Flank Steak Marinade

Elevate your grilled flank steak with this incredible smoky and zesty marinade! This recipe is designed to infuse your steak with deep flavor, ensuring a tender and juicy result every time. Easy to prepare and perfect for your next BBQ, it’s a simple way to create a show-stopping main course that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

• Flank Steak (2 lb): The lean, flavorful cut of beef that will absorb all the marinade’s goodness.
• Tabasco Chipotle Sauce (4 Tbsp): The star of the marinade, providing a distinct smoky heat. Have extra for serving!
• Cilantro (½ cup, loosely packed): Adds a fresh, bright, and herbaceous counterpoint to the smoky notes.
• Green Onion (¼ cup, chopped): Contributes a mild, savory onion flavor that blends seamlessly into the marinade.
• Olive Oil (⅓ cup): Forms the base of the marinade, helping to tenderize the meat and carry flavors deep into the steak.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): Provides a simple, sharp seasoning.
• Lime (1, cut into wedges): For serving, adding a burst of fresh citrus to brighten the finished dish.

How to Make Flank Steak with Chipotle Marinade

This recipe is simple, focusing on effective marinating and grilling techniques to bring out the best in your flank steak.

Preparing the Marinade

In the bowl of a blender or food processor, combine all the marinade ingredients: ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, ¼ cup chopped green onion, ⅓ cup olive oil, 4 tablespoons of Tabasco Chipotle Sauce, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Blend or pulse until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. This creates a vibrant, flavorful liquid that will tenderize and infuse your steak.

Marinating the Flank Steak

Place your 2-pound flank steak in a non-reactive dish. Glass or plastic containers work perfectly. Pour the prepared marinade over all sides of the steak, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or, for the best flavor infusion, preferably overnight. Remember to remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to grill, allowing it to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking.

Grilling the Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 450°F (232°C). Once hot, place the marinated flank steak on the grill. For a perfect medium-rare, grill for about 4 minutes per side. If you want those attractive criss-cross grilling marks, rotate the steak 45° after the first 2 minutes on each side. Adjust grilling time according to your desired doneness.

Resting and Serving

Once grilled to perfection, remove the flank steak to a clean plate. It’s crucial to let the steak rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. Finally, using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve immediately with extra Tabasco Chipotle Sauce on the side and fresh lime wedges for a zesty squeeze.

Creative Ways to Use Flank Steak

This marinated flank steak is incredibly versatile and can be used in many delicious ways beyond a simple main course.

Steak Tacos or Fajitas

Slice the cooked flank steak into thin strips and use them as a flavorful filling for low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of sautéed peppers and onions for fajitas.

Steak Salad

Thinly slice the cold, leftover steak and add it to your favorite green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.

Stir-Fry Addition

Cut the cooked steak into bite-sized pieces and toss into a quick stir-fry with your favorite low-carb vegetables.

Steak Sandwiches (Keto-Friendly)

Layer thin slices of steak with cheese and keto bread or lettuce wraps for a satisfying sandwich.

Tips for the Perfect Flank Steak

Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

Flank steak benefits greatly from marinating. The acids in the marinade (from lime juice, if using, or Tabasco’s vinegar) help to tenderize the meat, and the flavors penetrate deeply. Don’t skip the overnight marination if you have time.

Bring to Room Temperature

Allowing the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.

High Heat for Searing

Grilling on medium-high heat creates a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Don’t overcrowd the grill.

Don’t Skip the Rest

Resting the steak after grilling is critical. It allows the juices, which get pushed to the center during cooking, to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting too soon will result in dry steak.

Slice Against the Grain

Flank steak has a very prominent grain. Always slice against the grain (perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers) into thin strips. This breaks up the fibers, making the steak incredibly tender and easy to chew.

Final Thoughts

This Flank Steak Marinade recipe is your secret weapon for creating a restaurant-quality meal right at home. With its smoky Chipotle kick, fresh herbs, and tender steak, it’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but big on flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a weeknight dinner, this marinated flank steak is sure to become a cherished recipe.