Flank steak, with its rich beefy flavor and satisfying bite, is a delightful cut that promises to elevate any meal. When marinated correctly, flank steak transforms into a tender, juicy dish, bursting with complementary flavors. This marinade brings together the indulgent notes of olive oil, the zing of red wine vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from honey, resulting in a mouthwatering experience that rivals your favorite steakhouse. I fondly recall the first time I made this dish for friends: the aroma wafting through the kitchen had everyone hovering, eager to dig in.

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

What makes this flank steak marinade truly special? It’s not just about deepening the flavor; it’s about creating a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a relatively inexpensive cut of beef. Whether you’re throwing together a weekday dinner or planning a weekend BBQ, this marinade is your go-to solution. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also takes mere moments to prepare, leaving you with more time to savor the joys of cooking. I invite you to try this easy recipe and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Marinade takes just 10 minutes to prepare; then let it do the work!
Irresistible Flavor: Combines savory garlic, tangy vinegar, and sweet honey for a mouthwatering punch.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve beautifully sliced flank steak garnished with fresh parsley for an impressive presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds flank steak: This is the star of the show; look for a cut that is bright red with some marbling for tenderness.
1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps with the marinade’s penetration.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: It introduces a bright acidity that balances the richness of the meat.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds robust umami flavor; for a gluten-free option, use tamari.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds complexity with its unique mix of flavors.
1 tablespoon honey: Provides a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the marinade’s acidity.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the steak with a punch of flavor, enhancing every bite.
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: This adds brightness to the marinade and a lovely color to the finished dish.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and helping to tenderize the meat.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives a slight heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon dried thyme: Earthy thyme adds aromatic notes that work well with the beef.

How to Make Flank Steak Marinade

Mix the Marinade: In a gallon-sized zip-top bag or large container, 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. Seal the bag and shake or stir to mix thoroughly.
Marinate the Flank Steak: Add the flank steak to the marinade, ensuring all sides are coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook the Flank Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade (discard any excess marinade) and cook according to your preference:

Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cook for 13-17 minutes for medium-rare, using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Grill: Heat your grill to medium. Grill the flank steak for about 6-7 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish. Let the grill marks create an irresistible sear.
Cast Iron Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the steak for around 7-8 minutes per side. The skillet enhances the caramelization for a delectable crust.

Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the juices are retained within the meat. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, and slice against the grain for serving.

Storing & Reheating

To store your delicious flank steak, let it cool to room temperature and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container for refrigeration. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the steak in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat. Keep in mind that reheated steak may lose some tenderness, so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as flank steak can become tough if cooked too long.
Slice Against the Grain: Always cut against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every bite.
Marinade Time: For the best flavor, marinate overnight, but if short on time, even 20 minutes makes a difference.
Spices Variety: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or cumin, for a personalized touch.
Room Temperature Steak: For more even cooking, let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

This flank steak marinade offers a guaranteed way to elevate your meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the tender, juicy steak that is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether meal prepping for the busy week ahead or grilling at a summer gathering, this recipe will be on your repeat list.

Recipe FAQs

What can I do if I don’t have flank steak?

If flank steak isn’t available, you can use skirt steak or sirloin steak as viable substitutes. Both cuts provide great flavor and can be cooked similarly.

How long should I marinate flank steak?

You can marinate the steak for as little as 20 minutes for a quick fix or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration. Just be cautious not to marinate too long, as acidic ingredients like vinegar can start to affect the texture of the meat.

Can I use other herbs in the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the herbs based on your preference. Fresh oregano, basil, or cilantro can also add delightful flavors.

Is this marinade suitable for grilling?

Definitely! This marinade is perfect for grilling, as it not only adds flavor but helps keep the meat moist. Just ensure you heat your grill to medium heat for best results.

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Flank Steak Marinade

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling/Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Flank Steak Marinade offers an irresistible mix of flavors with olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s simple to prepare and enhances any dinner—perfect for grilling or baking, satisfying your cravings for homemade goodness!

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

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Instructions

In a large zip-top bag or container, combine all marinade ingredients and mix well.
Add the flank steak, ensuring it is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Cook the flank steak according to your preference: Bake at 425°F for 13-17 minutes, grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or sear in a cast iron skillet for 7-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness.
Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the steak overnight.
Ensure the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.
Adjust the garlic amount to suit your taste.