Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

Juicy Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe Worth Savoring

Weeknight dinners demand a show-stopping protein that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This succulent marinated flank steak packs a punch of bold, zesty notes that will transform your ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Marinating the meat infuses each fiber with deep, complex seasonings that tenderize and enhance natural beef richness.

Packed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of acidity, the marinade works its magic to break down muscle fibers and create an incredibly juicy result.

Every slice promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances robust meat flavor with bright, tangy undertones.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this flank steak recipe guarantees a delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to complete this restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Marinated Flank Steak Ingredient Checklist

For Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and helps tenderize the meat with its salty complexity.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for the marinade and helps distribute flavors evenly.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces a tangy sweetness that brightens the overall marinade profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers a complex, savory undertone that enhances the meat's natural flavor.
  • Honey: Balances the marinade with subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
For Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Infuses intense aromatic warmth and provides robust background flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds sharp, spicy notes that complement the meat's richness.
  • Mustard: Contributes a zesty kick and helps bind the marinade ingredients together.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky depth that elevates the overall taste experience.
For Protein and Garnish:
  • Flank Steak: Choose a well-marbled cut with consistent thickness for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, herbal finish and visual appeal to the final dish.
  • Lemon Wedges: Optional garnish that offers a fresh, citrusy brightness to cut through the meat's richness.

Gear to Grill the Perfect Flank Steak

  • Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for whisking marinade ingredients together.
  • Whisk: Essential for combining marinade ingredients smoothly.
  • Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish: Perfect for marinating steak evenly.
  • Grill or Broiler: Main cooking equipment for preparing the steak.
  • Grill Tongs: Helpful for flipping steak safely on the grill.
  • Meat Thermometer: Optional but recommended to check steak doneness.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for resting and slicing the cooked steak.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing steak thinly against the grain.
  • Baking Sheet (if broiling): Lined with foil for easy cleanup.

How to Prep and Cook Flank Steak Right

  • Whip Up a Flavor Explosion

Combine soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, black pepper, mustard, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix until the marinade looks smooth and inviting.

  • Bath Time for the Steak

Slide the flank steak into a plastic bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, massaging it to ensure every inch gets coated. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-8 hours, flipping occasionally for maximum flavor absorption.

  • Fire Up the Cooking Station

Heat your grill to medium-high or crank your oven broiler to high. Get ready for some serious sizzle.

  • Cooking Magic

For grilling: Cook 4-6 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare. For broiling: Place on a foil-lined sheet and cook 4-6 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  • Let the Meat Relax

Move the steak to a cutting board and let it rest 5-10 minutes. This crucial pause allows juices to settle, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender.

  • Slice and Present

Cut the steak into thin slices against the grain. Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Marinade Tweaks That Max Out Flavor

  • Boost flavor by marinating for up to 24 hours for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, targeting 130-135F for perfect medium-rare results every time.
  • Choose grass-fed or trimmed flank steak to reduce fat content while maintaining rich, beefy flavor.
  • Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for paleo diets. For vegetarian options, replace steak with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, adjusting marinade time accordingly.
  • Always slice against the grain to guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that maximizes the steak's natural tenderness and prevents tough, chewy bites.

How to Plate Flank Steak Like a Pro

  • Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini complement the rich, smoky marinade of the flank steak perfectly.
  • Hearty Carb Sidekick: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic-herb rice provide a delicious base that soaks up the steak's delectable juices and balances the protein.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec enhance the deep, savory flavors of the marinated steak, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
  • Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the sliced steak to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish's presentation.

Storing Flank Steak and Keeping It Tender

  • Wrap leftover steak tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss in the refrigerator.
  • Consume refrigerated marinated flank steak within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, keeping the meat at or below 40°F.
  • Place sliced or whole steak in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen marinated steak stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Gently warm leftover steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to retain moisture, or use the oven at 250°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.
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Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory Marinated Flank Steak brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table, promising a culinary journey through rich, tender meat. Carefully seasoned and grilled to perfection, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ to 2 lbs flank steak
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, black pepper, mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until thoroughly blended.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Submerge flank steak in marinade within a sealed container or plastic bag, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, rotating periodically to maximize flavor penetration.
  3. Heat Preparation: Ignite grill to medium-high temperature (approximately 400F) or activate oven broiler to high setting.
  4. Precise Cooking: For grilling, sear steak 4-6 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare (130-135F). When broiling, position steak on foil-lined baking sheet, monitoring closely to prevent charring. Adjust cooking duration based on preferred doneness.
  5. Resting Period: Remove steak from heat source and transfer to cutting board. Allow 5-10 minutes of undisturbed resting to enable internal juice redistribution, guaranteeing optimal tenderness.
  6. Presentation: Carve steak into thin slices, cutting against grain. Optional garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for enhanced visual appeal and complementary flavor profile.

Notes

  • Let the steak absorb marinade for at least 2 hours, but overnight yields deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
  • Cut perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness, creating more delicate and easier-to-chew meat slices.
  • Substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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