Flank Steak Marinade Recipe | Bold & Juicy
When I made this flank steak marinade for the first time, I knew it was a keeper. It was simple to whip together, packed with rich flavors, and elevated our steak to perfection.
The steak turned out unbelievably tender and full of bold, smoky, slightly spicy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this marinade will take your steak game to the next level.
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Ingredients for Flank Steak Marinade Recipe
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
Note: This recipe yields 4-6 servings depending on portion size.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this marinade to fit different dietary preferences or taste profiles. Here are some suggestions I’ve tried and loved!
- Dairy-Free: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely dairy-free option.
- Sugar-Free: Skip the honey or sugar entirely for a savory-only flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice for a zesty edge.
- Extra Bold: Toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of bourbon for a smoky kick.
- Herbal Freshness: Include chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
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Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time)
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl: for whisking the marinade ingredients.
- Whisk: to ensure the ingredients are blended smoothly.
- Large plastic bag or baking dish: to hold the steak and marinade.
- Tongs: for flipping the steak on the grill.
- Grill or grill pan: to cook the steak to perfection.
- Meat thermometer: to check for doneness.
How to Make Flank Steak Marinade?
Flank steak gets its signature tenderness and flavor from a well-balanced marinade, and this recipe couldn’t be easier to follow.
Whisk the Marinade
Combine the soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, garlic, and hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Add the cayenne, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely covered. Massage the marinade into the meat to help the flavors penetrate. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
Heat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Discard the marinade. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare).
Rest and Slice
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes; this locks in all those delicious juices. When slicing, cut against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s so much to appreciate about this marinade. Here are just a few reasons why it’s become one of my go-to recipes!
- Easy to prepare with pantry ingredients.
- Adds incredible flavor and tenderness to steak.
- Versatile enough for different meats and dishes.
- Customizable to suit various dietary needs.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to celebrations.
How to Serve Flank Steak Marinade?
Serve this marinated flank steak as the star of your meal! Here are some serving ideas to impress your guests or elevate your dinner plate.
- Slice it thin and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty steak salad.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables and herbed rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Top with a bright, tangy sauce like chimichurri or salsa for added flair.
- Roll thin strips into tortillas with sautéed veggies for steak fajitas.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
This marinade doesn’t just taste great; it complements your nutrition goals too! Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect per serving (based on a 1/6 portion of the recipe):
- Calories: 272
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, this marinade makes life easier. You can prepare it in advance and store it for when you’re ready to marinate your steak.
The marinade can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the marinade in a tight-sealing bag or container. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator, pour it over the steak, and marinate.
Once cooked, leftover steak can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost and use slices in sandwiches, salads, or wraps!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Having made this marinade several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to get the most out of it. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t skip the resting time. Allowing the steak to rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy.
- Use fresh garlic. It makes a big difference in flavor over garlic powder.
- Marinate longer if possible. Overnight marination really intensifies the flavors.
- Experiment with heat. Add more hot sauce or cayenne if you like it spicier.
- Taste before grilling. Adjust your marinade for balance if you like it more tangy or sweet.
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How Do Chinese Tenderize Flank Steak?
Chinese cooking often uses techniques like velveting to tenderize flank steak. This involves coating the meat in a mixture of cornstarch, baking soda, and egg whites before lightly stir-frying it.
Marinating the meat in soy sauce, rice wine, or vinegar also helps to break down tough fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why Is My Flank Steak Always Tough?
The secret to tender flank steak lies in handling it right. This cut has long, tough muscle fibers, so make sure to marinate adequately and slice against the grain. Overcooking it can also make it chewy, so aim for medium-rare and use a thermometer to get the doneness just right.
This mouthwatering flank steak marinade recipe is sure to become one of your favorites! Follow the steps, customize it to your taste, and enjoy flavorful, tender steak every time. Happy grilling!
Flank Steak Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, garlic, and hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Add the cayenne, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. This is where the magic begins!
- Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely covered. Massage the marinade into the meat to help the flavors penetrate. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Discard the marinade. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare).
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes; this locks in all those delicious juices. When slicing, cut against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.