Flank steak can make for an incredible meal when cooked properly on the barbecue. With its robust beefy flavor, flank steak takes well to grilling and pairs nicely with various marinades and rubs. While it requires some special attention, learning how to bbq flank steak to juicy, tender perfection is worth the effort. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwateringly delicious grilled flank steak every time.
Selecting and Preparing the Flank Steak
Flank steak comes from the bottom abdominal area of the cow, so it contains a lot of hard-working muscles. This means that flank steak is lean and tougher than more tender cuts of beef. When purchasing flank steak for grilling, choose a steak that is thick and even throughout, around 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Before grilling, flank steak benefits greatly from marinating. The marinade tenderizes the meat while adding flavor. An easy go-to marinade contains oil, an acid like vinegar or citrus juice, and spices. For flank steak, marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderizing effects.
You can also use a dry rub on the flank steak to add flavor. Coat the steak evenly with the rub and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Popular spices for flank steak include garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Partial freezing for 30 minutes to an hour can also help tenderize flank steak before cooking it. The ice crystals that form in the meat essentially act as tiny blades to break down the tough muscle fibers.
Grilling Techniques for Flank Steak
Grilling flank steak requires a little finesse to end up with perfect results. Here are some tips:
- Use high heat. Flank steak should be grilled over high, direct heat, around 500°F. This sears the outside to caramelized perfection while keeping the inside juicy.
- Flank steak requires frequent flipping. Flip the steak at least every 2 minutes to prevent burning. You may need to flip it as often as every 30 seconds if the grill is very hot. Frequent flipping ensures even, thorough cooking.
- Know when it’s done. Check for doneness 3-4 minutes before the estimated cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness; flank steak should reach 145°F. Or check firmness – flank steak firms up significantly when it’s done.
- Let it rest. Never slice into flank steak immediately after grilling! Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for max juiciness. Tent it loosely with foil while resting.
- Cut against the grain. Flank steak has a visible grain; always slice crosswise against the grain when serving. This produces shorter muscle fibers for more tender meat.
Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
This recipe for grilled flank steak with garlic herb butter demonstrates how to make perfect flank steak on the barbecue every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a baking dish, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat grill to high heat, about 500°F.
- Grill steak for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping every 2 minutes, until it reaches the desired doneness (145°F for medium-rare).
- Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- While steak rests, mix together butter, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Slice steak against the grain into 1/4 inch slices. Serve topped with garlic herb butter and lemon wedges.
FAQs about Grilling Flank Steak
Here are some common questions about preparing perfect grilled flank steak:
What is the best way to tenderize flank steak?
Marinating for several hours, partial freezing, and cutting against the grain when serving will all help tenderize flank steak. Pound flank steak before marinating to further help break down tough muscle fibers.
Should you marinate flank steak?
Yes, marinating is highly recommended to tenderize flank steak and infuse flavor. Use an acidic marinade for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for best results.
What temperature should flank steak be grilled at?
Flank steak does best grilled over high, direct heat – around 500°F. The high heat gives it a nice sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
How long does flank steak take to grill?
Flank steak typically takes 7-12 minutes to grill. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; remove from grill when it reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
Should you flip flank steak when grilling?
Yes, frequent flipping is key for flank steak. Flip every 2 minutes or so to prevent burning. Frequent flipping cooks the steak evenly.
How long should flank steak rest after grilling?
Let flank steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Loosely tenting it with foil helps keep it warm.
Conclusion
With its deep beefy flavor, flank steak is a tasty cut for the grill. Learn how to bbq flank steak to tender, juicy perfection by selecting the right thickness of meat, marinating sufficiently, grilling over high heat with frequent flipping, letting it rest before slicing, and cutting against the grain. Proper preparation and cooking brings out flank steak’s best qualities. Use this guide for your next barbecue and enjoy the delicious grilled flank steak that’s sure to be a hit.