Grilled Flank Steak {Tender & Juicy!} – WellPlated.com (2024)

FAQs

Grilled Flank Steak {Tender & Juicy!} – WellPlated.com? ›

Grill the steak until it reaches 130°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on its thickness. (This is for medium-rare, which is best for flank steak; if you like your steak more well done, cook it 1 to 2 minutes more, but note this cut of meat will be tough).

Then, grill the steak until it's medium-rare. Flank steak is most tender at this level of doneness, and cooking it further can give it a chewy texture. Finally, let the steak rest for at least five minutes, and slice it against the grain.

But, thankfully, you don't have to settle for chewy flank steak when you … drum roll, please… cut it against the grain! When you cut it against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibers, which means you can enjoy the flavor without awkward, endless chewing.

Follow the directions for how long to grill Flank steak. For the perfect medium-rare Flank steak, grill for 9–12 minutes, turning about 1 minute before the halfway point. A meat thermometer should read 130°F. Rest your Flank steak for 5 minutes before serving, covering lightly with foil.

Most cuts of steak benefit from being salted up to an hour in advance of cooking, but especially tougher cuts. In addition to seasoning the steaks, salt helps break down proteins and make the meat more tender. Liberally salt the steaks up to an hour before cooking, then proceed according to your recipe.

The USDA also cautions against rinsing meat to cut down on the risk of cross contamination. "If you wash meat or poultry, some bacteria can be splashed on the surfaces of your kitchen. Failure to clean and sanitize these contaminated areas can lead to foodborne illness," the website states.

The critical reason for this is that flank steak, although lean and tasty, is tougher than other cuts of beef due to the many long, thin fibers running through it. To help tenderize flank steak, it is often marinated and cooked by grilling, stir-frying, broiling, or smoking.

How Long to Marinate Flank Steak. As long as your marinade mixture includes at least one tenderizing ingredient, you should get good results from a 24 to 48-hour soak in it. Soaking the meat beyond 48 hours will just leave the surface too soft and mushy.

Simmering in a little bit of liquid or broth is a great way to tenderize. Acidity can also be your friend here. A little bit of vinegar and lemon juice in the liquid can help you tenderize the meat.

Do you close the grill when cooking flank steak? ›

Since the steak is so thin, it cooks up incredibly quickly. Once your grill is preheated, place the meat directly on the grates and close the lid. Grill for 4-5 mins per side, or until the steak reaches your preferred internal temperature.

Flank steak is on the thinner side, so it doesn't take much time to cook. For medium-rare flank steak cooked under the broiler, it takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the steak's thickness. If you like your steak cooked to medium or medium-well, use the oven instead of the broiler.

Typically, leaner cuts like the flank or skirt can be chewy if not prepared correctly. Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy. Conversely, undercooking can make certain cuts feel tough. Aging Process: Steaks that are not properly aged can be less tender.

The big advantage of dry rubs, and the reason we love using them so much, is that they don't add any additional moisture to the exterior of a piece of meat the way that a marinade does.

If you're looking for a tender and flavorful way to cook flank steak, consider slow cooking. Slow cooking allows the meat to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing it with rich flavors.

Let sear on one side for 2-3 minutes before flipping to the other side and searing for another 2-3 minutes. Remove flank steak when the internal temperature reaches 125-130℉ in its thickest part. Then, rest for five minutes until the final temperature comes to 130-135℉.

The critical reason for this is that flank steak, although lean and tasty, is tougher than other cuts of beef due to the many long, thin fibers running through it. To help tenderize flank steak, it is often marinated and cooked by grilling, stir-frying, broiling, or smoking.

Simmering in a little bit of liquid or broth is a great way to tenderize. Acidity can also be your friend here. A little bit of vinegar and lemon juice in the liquid can help you tenderize the meat.