Flank Steak Recipes (No Grill Needed!)

Alright, let's talk flank steak! I know, you're probably picturing those beautiful grill marks, that smoky char, the whole shebang. But hold on! We're not talking about grilling today. We're talking about making incredible flank steak dishes right in your own kitchen, no grill required!Think of it this way – sometimes, you just don't feel like messing around with the grill, right? The hassle of getting it going, cleaning it up... It's a whole ordeal! But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a delicious flank steak meal. I'm here to show you that you can get seriously fantastic results with just a pan and an oven! This is for those of us who don't have a grill or just fancy a change. Trust me, you can get fantastic results without the smoky drama! We'll cover everything from the basics of prepping flank steak to some seriously scrumptious recipes that will leave you saying, "Wow, that was amazing, and I didn't even have to fire up the grill!" So grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let's get cooking!

(Part 1) Getting to Know Flank Steak

What is Flank Steak?

Flank steak, my friends, is a cut of beef that comes from the abdominal area of the cow. It's known for its intense flavour and a bit of a chewy texture. But don't let that scare you off! When cooked properly, it's tender and juicy and holds its flavour beautifully. I've cooked it enough times to know what works and what doesn't!

Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, so it's important to cook it to the right temperature. If you overcook it, it will become dry and tough. However, if you cook it just right, you'll be rewarded with a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Why No Grill?

Now, why are we ditching the grill for this particular cut of meat? Well, flank steak is actually very versatile. You can cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker. For me, cooking it in a pan on the stovetop is the quickest and easiest way. The pan-searing method helps to develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It's a total game-changer!

Let's be real, sometimes a grill just isn't an option. Maybe it's a rainy day, or maybe you live in an apartment with no balcony. Whatever the reason, you don't have to give up on delicious flank steak!

(Part 2) Flank Steak Preparation

Choosing the Flank Steak

Let's talk about choosing the right cut. I prefer to buy flank steak that is at least an inch thick. This ensures that it's not going to dry out during cooking. When you're at the butcher's, look for a piece that's evenly marbled with fat. Fat is flavour, people! And those little veins of fat will make your flank steak melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Don't be afraid to ask the butcher for advice! They'll be able to point you in the right direction and even help you trim the steak if you need it.

Prepping the Flank Steak

Once you've got your beautiful piece of flank steak, it's time to give it a little TLC. First, trim any excess fat. Now, this doesn't mean you have to remove all the fat! Just trim any really thick bits that might make your steak uneven. Then, I like to give my flank steak a good pat dry with some kitchen paper. This helps it to get a nice, crispy sear.

Trimming the fat helps to prevent the steak from becoming greasy, and patting it dry helps the crust to form evenly.

Marinating Magic

Now, for the exciting part – marinating! This is where you get to unleash your culinary creativity. I'm a big fan of a simple marinade using olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can add spices like paprika or cumin for a kick. It's really up to your own taste buds. A good marinade will not only tenderise the steak, it will also infuse it with incredible flavour.

Marinating is an important step, as it helps to tenderize the steak and add flavor. If you have time, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

(Part 3) Pan-Seared flank steak recipes

Recipe 1: Flank Steak with Garlic Butter Sauce

Here's one of my go-to flank steak recipes that's quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. You’ll want to serve it with some fluffy mashed potatoes or a side of rice, and maybe a green salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
• Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your liking.
• Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the butter, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir until melted and combined.
• Return the steak to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it.
• Serve immediately.

This recipe is super easy to make and doesn't require any special equipment. The garlic butter sauce is a classic combination that always goes down well. And don't forget to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing! This will help to keep it juicy and tender.

Recipe 2: Flank Steak with Spicy Mango Salsa

This is a recipe that brings the heat and the sweetness! It's perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner party. Serve it with some corn tortillas, and let your guests assemble their own tacos!

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalape??o pepper, seeded and minced (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
• Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your liking.
• Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
• In a medium bowl, combine the mango, red onion, cilantro, jalape??o, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well and set aside.
• Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve with the spicy mango salsa on top.

This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, with the sweet mango and spicy jalape??o creating a delicious contrast. If you're not a fan of spice, you can leave out the jalape??o or use a milder pepper like a poblano. You can also use different fruits in the salsa, such as pineapple or papaya, for a different flavor profile.

(Part 4) Flank Steak in the Oven

Now, we're going to venture into the world of oven-baked flank steak. For this method, we're going to be roasting the steak in a preheated oven, resulting in a beautifully tender and juicy steak. I often pair this with a simple side dish like roasted vegetables or a potato gratin.

Recipe 3: Oven-Roasted Flank Steak with Rosemary and Garlic

This recipe is perfect for a Sunday roast or a special occasion. The combination of rosemary and garlic adds a wonderfully aromatic and savoury touch to the steak.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
• Rub the mixture all over the flank steak.
• Place the steak on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
• Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

This recipe is easy to adapt to your own preferences. You can add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or paprika. You can also add a drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

(Part 5) Flank Steak in the Slow Cooker

Here's a real game-changer: slow cooker flank steak. It's all about those tender, melt-in-your-mouth flavours. You basically throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! This is perfect for busy nights or for a hearty weekend meal.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Balsamic Onions

This is one of my go-to slow cooker recipes. The balsamic onions add a beautiful tangy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the tender flank steak.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Rub the mixture all over the flank steak.
• Place the steak in the slow cooker.
• Pour the balsamic vinegar and beef broth over the steak.
• Top with the sliced onion.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Once the steak is cooked, shred it with two forks and serve with the onions and sauce.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as the steak will become more tender the longer it cooks. You can also add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce for a few minutes after the steak is cooked, until it has thickened slightly.

(Part 6) Serving Flank Steak

Slicing Against the Grain

One of the most important things to know when serving flank steak is to slice it against the grain. This means cutting the steak across the direction of the muscle fibers. This makes the steak much easier to chew and gives it a more tender texture. Think of it like this: if you cut the steak with the grain, you're cutting through the tough muscle fibers, which makes the steak chewy. But if you cut it against the grain, you're cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes the steak much more tender.

This is a simple but important step, so don't skip it! It makes a big difference in the texture of the steak.

side dishes

Now, what to serve with your flank steak? Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, onions, broccoli, asparagus, and bell peppers)
• Rice
• Couscous
• Pasta
• Green salad
• Corn tortillas (for tacos)

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and choose side dishes that complement the flavor of your flank steak.

Serving Ideas

Here are a few more ideas for serving your flank steak:

• Serve it sliced over a bed of rice, with a creamy garlic sauce.
• Add it to a salad for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Use it to make sandwiches or wraps.
• Top it with a chimichurri sauce for a tangy and herbaceous flavour.
• Serve it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Don't be afraid to experiment and try different combinations! You might just discover your new favorite flank steak recipe.

(Part 7) Leftover Flank Steak

Storing and Reheating

If you've got some leftover flank steak, don't fret! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can do it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. I personally prefer to reheat it in the oven, as it helps to keep it moist. Just slice it into thin strips, put it on a baking sheet, and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also add a little bit of broth or water to the baking sheet to help keep the steak moist.

Leftover flank steak is a great way to stretch your meal and create a delicious lunch or dinner. You can even use it as a topping for salads, soups, or pizzas.

Leftover Flank Steak Recipes

If you're looking for ways to use up leftover flank steak, here are a few ideas:

• Make a flank steak stir-fry with your favourite vegetables and a savory sauce.
• Slice it thin and add it to a salad for a hearty lunch.
• Shred it and use it in a soup or stew.
• Make flank steak tacos with leftover salsa and tortillas.

Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures. There are endless possibilities when it comes to using up leftover flank steak.

(Part 8) flank steak cooking tips

Temperature and Doneness

To cook flank steak to your liking, use a meat thermometer. Here's a handy guide to internal temperatures:

Doneness	Internal Temperature
Rare	125°F (52°C)
Medium-Rare	130°F (54°C)
Medium	140°F (60°C)
Medium-Well	150°F (65°C)
Well-Done	160°F (71°C)

Remember, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the doneness of their steak. Use the chart as a guide and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Resting Time

Once the flank steak is cooked, it's essential to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut. Think of it as a little "massage" for the steak.

While you're waiting for the steak to rest, you can prepare your side dishes or make your sauce.

Slicing Techniques

As mentioned before, it's important to slice the flank steak against the grain. This will make it more tender and easier to chew. If you are slicing it for tacos or sandwiches, cut it very thin.

You can use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to slice the steak. If you're using a knife, make sure to use a sawing motion, as opposed to a chopping motion. This will help to prevent the steak from tearing.

FAQs

Q: What's the best way to tenderize flank steak?

A: Marinating is a great way to tenderize flank steak. The acids in the marinade help to break down the tough muscle fibers. You can also use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak before cooking.

If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating step and simply tenderize the steak with a meat mallet. However, marinating is a great way to add flavor, so it's definitely worth it if you have the time.

Q: How do I know when flank steak is cooked?

A: The best way to determine if your flank steak is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done. You can also check for doneness by pressing on the steak. If it feels springy, it's done.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the steak by looking at the color. Rare steak will be red, medium-rare steak will be pink, medium steak will be brown, and well-done steak will be grey.

Q: Can I freeze flank steak?

A: Yes, you can freeze flank steak for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Freezing flank steak is a great way to save time and money. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking, so that it cooks evenly.

Q: What are some other ways to cook flank steak?

A: You can also cook flank steak on a grill, in a slow cooker, or in a pressure cooker. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile cut of meat!

If you're feeling adventurous, try cooking flank steak on a grill with a smoky wood chip flavor. Or, for a super tender steak, try cooking it in a slow cooker.

Q: Is flank steak healthy?

A: Flank steak is a good source of protein and iron, and it's relatively low in fat. It's a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, so it's a healthy choice for those watching their fat intake. Just be sure to cook it properly, as overcooked steak can become dry and tough.

I hope this article has inspired you to try some delicious flank steak recipes without the grill. It's a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in so many ways! Go on, unleash your culinary creativity!