
If you’re looking for a delicious way to cook flank steak, you’ve come to the right place. Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that cooks quickly and absorbs marinades beautifully. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, pan-searing on the stovetop, or broiling in the oven, these beef steak flank recipes will give you restaurant quality results at home.
In this post, we’ll cover the best marinades, cooking methods, and serving ideas so you can make tender, juicy flank steak every time.
Beef Steak Flank Recipe
Why Flank Steak Is a Great Choice
Flank steak isn’t just budget friendly; it’s also versatile and full of flavor. It’s a popular cut for fajitas, stir fries, salads, and more.
- Lean, protein rich cut with great flavor
- Cooks in under 15 minutes with proper heat
- Works well with a variety of marinades and seasonings

How to Choose and Prepare Flank Steak
Selecting the right piece of meat and prepping it properly makes a big difference.
- Look for bright red color with minimal excess fat.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours for tenderness.
- Score the surface lightly to help flavors penetrate.
Pro tip: Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
Best Marinades for Flank Steak
A good marinade balances acid, oil, and seasonings to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Popular Flank Steak Marinades:
- Garlic Herb Marinade olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, lemon juice.
- Soy Lime Marinade soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili flakes.
- Balsamic Mustard Marinade balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil.
Cooking Methods for Flank Steak
You can make flank steak in several ways, depending on your time and tools.
1. Grilling Flank Steak
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Grill for 4–6 minutes per side for medium rare.
- Let rest before slicing.
2. Pan Seared Flank Steak
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron.
- Sear on high heat for a nice crust.
- Finish with butter, garlic, and herbs.
3. Broiling Flank Steak
- Place steak on a broiler pan.
- Broil for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Rest and slice thin.

Serving Ideas for Flank Steak
Flank steak is adaptable to many cuisines. Try these serving ideas:
- Slice over fresh greens for a steak salad.
- Serve in warm tortillas for beef fajitas.
- Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 65 mg |
| Potassium | 430 mg |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
FAQs About Beef Flank Steak Recipe
1. What is the best cooking method for flank steak?
Flank steak is best when cooked quickly over high heat, such as grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. This helps lock in flavor and keeps the meat tender. Always slice against the grain for the best texture.
2. How do I make flank steak more tender?
Marinate the steak for at least 2–4 hours in an acidic marinade (like lemon juice or vinegar) to help break down the fibers. Avoid overcooking, as flank steak can become tough if cooked past medium.
3. Can I cook flank steak in the oven?
Yes. You can broil flank steak in the oven on high for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let it rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
4. Is flank steak good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Flank steak holds up well in the fridge and can be used in salads, tacos, wraps, or stir-fries throughout the week.
5. What can I use instead of flank steak?
Skirt steak, flat iron steak, or hanger steak are good alternatives if flank steak is unavailable. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the cut’s thickness.

Beef Steak Flank Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp paprika optional
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, pepper, salt, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Rub the marinade evenly on both sides of the steak. Let it rest for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat grill or pan over high heat.
- Cook steak for 4–6 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or until desired doneness.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Video
Notes
- Slice over fresh greens for a steak salad.
- Serve in warm tortillas for beef fajitas.
- Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.






