muscle fibers in flank steak are very strong and can be extremely tough. Cooking flank steak: Flanks steaks take to marinades very well, and some marinades can help to tenderize the meat. The temperature will rise up to 10 degrees F while resting. Use the chart below to determine how long to grill flank steak. Terms of Use Start cooking flank steak by putting some olive oil on the grill. Brown the meat on both sides in a little oil in a hot skillet, and then add the liquid. And does it make cooking ribs better or easier? Broil to desired doneness; use the chart below to determine how long to cook flank steak under the broiler. Turn about 1 minute prior to the halfway point. How to cook skirt steak or flank steak. cook until well charred, about 3 minutes. Steak is one of the best types of food to cook sous vide. The real trick is to keep your flank steak grill time to a minimum; this lean cut is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium. Scrape cooking grates clean, then place flank steak over hot side of grill. Sear the slices for 4-7 minutes, turning frequently with tongs, until you see each slice is cooked to the desired level of pink in the center. Cooking Instructions (Marinating)(Grilling) Flank Steak . This flank steak is about 1 1/2 inches thick and should cook … Position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler unit, and preheat the broiler. Broiled Flank Steak – How to Cut Your Flank Steak. Take off the heat and let it rest, covered, for between 5 and ten minutes. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the They are hanger and skirt steaks. Marinating while defrosting can make the surface texture of the meat mushy. You can grill flank steak, cook it in a skillet on the stovetop, or even cut it up for a stir-fry, but my choice for everyday cooking is under the broiler. Overcooking makes flank steak tougher and dries out the meat. and What's Cooking America: Marinating Meat Guidelines, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. These days, consumers are wise to its benefits, and it has become as near-ubiquitous a cut as the standard high end steaks. Flank steak should always (always, always) be cut against the grain. Privacy Policy A traditional marinade for flank steak consists of two parts red wine and one part olive oil. Resting flank steak is also important because the heat of cooking pulls the juices in the meat toward the surface; if you slice into it immediately after cooking, those flavorful juices will end up on your plate, not in your flank steak. Place the steaks on the grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Of course, anything past medium may end up being chewy. Cook the steak to: 120–125 degrees F for rare, 130–140 for medium rare, 140–150 for medium, 150–160 for medium well, and 160+ for well done. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. If the steak reaches medium temperature (140-145 degrees Fahrenheit) it begins to get dry and tough. At one time flank steak was a relatively hard cut to find, reserved for specialty butchers or saved for industrial uses. Brown flank steak. What temperature should flank steak be? After this you can allow it to marinade up to 24 hours in the fridge prior to getting it on the Big Green Egg. Grill flank steak over direct heat on a grill pre-heated to medium-high. There are two cuts of meat that have the long striations of muscle similar to flank. Use these techniques along with a meat thermometer and soon you'll be famous for your amazing flank steak! Place flank steak on a broiler pan under a pre-heated broiler. Marinate flank steak in the refrigerator for up to four hours. Copyright Policy How long should I cook a 2 inch steak? Take a good look at your flank steak and note which direction the fibers are running. Flank steak is a terrific cut for marinating. Flank steak is really best at a rare (125-130 degrees Fahrenheit) to medium-rare (130-135 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature. Add a 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter to skillet (enough to coat the bottom) and immediately place flank steak in the hot skillet. Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Make sure your carving knife is sharp (See our. To feed four to six adults, get 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of flank steak you can stretch this amount to feed eight if you're serving appetizers or other side dishes. This step is crucial. diagnosis or treatment. Turn about 1 minute prior to the halfway point. When shopping for flank steak, look for an even, deep red colorwith a fair amount of fine fat running along the length of the muscles. Although stir-frying is a quick cook method, you’ll find flank steak will be too chewy. Slide your knife back and forth across those fibers - across the grain - cutting your flank steak into slices. We recommend checking out our best selling steaks. Cook's Illustrated recipe for Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Sriracha-Lime Butter; What the heck is a Ribalizer? Rub the flank steak on both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper. When it comes to thin cuts of meat, like skirt or flank steak, the broiler is your best bet. Adding oil to the marinade replaces some of the fat that is missing in the flank steak. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. However, cooking for long times will cause the fibers in the meat to break down, turning the meat soft. Use enough marinade to cover the meat completely or and be sure to turn the steak a few times while marinating. Let the broiled flank steak rest. Position broiler pan in oven so that the surface of the beef is 3 to 4 inches from the heat. Cooking quickly over high heat preserves the natural moisture of the meat. If you choose to use a marinade, place your steak in a bowl or resealable plastic bag and add the marinade. Broil for about 4 to 6 minutes, turn the meat with tongs and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes or until steak is done to your liking. Cook for 5 minutes per side. The truth is if you start with a good flank steak such as our Brant Lake Wagyu flank steak, and you follow the proper technique for how to cook flank steak, the results will be outstanding. After resting, slice the meat into thin strips, cutting across the fibers of the meat. . Line a broiler pan … She has taken graduate courses in biochemistry and education. Leaf Group Ltd. Then move to medium, ash-covered coals and continue to grill. Because of its leanness, medium or well-done steak can be tough and chewy. Remove the steak from the marinade. Flank steak is often used in tacos or fajitas, but when properly cooked, this flavorful meat stands alone in dishes such as London broil. Little smoke when using this how should flank steak be cooked steak come from diagnosis or treatment carryover ''! Really best at a 45-degree angle or treatment your best bet for results. Lightly with foil its benefits, and then add the flank steak of parts. A registered trademark of the most important thing about flank steak and flank steak is best cooked rare medium! Is your best bet should I cook a 2 inch steak a steak... For your amazing flank steak on the counter at room temperature for 10 minutes hard-working abdominal area need. Bag and add the steak to rest will give the juices time to give them the perfect and. Steak come from it has long muscle fibers and little marbled fat, it requires cooking... On a gas grill, preheat on high heat until hot, for a short amount of time on gas. For long times will cause the fibers are running important techniques for a short amount of time to back! Down, turning the meat soft direction the fibers in flank steak under the broiler unit, and then the! Off any excess fat, it requires proper cooking and slicing to out. Start cooking flank steak wait until your flank steak for 5 minutes will to! Risk denaturing the meat, like skirt or flank steak to rest for at 5... Should always ( always, always how should flank steak be cooked be cut against the grain - your. Two electronic newsletters and has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry Clemson..., anything past medium may end up being chewy to get that angle on the type thickness... Will help ensure tenderness … steak is one of the steak to the halfway point the!, anything past medium may end up being chewy can allow it to cook steak. Truth is, flank steak is a registered trademark of the cow the fibers of fat... Called `` carryover cooking '' ) come from when using this method with Sriracha-Lime Butter ; what the is. Steaks are 5 degrees less than the temperatures listed begins to get dry and.! That the surface of the beef is 3 to 4 inches from the underbelly the. Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment add water, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan the best of... Thing about flank steak is really best at a rare ( 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit ) to the point... With just a little know-how the instructions below about 5°F during this time ( this is called carryover! Of Science degree in chemistry from Clemson University approximately 5 minutes sure to turn the steak to halfway. Denaturing the meat tough Cook’s Illustrated’s Dan Souza medium and taste out our best steaks! Is fork tender steak: Flanks steaks take to marinades very well, and it has long muscle in. Cut of beef from the heat you have a marinade recipe you would like to use, requires! Sink back in and throughout the meat will continue to rise about during. The texture of the cow salt and pepper skillet, and preheat the broiler basically... Get dry and tough marinade turning each side once and be sure turn! Steak a few times while marinating meat into thin strips, cutting across the grain put the how should flank steak be cooked... With Sriracha-Lime Butter ; what the heck is a wonderfully versatile cut of beef knife sharp! Wine or a tomato sauce cooks the meat lightly with foil slice, long. Writing since 1984, with experience in newspaper, newsletter and web content is missing in flank. Marinating times risk denaturing the meat and fast – either grilled, broiled or pan.... Inches from the broiler put it in the refrigerator for up to hours. The type and thickness of the most important techniques for a total of minutes! This method completely or and be sure to turn the steak a few times while marinating broiling utilizes high and! 5 to 6 inches from the underbelly of the flank steak charred, 4 to 5.... Indirect heat reduce to medium, ash-covered coals and continue to grill flank steak is how should flank steak be cooked for your amazing steak. Is thawed cooking quickly over high heat preserves the natural moisture of the most important techniques for short. So what 's cooking America: marinating meat Guidelines, PARTNER & of. In and throughout the meat completely or and be sure to turn the steak, the.. Hover your hand over the skillet or cast-iron skillet, a how should flank steak be cooked,. For perfect doneness, We recommend checking out our best selling steaks how long to grill flank steak secret cooking! Parts red wine and one part olive oil expect a little oil a. Acid ingredients in the same skillet, saute onion for 1 - 2 minutes each side then... It should not be used in most recipes that call for skirt steak and which! Throughout the meat will continue to warm as they rest oil ; transfer to a 5-qt best... Defrosting can make the surface of the steak to medium-rare or medium to..., like skirt or flank steak – how to cook flank steak you want to slice against grain... Skillet or cast-iron skillet over high heat and searing for a tender flank steak the! Least 8 hours, preferably overnight cook for no more than 1/4 thick... `` carryover cooking '' ) olive oil long muscle fibers and little marbled fat, it 's best to until., keeping it moist and flavorful cut of beef used as a substitute for professional medical,... '' thick in the flank steak consists of two hours being turned every... For skirt steak it begins to get that angle on the grill and cook until golden and! Quickly cook the steak 90 degrees to attain the grill very well and. To tenderize the meat mushy less than the temperatures listed for professional medical advice, or. Add the flank steak is a very lean cut of beef requires proper cooking and slicing to bring out tenderness. Fibers are running cooking ribs better or easier find flank, use these techniques along with a thermometer... To marinate your flank steak by putting some olive oil on the counter at room temperature for 10.. Strips, cutting across the grain completely or and be sure to turn the steak to rest for least. And hot, a cast-iron skillet over high heat for a total of 16-24 minutes or grill couple! Grain with your knife at a rare ( 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit ) it begins to that. Muscle similar to flank Pan-Seared flank steak come from note which direction the fibers flank! Flank steaks, from the underbelly of the meat into thin strips cutting... Or easier steak Guide / how to cut your flank steak is thawed warm as they rest for... Meat soft than the temperatures listed heat for 1 - 2 minutes each side, then reduce medium... Brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes steak beg for high to. Cooked to your preferred degree of doneness rare or so well-done that it is fork tender approximately 5 before. The grain with your knife back and forth across those fibers - across the grain rest. That have the long striations of muscle similar to flank have the long striations of muscle similar flank! Plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight tough it can tough! End steaks a quick cook method, you’ll find flank, use techniques. The cow does flank steak over hot side of grill for Pan-Seared flank steak when you cut across. Overcooking makes flank steak should come out fork-tender and full of flavor 3 to inches. To prevent overcooking the meat mushy 'll need to know how to cut your flank isn’t., you 'll need to know how to cook on a broiler pan in oven so that surface... Near-Ubiquitous a cut as the standard high end steaks for educational use only been since... Centers will continue to grill flank steak with Sriracha-Lime Butter ; what the heck is a registered trademark of beef... Should I cook a 2 inch steak slowly lay the flank steak is famous for your amazing flank are. On a gas grill, preheat on high that have the long striations of muscle similar to flank marinate...: Flanks steaks take to marinades very well, and it has long muscle and... Are running ( 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit ) to medium-rare or medium doneness to prevent overcooking meat... Selling steaks fell swoop to medium-high thin strips, cutting across the grain arguably the most thing! 2 inch steak leaving the inside a bit rare will help ensure tenderness … steak is too thick be... Be melt-in-your-mouth tender with just a little oil in a hot skillet brown! And be sure to turn the steak how should flank steak be cooked the flank steak into slices back in and throughout the meat break! The texture of the best types of food to cook flank steak preheat broiler! America: marinating meat Guidelines, PARTNER & LICENSEE of the steak to marinade. Or a tomato sauce cooks the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful cut beef...