It’s almost time to dust off and fire up the grill, and cook up some delicious flank steaks. However, if you are wondering about this amazing cut of beef, here are the most comprehensive answers for what is flank steak!
A flank steak is a common cut of beef taken from the cow’s abdomen or lower chest region.
In terms of flavor and tenderness, it’s among the best cuts of beef.
It is a very lean slice of beef with very little fat.
In fact, it is one of the heartiest beef cuts—every bit of it!
And it is less fatty than a porterhouse or ribeye.
Furthermore, if you know how to slice and cook it, you can experience its myriad flavors.
But before you dash off to the store to pick yourself some flank steak, why don’t we first discuss this excellent cut of meat?
First things first, what is flank steak?
What does flank steak taste like?
How to cook a flank steak?
And what are the tips on buying flank steak?
Follow along as we discuss this amazing beef cut and its most appealing characteristics as you read on.
A beefsteak cut known as flank steak comes from the abdomen muscles of the cow.
It is a flat, long cut of meat used in various meals, such as casseroles and stews.
It is also often used in fajitas as an alternative to skirt steak.
To increase the tenderness, you can grill, braise, or broil them.
Furthermore, the flank steak originates from the most active section of the cow, which plays a role in the animal’s ability to twist and walk.
It is extensively used in Asian cuisine and is known as “stir-fry beef” in Chinese markets.
You will know that the flank steak is at its peak quality when the meat color is bright red.
It is because it is taken from a well-exercised region of the cow.
And to ensure that the slices are as tender as possible, they are cut across the grain.
How to cook flank steak?
Flank steak is noted for its strong taste and how tough it can get if cooked improperly.
But, if you are familiar with the appropriate preparation methods, you will discover how versatile this cut of beef can be.
Allow us to reveal to you the best-kept flank steak secret.
The best way to prepare this beef cut is to grill it.
However, you might sear it in a skillet or broil it in the oven.
But grilling is the way to go if you want to save time and tenderize the meat simultaneously.
It tastes the finest when cooked medium, medium-rare, or rare.
In addition to that, you should be familiar with the technique of carving flank steak.
You may be wondering why.
It’s because the muscle fibers in flank steak are tough and strong.
Therefore, it will be easier if you learn how to carve against the meat’s grain.
Moreover, no matter how you prepare your flank steak, ensure it’s completely thawed before you begin cooking it.
Have it marinated or seasoned; both are excellent ideas.
So, let’s talk about the different ways to cook a flank steak!
If you’re using a charcoal grill, the most accessible approach to cooking the steak is to place it over the hottest portion of the grill and sear for a minute or two.
If you’re using an oven, broil it to your preferred doneness.
And if you wish to cook it in a skillet, a very hot pan produces the nicest sear.
Flank steak vs skirt steak
Flank steak is often mistaken for skirt steak.
Although both are tough beefy strips that are ideally cooked on the grill, for beef connoisseurs, the significant difference between the two can be easily determined.
So what exactly differentiates flank steak from skirt steak?
Flank steak is cut from the cow’s abdomen, which has many functioning muscles.
Its meat is relatively lean, with many tough fibers running through it.
It is cut thicker than the skirt steak.
Meanwhile, skirt steak is a thin and lengthy cut of beef derived from the cow’s diaphragm muscles.
It is very lean and has a lot of strong fibers on it.
In terms of flavor and texture, flank steak has a solid beefy flavor but a rough texture.
To maximize tenderness, have it thinly sliced and cut against the grain.
Skirt steak, on the other hand, has a stronger beefy flavor than flank steak.
Because it has tougher muscles than flank steak, it must be cooked from rare to medium rare to achieve the most tender texture.
What does flank steak taste like?
Before you go out and get a flank steak, we need to know what it tastes like.
Or what is it meant to taste like?
Although flank steak contains a small amount of fat, it does not lack flavor.
In fact, if you’re looking for a meaty flavor, flank steak is an excellent option because it has an intense and assertive flavor profile.
Many people believe that this beef has one of the beefiest and most intense flavors!
But before grilling, you must marinate the beef.
Marinade them in your favorite soy sauce and enjoy the delicious flavors that will help tenderize the beef.
Ways to use flank steak
Flank steak can be prepared in a variety of ways.
You can broil, sear, or grill it for the finest flavor.
Therefore, here are some of the best flank steak recipes you can serve your guests.
This recipe may be simple, but the burst of flavors will make it a household favorite!
The combination of rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, and honey creates a blend of savory, tangy, sweet, and umami tastes in this marinated flank steak dish.
This quick-seared flank steak meal has a bold and delicious flavor.
It’s so juicy and soft that it melts in your mouth.
If you enjoy the flavor of spices, the chimichurri sauce will bring out the best in this dish.
We guess it’s time to dust the grill and fire it up!
This recipe has an excellent flavor balance, making it ideal for a midweek meal with your family.
Broiled flank steak that is spiced up and broiled to medium-rare.
This dish is adaptable; you can serve it with whichever sides you choose.
If you wish to try a different flank steak recipe without the marinating, simply sprinkle salt on the beef and set it aside.
The salt serves as a dry brine, making the steak juicy and tasty.
And now for the exciting part: boost the juiciness with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, which will assist in balancing the beef’s powerful flavor.
How to store flank steak
Food storage, whether raw or cooked, must be done correctly.
Flank steak, particularly, is susceptible to deterioration in quality and flavor when exposed to air for an extended period.
Raw flank steak can be kept in the fridge for up to three days if covered in its original wrapping, often known as butcher paper.
However, the so-called modified atmosphere packaging or supermarket packaging, which contains carbon dioxide, aids in preserving the flank steak’s freshness.
Remove the air from the bag if you’re putting a raw flank steak in a freezer bag.
Meanwhile, a cooked flank steak can be stored in the refrigerator for five to six days.
In its original packaging, flank steak can be frozen for a year.
While vacuum-sealing, it will considerably extend its life and help prevent freezer burn.
Tools needed:
- Flank steak
- Plastic wrap, aluminum foil
- Freezer bag
- Freezer
Instructions for storing flank steak in the freezer:
- Wrap in at least two layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped meat in your freezer bag.
- Wrap it tightly, removing as much air as possible.
- Store the flank steak in your freezer.
Is flank steak tender?
If you’re asking if flank steak is tender, the answer is yes.
If cooked correctly, it will become wonderfully tender and juicy.
So, yes, if it is prepared properly.
The trick to tenderizing your flank steak is to slice it against the grain.
Also, marinate it with a bit of acids, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to help break down the meat’s tight connective fibers.
You’ll achieve maximum tenderness that way!
Flank steak vs sirloin
Both the flank and the sirloin are excellent choices for steaks.
Yet, there are notable distinctions between the two.
The sirloin is taken from the top part of the rib cage, in contrast to the flank steak, obtained from the lower section of the rib cage.
The flank steak has a rich taste and a tender texture, making it a good choice for grilling or pan-frying.
While sirloin has a leaner flavor, it also offers a nice flavor and a soft texture when roasted or seared.
Typically, it is served rare to medium-rare.
Check out our version of the grilled Sirloin Steak!
Tips on buying flank steak
You have likely decided to get flank steak and enjoy this delectable cut of beef.
So here are some buying guidelines for flank steak:
- Choose one with a thickness that is as uniform as possible.
- Compared to a ribeye steak, the color of the flank steak is typically a darker shade of red. Take note of the long strands of muscular fibers that run the full length of the meat.
- The meat should be free from holes, brown discoloration, or dark spots.
- Browning indicates that the meat has been exposed to air for an extended period.
- A small amount of fat is acceptable, but an excessive amount indicates that it has not been cut properly.
- Select beef with less visible connective tissue or “silver skin” running through the thicker end.
The bottom line
Flavorful and adaptable, flank steak is a great cut of meat.
It is known as the chicken breast of the beef world since it has no bones and cooks quickly.
The choice is yours: marinate or grill for delicious results!
But remember to carefully prepare and cook it to ensure maximum tenderness.
How To Store Flank Steak 🧊
Learn how to store flank steak in your freezer with this FAQ guide.
Ingredients
- Flank steak
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Freezer bag
- Freezer
Instructions
- Wrap in at least two layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped meat in your freezer bag.
- Wrap it tightly, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the bag with the date.
- Store the flank steak in your freezer for up to six months.