Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Make the best steak of your life with this top-rated recipe. A complex, savory flank steak marinade ensures perfectly tender and juicy beef every time.

What Is Flank Steak?

Flank steak is a lean cut of beef from the lower abdominal muscles of the cow. It's a tougher cut that's low in fat, which means it doesnt require trimming, is cost-effective, and benefits from marination.

Flank Steak vs. Skirt Steak

While both cuts come from similar areas of the cow, there are differences. Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm, and its fattier with more marbling than flank steak. Flank steak, on the other hand, is thicker and wider, making it more versatile for various cooking methods.

Flank Steak Substitute

If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak is a great alternative. You could also use top round or hanger steak for a similar texture and flavor.

Flank Steak Marinade

This flavorful marinade is made with vegetable oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper. Marinate the steak for 2 to 6 hours for optimal flavor, but for the best results, marinate it overnight or up to 12 hours.

How to Cook Flank Steak

There are several ways to cook flank steak, but this recipe uses a grill for a smoky, bold flavor. You can also cook it in the oven or on the stovetop. Here are guidelines for different cooking methods:

  • On the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the steak from the marinade, shake off any excess liquid, and grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness is reached (130F to 145F on a meat thermometer).
  • In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Remove the steak from the marinade, and place it in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil. Bake until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130F to 145F.
  • On the Stovetop: Sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet until lightly browned on both sides. Finish cooking in a preheated oven until the desired temperature is reached.

How Long to Cook a Flank Steak

Grilling for about 5 minutes on each side is typically enough for a well-cooked flank steak. The exact time will depend on your preferred doneness level.

What to Serve with Marinated Flank Steak

Pair your marinated flank steak with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a hearty side like mashed potatoes or French fries. For more inspiration, check out our collection of the 20 Best Side Dishes for Steak.

Recipe Tips:

You can use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

Ingredients:

  • cup vegetable oil
  • cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak

Directions:

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Place the flank steak in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Pour the marinade over the steak and turn it several times to coat evenly.

Step 4: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours, or up to 12 hours for optimal flavor.

Step 5: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

Step 6: Remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard the remaining marinade.

Step 7: Grill the steak for about 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (130F to 145F).

Step 8: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 363
  • Total Fat: 28g (35% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 6g (31% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 46mg (15% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 638mg (28% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4g (1% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 25g (49% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 3mg (4% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 41mg (3% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 440mg (9% Daily Value)

Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

FAQ about Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

For the best results, marinate the flank steak for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, marinate it overnight or up to 12 hours.

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, top round, or hanger steak. These cuts are great alternatives and can deliver similar results.

If you don't have a grill, you can cook the flank steak in the oven or on the stove. For the oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. On the stove, sear the steak in a hot skillet, then finish cooking in the oven.

Store leftover marinated flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or reheat gently in the oven.

It is not recommended to reuse the marinade once it has been in contact with raw meat, as it may contain harmful bacteria. However, you can bring the marinade to a boil and use it as a sauce after cooking the steak.

Flank steak pairs well with a variety of sides such as grilled or roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, French fries, or a side salad. You could also try serving it with grilled sweet potato wedges or sautéed greens like Swiss chard.

Flank steak is typically cooked to medium-rare when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or even a bit of whole grain mustard. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Yes, balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for red wine vinegar in the marinade. It will add a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor to the steak.

Flank steak benefits greatly from marination, which helps tenderize the meat. To further improve tenderness, make sure to slice the steak against the grain after cooking.

Comments

Roger

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Outstanding...ignore everyones "I did this and I did that...blah..blah...blah". If they are so talented...why dont they post it as an original instead of riding someone elses idea? This is great as recipe in its original form.

Another Home Cook

08/04/2007 12:11:30 PM

Fajita meat was my target. My alterations to the recipe were; using balsamic vinegar in place of the red wine vinegar, using a grainy-type mustard (I used Beaver Deli Mustard) in place of dijon and then low sodium soy sauce. Everything went into a ziploc bag, then into the refrigerator for 8 hours. The flavor of the thinly sliced steak FAR exceeded my expectation. The feedback I got from my family was, "Mmm mm MMMM" and "mmM mMmmm MMmmMM!". I think that means its a keeper, thanks Connie for a fantastic addition to my recipe collection.

GOURMET GAL

06/18/2003 09:51:52 PM

I cooked this in my broiler for 8 mins. on each side, basting occasionally with marinade. It was medium rare and quite good. Nice way to tenderize a tougher piece of meat.

Julie Martinez

06/26/2013 01:56:23 PM

I tried this recipe last night, and it completely exceeded my expectations. It was so easy to make, and the flavors were absolutely delicious. My whole family loved it, and there were no leftovers! I’ll definitely be adding this to my regular rotation.

sweet-tooth

02/26/2006 07:23:54 PM

I followed this recipe exactly except added 1/2 t. dried basil and scored the steak both ways on the diagonal. Let it stand over night and cooked it on the grill--DELICIOUS. A dead ringer for my Mom's recipe! Worth every star.

Julie

09/10/2008 06:43:11 PM

I thought this marinade was wonderful! I used balsamic vinegar simply because I like the tangy taste of it, and added crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. I followed the rest of the recipe as listed. I marinaded the steak for 24 hours. Grilled about 8 minutes each side. I let the meat rest on the counter for 15 minutes before thinly slicing. While the meat was resting, I put the marinade on the stove and slow boiled it for about 5 minutes. Once the meat was sliced, I poured the marinade over the top. I served the flank steak on a toasted hoagie bun with a mound of sauteed onions, and a garden salad on the side. Absolutely delish! Thank you for a great recipe.

Bud

07/09/2009 07:14:43 AM

I had not cooked a flank steak for years...and this spawned my desire to do it again. I followed the recipe pretty close (adding liquid smoke to the marinade from habit). I also always use a foil pouch with dampened hickory chips to enhance the smoked flavor on the grill. I use a similar marinade for cooking deer or other game..the red wine vinegar acts as a tenderizer along with the lemon juice and removes most of the 'game' taste from meat. I like to use a vacuum seal bag to force the mixture into all of the meat if only in the marinade for several hours. Anyway the recipe is great. Leftovers made for many delicious lunch combos that week.

T K

04/18/2020 02:42:25 AM

Too much oil for me, I had found a recipe that used broth that was awesome. Overall this was ok simple, basic recipe. I switched mine a bit added a1 and some ketchup among other little adjustments it came out great. We grilled it and everyone was happy.

Cindy D

06/20/2015 08:39:52 AM

Amazing! Juicy and flavorful steak. Your guests will ask what you used for marinade. I used skirt steak instead of flank -- grill for 3 minutes per side on high then let stand under foil for 5 minutes. Substituted hot sauce due to Worcestershire allergy.

UpbeatYuzu4570

04/09/2025 10:35:50 PM

My wife said it was the best thing I ever made after 28 years of marriage. Cooked medium rare on the grill sliced thin and made a mushroom gravy with the marinade. Sautéed some mushrooms in butter, stirred in some flour and then added marinade while stirring until thickened. She was licking the plate.

MatureCurd7415

01/17/2025 07:25:42 PM

I made slight change. Instead of veg oil I use olive oil. Instead of 1/3 cup of soy sauce I used 1/4 and made up the difference with smoked Worcestershire sauce and table spoon and half. Used little extra garlic using garlic press and doubled the pepper, fresh medium ground. I tripled everything for three flanks. 10 people 6 adults and 4 kids. No left-overs.

megg

09/21/2025 04:33:26 PM

Marinated for 6 hours but didn't feel it gave a lot of flavor. Followed recipe exactly.

Hawaiivike

08/06/2025 09:23:17 PM

I've used this recipe for several years and simply love it. To give you an idea of how long I have used this recipe, when I started, flank steak sold for $1.99 a pound and today it sold for $14.99 a pound. Wow, that's how good this recipe is.

Jean

07/31/2025 04:58:15 AM

My son-in-law made this last night for dinner. We all agreed that it was wonderful

Sally Farmer Malaney

07/16/2025 05:18:05 PM

the best flank steak I've ever had!!!

Riffero

06/08/2025 04:36:05 AM

Replaced the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar which I preferred the fished flavor more.

LushPasta8814

05/31/2025 10:17:22 PM

Recipe looked good however not worth it in my opinion. Although flavor has a good taste it is very light, soy sticks out. The marinade did not tenderize the flank steak very much. There are better combinations of these ingredients out there that make a tastier and more tender meat.

SnappyPie4668

05/21/2025 01:06:17 AM

WOW, delicious! And easy! Ran out of balsamic for this round so used red wine vinegar, nothing fancy, and soooooo good!!!!!!

Chef Curry

05/20/2025 01:37:20 PM

I personally am a steak lover and this is no exception, this is great

DizzyPlum8204

02/07/2025 06:06:49 PM

Beef flank is a versatile cut of meat, perfect for grilling, marinating, or stir-frying. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it ideal for fajitas or roasted dishes. Enjoy!