Flank steak is one of those cuts that can go from tough to tender with just a little care and the proper marinade. With its rich flavor and lean nature, flank steak is a go-to for grilling season or quick weeknight meals. The right marinade enhances its natural taste, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavor. I remember the first time I prepared flank steak marinaded overnight; the tenderness was out of this world, and the aromatic blend of ingredients had everyone flocking to the dinner table. Whether you’re a meat aficionado or just looking to impress at your next barbecue, this flank steak marinade will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Flank Steak Marinade
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Flank Steak Marinade

As a versatile dish, flank steak can be transformed into countless meals, from steak tacos to salad toppers. It’s particularly delightful as summer approaches, with outdoor gatherings calling for great food. Why spend money on takeout when you can whip up your own mouthwatering flank steak at home? This marinade is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly—an impressive dish that won’t break the bank. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself excited to fire up the grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to marinate in just 5 minutes, plus a chill time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and beautiful grill marks make for a show-stopping presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or meal prep.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, with easy adaptations available.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds flank steak: This lean cut is flavorful and becomes incredibly tender with marinating.
1/4 cup olive oil: Acts as a base that helps to infuse the flavors and keep the meat juicy.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds acidity that tenderizes the meat and enhances overall flavor.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a savory depth—choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Its tangy flavor adds complexity to the marinade.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness balances the flavors beautifully.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with aromatic goodness and robust flavor.
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the marinade.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to enhance the taste.
1 tablespoon dried thyme: Its earthy flavor complements the beef perfectly.

How to Make Flank Steak Marinade

Mix The Marinade: In a gallon-sized zip-top bag or a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried thyme. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything until well blended.
Coat the Flank Steak: Add the 2 pounds of flank steak to the marinade, making sure it’s thoroughly coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight for that deep flavor. If you’re short on time, 20 minutes will work, but longer is better.
Cook the Flank Steak: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven. You can either bake at 425°F for 13-17 minutes, grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or use a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked to your desired doneness (aim for 130°F for medium-rare), let the steak rest for 10 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch, then slice against the grain into thin strips to serve.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover flank steak, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the cooked steak for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You may find that reheated steak can lose some of its tenderness, so to refresh it, chop it up and add it to salads or stir-fries for an exciting meal.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your flank steak is at room temperature before marinating; this helps with even flavor absorption.
Avoid over-marinating. While a few hours or overnight is ideal, too long can make the meat mushy due to the vinegar.
A sharp knife is your best friend when slicing—cut against the grain for the most tender bites.
Experiment with the marinade! Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices for a twist.
For a smoky flavor, try cooking on a charcoal grill instead of gas.

One of the best parts about cooking is the experimenting. While the flank steak marinade recipe provided above is a surefire winner, you can make it your own by adjusting the flavors to suit your taste. From adding a touch of lime juice for brightness to including some chili flakes for heat, let your creativity run wild!

Flavorful and easy-to-make, your guests will be raving about this dish. There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up perfectly marinated, grilled flank steak.

Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate flank steak?

A good marination time is between 20 minutes and 24 hours. If you are short on time, even 20 minutes will infuse the meat with flavor, but for best results, I recommend marinating overnight.

Can I use this marinade for other cuts of meat?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonders for various cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye. It’s also great for chicken and pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats.

What should I serve with flank steak?

Flank steak pairs beautifully with various sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can even slice it thin and serve it in tacos or on a delicious sandwich!

How do I know when flank steak is done?

The best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Aim for 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook while resting, so take it off a couple of degrees shy of your desired temperature.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Flank Steak Marinade

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling or Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Flank Steak Marinade boasts irresistible flavors with key ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and honey. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious dinner or healthy meal that impresses everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds flank steak
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large zip top bag or container, mix all marinade ingredients until well combined.
Add the flank steak to the marinade, ensuring all sides are coated. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight.
Cook the flank steak as you prefer: Bake at 425°F for 13-17 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side. Or, sear in a cast iron skillet for 7-8 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer for desired doneness.
Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and slice against the grain to serve.

Notes

For best results, marinate the steak overnight for deeper flavor.
Adjust cooking times according to desired doneness and thickness of the steak.
Ensure to let the steak rest after cooking for optimal juiciness.