7 Flank Steak Recipes: Delicious Ideas for Every Occasion
If you love steak but want a cut that’s flavorful, versatile, and budget-friendly, flank steak should be at the top of your list. Known for its rich beefy taste and lean profile, flank steak can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes—from sizzling fajitas to elegant grilled plates. In this guide, we’ll share 7 flank steak recipes you can try at home, with step-by-step instructions and tips to make each one perfect.
Why Flank Steak Is a Must-Try Cut
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why flank steak is so popular among home cooks and chefs alike:
- Flavor-packed: It’s lean but has a bold beef flavor.
- Quick cooking: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Works well with marinades, grilling, stir-frying, and slow cooking.
- Affordable: More budget-friendly compared to ribeye or filet mignon.
Tip: Flank steak can be tough if overcooked, so aim for medium-rare to medium and always slice against the grain for tenderness.
1. Grilled Garlic and Herb Flank Steak
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, this grilled garlic and herb flank steak is a winner.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade over the steak and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
2. Flank Steak Fajitas
Flank steak is perfect for fajitas thanks to its texture and ability to soak up bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Tortillas for serving
Instructions:
- Season steak with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak for 4 minutes per side, then remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté peppers and onion until tender.
- Slice steak and serve in warm tortillas with sautéed vegetables.
Pro Tip: Add fresh lime juice and guacamole for extra flavor.
3. Asian-Style Marinated Flank Steak
This recipe uses soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a sweet-savory Asian twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Place steak in a resealable bag with marinade and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Cook steak for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Let rest, slice thinly, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables.
4. Balsamic Glazed Flank Steak
A balsamic glaze adds a rich, tangy-sweet flavor to tender flank steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate steak in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook steak for 4 minutes per side.
- Simmer remaining marinade in a saucepan until thickened, then drizzle over sliced steak.
5. Slow Cooker Flank Steak Tacos
If you prefer set-it-and-forget-it meals, this slow cooker taco recipe is ideal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, sliced
- Tortillas and toppings of choice
Instructions:
- Place sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Rub taco seasoning onto the steak and place on top of the onions.
- Pour in beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours until tender.
- Shred steak with a fork and serve in tortillas.
Topping Ideas: Salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.
6. Chimichurri Flank Steak
This Argentinian-inspired recipe pairs juicy steak with a vibrant herb sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make chimichurri sauce.
- Grill steak for 4 minutes per side.
- Rest, slice thinly, and spoon chimichurri over the top.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted potatoes or grilled corn.
7. Flank Steak Stir-Fry
A quick and colorful dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Toss sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry steak for 2–3 minutes, remove from wok.
- Stir-fry broccoli and bell pepper until tender.
- Return steak to the wok, toss, and serve over rice or noodles.
Expert Tips for Cooking Flank Steak Perfectly
- Don’t overcook: Flank steak is best at medium-rare (130–135°F).
- Rest before slicing: Resting allows juices to redistribute.
- Slice against the grain: This shortens muscle fibers, making the steak more tender.
- Marinate when possible: Marinades help enhance flavor and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for grilled perfection, a zesty chimichurri topping, or slow-cooked tacos, these 7 flank steak recipes prove just how versatile this cut can be. Each one offers unique flavors, making it easy to keep your dinner menu exciting all year round.
So fire up your grill, heat up your skillet, or plug in your slow cooker—flank steak is ready to shine on your table.
