Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Published: June 27, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Marinade: The combination of balsamic vinegar and spices creates a rich, savory taste that elevates the flank steak.
Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip this up for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair the grilled steak with various sauces, salads, or grilled vegetables to suit your guests’ preferences.
Low-Carb Delight: This dish fits perfectly into low-carb diets, making it a great option for health-conscious diners.
Perfectly Cooked Every Time: Follow the grilling instructions to achieve your desired level of doneness without guesswork.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Meat thermometer
Ziploc bag
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides an ideal cooking environment for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
Meat thermometer: Ensures perfect doneness every time by accurately measuring internal temperature.
Ziploc bag: Makes marinating easy and mess-free while allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
Sharp knife: Aids in slicing the steak against the grain for tender servings.

Ingredients

This Marinated and Grilled Flank Steak dinner is a low-carb meal that will please any beef lover.

For the Steak

1 1/2 lbs. flank steak (see notes)
1-2 T Steak Rub (see notes)

For the Marinade

2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T fresh-squeezed juice (see notes)
1 T Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T olive oil
more salt and fresh-ground black pepper to season cooked steak

How to Make Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl:
1. In a bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Trim any excess fat from the edges of the flank steak if desired.
Rub both sides of the meat with your chosen steak rub.
Place the flank steak in a Ziploc bag, pour in the marinade, and seal tightly.
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while preheating your grill to high heat (450-500°F or 230-260°C).

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Drain excess marinade from the meat using a colander.
For grill marks, place the steak on an angle across the grates.
Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until grill marks appear; then rotate and cook another 3 minutes at an opposite angle.
Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on this side until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C) for medium rare.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once cooked to your liking, remove from grill, cover with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Slice against the grain using a large serrated knife or chef’s knife into thin pieces.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Marinated Grilled Flank Steak! Enjoy it hot with chimichurri sauce or olive sauce for added zest!

How to Serve Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and sauces. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Chimichurri Sauce

This vibrant sauce made from parsley, garlic, and olive oil adds a fresh and tangy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, provides color and nutrition to your plate.

Accompany with a Green Salad

A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the steak.

Add Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled until charred enhances the summer vibe of your outdoor meal.

Include Quinoa Salad

A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing makes for a satisfying side that pairs well with flank steak.

Top with Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms in garlic and herbs provide an earthy flavor that complements the juicy steak perfectly.

How to Perfect Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

To ensure you achieve the best results when grilling your flank steak, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Meat: Selecting high-quality flank steak will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your dish.
Marinate for Enough Time: Allowing the steak to marinate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) ensures deep flavor penetration.
Let It Rest: After grilling, letting the meat rest covered for 5-10 minutes helps retain juices and improves texture.
Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the steak against the grain will yield more tender slices that are easier to chew.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise cooking, using an instant-read thermometer ensures you achieve your desired doneness.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize your marinade by adding herbs or spices that suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak can be complemented by many delicious side dishes. Here are some top choices:

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, this dish is rich in flavor yet low in carbs.
Steamed Asparagus
Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice offers a bright addition to your plate.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika provide a sweet and savory contrast to the steak.
Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs and vegetables creates a light and flavorful pairing.
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds texture and freshness to balance out the hearty meat.
Baked Potatoes
Classic baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives make for a filling side that everyone loves.
Mediterranean Couscous Bowl
This colorful bowl includes couscous mixed with olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese for added zest.
Zucchini Noodles
Spiralized zucchini sautéed in olive oil provides a low-carb alternative that pairs well with grilled steak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks face challenges when making Marinated Grilled Flank Steak. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the steak to marinate for at least 8 hours can result in less flavor. Plan ahead and let it marinate overnight for the best results.
Using Too Much Heat Initially: Starting with high heat can char the exterior before the interior cooks properly. Adjust the grill to medium-high after achieving grill marks.
Not Letting Meat Rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after grilling can cause juices to escape, making it dry. Always let it rest for 5-10 minutes covered with foil.
Cutting Against the Grain Incorrectly: Slicing against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Always identify the grain direction before cutting to ensure you achieve that perfect bite.
Overcooking the Steak: Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness. Aim for 130F/55C for medium rare; remember, it continues cooking while resting!
Neglecting to Season After Cooking: Adding extra salt and pepper after cooking enhances flavor significantly. Don’t skip this final seasoning step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Marinated Grilled Flank Steak in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
The steak can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place steak in a baking dish covered with foil and heat until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil and warm slices of steak for a few minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Marinated Grilled Flank Steak that may help you.

How long should I marinate flank steak?

Marinating flank steak for at least 8 hours is ideal, but overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives in this recipe.

What sides pair well with Marinated Grilled Flank Steak?

Roasted vegetables, salads, or chimichurri sauce complement this dish beautifully and enhance its flavors.

How do I know when my steak is perfectly cooked?

Using an instant-read thermometer is recommended; aim for 130F/55C for medium-rare doneness. The meat will continue cooking as it rests.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure any additional seasonings are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy any beef lover. Its versatility allows you to customize marinades and serve it alongside your favorite sides. Give it a try during your next grilling session—you won’t be disappointed!

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