What makes broiled flank steak different from grilled flank steak?

Broiled flank steak is cooked using high heat from above in an oven’s broiler, while grilled flank steak is cooked over an open flame or hot grill grates. Broiling gives the steak a nicely browned crust quickly without added smoke flavor, making it convenient for indoor cooking. Both methods work well for flank steak’s thin, lean cut, but broiling allows for precise heat control and is great when outdoor grilling isn’t an option.

How do I properly marinate flank steak for broiling?

To marinate flank steak before broiling, use an acidic base like lime juice, vinegar, or soy sauce combined with oil, garlic, and spices. Marinate the steak for at least 1 to 4 hours in the refrigerator to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor, but avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the acid can break down the texture too much. Pat the steak dry before broiling to help develop a good crust.

How long should I broil flank steak for the best doneness?

Broil flank steak about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness and broiler intensity. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature: 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium-rare, 140–145°F (60–63°C) for medium. Let the steak rest 5 to 10 minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.

What is the best way to slice broiled flank steak to keep it tender?

Always slice broiled flank steak thinly against the grain—the direction of the muscle fibers visible as lines running through the meat. Cutting perpendicular to these fibers shortens them, making each bite more tender and easier to chew. Use a sharp knife and slice across the grain at a slight diagonal angle for best results.

What sides pair well with broiled flank steak?

Broiled flank steak pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, fresh salads, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a Mexican-inspired meal, serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and black beans. The steak’s bold flavor complements both simple and flavorful side dishes, making it versatile for many meal options.

Broiled Flank Steak Recipe With Bold Mexican Flavors

Name: Broiled Flank Steak
Prep time: PT-495069H31M38S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-495069H16M38S
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: – 1 1/2 pounds flank steak The main cut for a lean and flavorful base.; – 1/2 cup olive oil Provides moisture and helps the flavors soak in.; – 3 tablespoons soy sauce Adds umami and helps tenderize the meat.; – 1/2 cup fresh cilantro Brings a bright, herbal note (can be skipped if you don’t like it).; – 1 large jalapeno pepper (with ribs, seeds, and core removed) Offers a mild heat without overpowering the dish.; – 1/3 cup fresh lime juice Adds acidity for tenderizing and a zesty tang.; – 2-3 large slices of red onion Contributes sweetness and depth to the marinade.; – 4-5 garlic cloves Infuses aromatic garlic flavor throughout.; – 6 ounces of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Delivers smoky spice for a Mexican twist.; – 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Enhances tanginess and balances the spices.; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Boosts the garlic taste in the mix.; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds subtle onion notes for extra layers.; – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Provides a smoky depth that elevates the flavor.; – 1 teaspoon salt Seasons the steak perfectly for balance.; – 1/2 teaspoon cumin Gives a warm, earthy spice common in Mexican cuisine.; – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of heat and rounds out the seasoning.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 pounds flank steak The main cut for a lean and flavorful base.

– 1/2 cup olive oil Provides moisture and helps the flavors soak in.

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce Adds umami and helps tenderize the meat.

– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro Brings a bright, herbal note (can be skipped if you don’t like it).

– 1 large jalapeno pepper (with ribs, seeds, and core removed) Offers a mild heat without overpowering the dish.

– 1/3 cup fresh lime juice Adds acidity for tenderizing and a zesty tang.

– 2-3 large slices of red onion Contributes sweetness and depth to the marinade.

– 4-5 garlic cloves Infuses aromatic garlic flavor throughout.

– 6 ounces of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Delivers smoky spice for a Mexican twist.

– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Enhances tanginess and balances the spices.

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Boosts the garlic taste in the mix.

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds subtle onion notes for extra layers.

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Provides a smoky depth that elevates the flavor.

– 1 teaspoon salt Seasons the steak perfectly for balance.

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin Gives a warm, earthy spice common in Mexican cuisine.

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of heat and rounds out the seasoning.

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Instructions

1-To make this broiled flank steak recipe, start by blending all the marinade ingredients except the steak in a food processor until smooth. The marinade includes olive oil, soy sauce, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, red onion, garlic cloves, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, and black pepper mix them well for that bold flavor. Place the 1 1/2 pounds of flank steak in a bag with this marinade and refrigerate it for 5 to 12 hours to let the flavors soak in deeply.

2-Before cooking, take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, which helps it cook evenly. If you have leftover marinade, boil it in a saucepan and cool it down before using it as a sauce to keep things safe. While the steak marinates, you can prepare pineapple salsa by chopping red pepper and mixing it with fresh pineapple, or cook some rice to serve alongside.

3-Heat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil sprayed with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. Broil the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, keeping an eye on it based on thickness and your preferred doneness use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once done, cover the steak with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain to ensure it’s tender and juicy.

4-First, trim any excess fat from the steak and pat it dry for better browning. Prepare your marinade as described and let the steak marinate in the fridge. Preheat the broiler and position the rack correctly before cooking.

5-Second, remove excess marinade from the steak and place it on the baking sheet. Broil as directed and flip halfway through for even results. If you want, baste with boiled marinade for extra moisture.

6-Third, check doneness with a thermometer and rest the steak as noted. Finally, slice thinly against the grain and serve with your chosen sides like pineapple salsa or rice. This method keeps the steak flavorful and perfect for any gathering. For another quick beef idea, try our oven-baked steak recipe for variety.

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Notes

⏳ Do not marinate the steak for more than 12 hours to avoid texture changes.
🔥 Reserve some marinade and boil it before using as sauce for safety.
🍍 Enhance pineapple salsa with chopped red pepper for added flavor.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 5-12 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Diet: Gluten-free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 577.5 kcal
Sugar: 3.6 g
Sodium: 1692.4 mg
Fat: 41.3 g
Saturated Fat: 9.1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 27.8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11.9 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 85.1 mg