Juicy Grilled Flank Steak With Garlic Herb Marinade

Question 1

What temperature should grilled flank steak be cooked to?

Accepted Answer

For the best results, cook flank steak to medium-rare (130-135°F) or medium (135-145°F). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the steak. Remove the steak from the grill when it's 5-10°F below your desired temperature as it will continue to cook while resting. Overcooking flank steak can make it tough, so it's better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking this lean cut.

Question 2

How long should you marinate flank steak before grilling?

Accepted Answer

Marinate flank steak for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate it for 4-12 hours. The longer marinating time allows the acidic ingredients to break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak. You can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness. Always marinate in a non-reactive container like glass or plastic, and never reuse marinade that's been in contact with raw meat unless you boil it first.

Question 3

How do you slice flank steak properly?

Accepted Answer

Always slice flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Look for the lines running through the meat (the muscle fibers) and cut perpendicular to them. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the steak easier to chew. Use a sharp, long knife and slice at a 45-degree angle into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Cutting against the grain is especially important for flank steak as it's a lean cut with distinct muscle fibers.

Question 4

What's the best way to grill flank steak?

Accepted Answer

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Pat the marinated steak dry and season with salt and pepper if desired. Grill for 4-6 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill another 3-5 minutes on the second side for medium-rare. Avoid moving the steak too much while cooking to develop a good crust. After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Question 5

How do you make flank steak more tender?

Accepted Answer

To tenderize flank steak, use three main techniques: marinating, mechanical tenderizing, and proper cooking. Marinate with acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine for at least 4 hours. For mechanical tenderizing, use a meat mallet to pound the steak to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, which breaks down tough fibers. Cook quickly over high heat to medium-rare or medium, and always slice against the grain after resting. These methods combined will result in a tender, flavorful flank steak.

Ingredients

Instructions

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Nutrition