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Easy Grilled Flank Steak: The Ultimate Juicy & Flavorful Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, foolproof, and easy grilled flank steak recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This beef flank steak is marinated in a mouthwatering blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, then grilled to perfectly tender, juicy perfection.
Not only is this grilled flank steak incredibly flavorful, but it’s also one of the easiest meals you can prepare—marinate, grill, and enjoy! Plus, I’ll share tips for cooking it in the oven or on the stovetop, along with storage, reheating, and serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – Just marinate and grill!
✅ Packed with flavor – The marinade infuses the steak with incredible taste.
✅ Versatile – Perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
✅ Budget-friendly – Flank steak is an affordable yet delicious cut.
✅ Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for the Best Grilled Flank Steak
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy grilled flank steak:
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1 ½ – 2 lbs flank steak
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½ cup olive oil
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⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp each onion powder & garlic powder
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1 tsp each paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried dill weed
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½ tsp each dried oregano, dried rosemary, ground coriander
(Reserve 2 tbsp of the marinade for drizzling after grilling!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Grilled Flank Steak
1. Prepare the Marinade
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In a large freezer-safe ziplock bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
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Remove 2 tbsp and set aside for later.
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Add the flank steak to the bag, press out excess air, and seal.
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Massage the marinade into the steak through the bag for even coating.
2. Marinate the Steak
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally up to 12 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
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Pro Tip: Don’t marinate longer than 12 hours, as the meat can become mushy.
3. Preheat the Grill
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Heat your grill to medium-high (450°F) for perfect searing.
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Clean & grease the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Flank Steak
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Remove steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before grilling.
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Place steak on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (for medium-rare to medium).
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
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Medium-rare: 130-135°F
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Medium: 140°F (recommended)
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Medium-well: 150°F
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5. Rest & Slice
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Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
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Slice against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for maximum tenderness.
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Drizzle with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods
How to Cook Flank Steak in the Oven (Broiling)
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Preheat the broiler and place steak on a baking sheet.
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Broil 6-8 minutes per side, 8 inches from heat.
How to Cook Flank Steak on the Stovetop
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook 6-8 minutes per side (cut steak in half if needed).
The Best Marinade for Easy Grilled Flank Steak
One of the keys to making perfectly tender and flavorful easy grilled flank steak is the marinade. A good marinade not only enhances taste but also helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender.
Why This Marinade Works So Well
Flank steak is a lean, fibrous cut, which means it benefits greatly from marinating. The combination of acid (balsamic vinegar and lemon juice), salt (soy sauce), and sweetness (brown sugar) in this marinade helps:
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Tenderize the meat (acids break down tough fibers).
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Infuse deep flavor (herbs and spices penetrate the steak).
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Keep the steak juicy (oil and Worcestershire sauce add moisture).
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
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Olive Oil – Helps distribute flavors and keeps the steak moist.
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Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness.
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Balsamic Vinegar – Provides tangy sweetness and tenderizes.
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Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors and aids in tenderizing.
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Brown Sugar – Balances acidity and promotes caramelization.
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Worcestershire Sauce – Deepens savory notes.
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Dijon Mustard – Adds a slight sharpness and helps emulsify the marinade.
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Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, etc.) – Build layers of flavor.
Marinating Tips for Maximum Flavor
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Marinate for at least 2 hours, but up to 12 hours for best results.
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Don’t over-marinate (beyond 12 hours) or the meat can become mushy.
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Massage the marinade into the steak to ensure even coating.
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Use a ziplock bag for easy cleanup and even marinating.
Can You Reuse the Marinade?
No! Because the marinade has been in contact with raw meat, it should never be reused as a sauce. If you want extra marinade for serving, set aside a portion before adding the steak.
How to Grill Flank Steak Perfectly Every Time
Grilling flank steak is quick and easy, but a few key steps ensure juicy, tender results every time.
Prepping the Steak for the Grill
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Let it come to room temp – Take the steak out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
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Pat it dry – Excess moisture prevents a good sear.
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Oil the grill grates – Prevents sticking and helps with grill marks.
Grilling Temperature & Time
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Preheat grill to medium-high (450°F) for a perfect sear.
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Grill for 5-6 minutes per side (for medium-rare to medium).
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
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Rare: 125°F
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Medium-rare: 135°F
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Medium: 140°F (recommended)
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Medium-well: 150°F
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Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Flipping too often – Only flip once for a good crust.
❌ Using a fork to flip – Piercing the steak releases juices.
❌ Overcooking – Flank steak is best at medium-rare to medium.
❌ Skipping the rest time – Letting it rest 10 minutes keeps it juicy.
How to Get Perfect Grill Marks
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Place steak on the grill at a 45° angle for 2-3 minutes.
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Rotate 90° (without flipping) for crosshatch marks.
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Flip and repeat.
Alternative Cooking Methods
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Oven (Broiler): 6-8 minutes per side.
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Stovetop (Cast Iron): 6-8 minutes per side in a hot skillet.
Serving & Storing Grilled Flank Steak
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Flank Steak
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Classic Steak Dinner – Pair with mashed potatoes & roasted veggies.
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Tacos & Fajitas – Slice thin and serve with tortillas.
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Salads – Add to Caesar, Greek, or Asian-style salads.
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Sandwiches & Wraps – Perfect for Philly cheesesteaks or burritos.
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Stir-Fries & Rice Bowls – Slice and toss with noodles or rice.
How to Store Leftovers
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for 2-3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
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Microwave: Quick but can dry out—cover and heat in short bursts.
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Skillet: Best for retaining moisture—heat with a little oil.
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Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Meal Prep Tips
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Pre-marinate & freeze for quick meals later.
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Slice before storing for easy use in salads & wraps.
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Make double batches for leftovers throughout the week.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Flank Steak
🔥 Pound the steak to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
🔥 Don’t over-marinate (12 hours max).
🔥 Bring steak to room temp before grilling.
🔥 Clean & oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
🔥 Only flip once for a perfect sear.
🔥 Use tongs, not a fork, to avoid losing juices.
🔥 Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
🔥 Slice against the grain for tender bites.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Flank Steak
This easy grilled flank steak is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
✅ Classic sides: Mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, corn on the cob.
✅ Salads: Caesar salad, Greek salad, or a fresh arugula mix.
✅ Tacos & wraps: Slice thin for steak tacos or burritos.
✅ Sandwiches: Philly cheesesteak-style or in a crusty baguette.
✅ Pasta & rice bowls: Add to stir-fries or garlic butter noodles.
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Flank Steak
Storing
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing
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Freeze raw marinated steak (up to 3 months) or cooked steak (2-3 months).
Reheating
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Microwave: 60 seconds, then in 15-second intervals.
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Skillet: Warm on medium heat with a little oil.
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Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Easy Grilled Flank Steak: The Ultimate Juicy & Flavorful Recipe
Growing up, family weekends were all about firing up the grill and sharing stories under the open sky. This Easy Grilled Flank Steak recipe brings back those simple, joyful moments with every juicy, flavorful bite. It’s a recipe that’s quick, forgiving, and sure to gather loved ones around the table! ✨ Try it out at your next gathering — your taste buds will thank you.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds flank steak
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon honey (optional for extra tenderness)
Instructions
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Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, pepper, salt, and honey. Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours). -
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. -
Grill the Steak:
Remove steak from marinade and grill for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. -
Rest and Slice:
Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Cut against the grain into thin slices for the most tender bites.
Notes
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Always slice against the grain to keep your steak tender.
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For extra flavor, brush a little marinade over the steak during the last minute on the grill.
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If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron pan works wonderfully too!
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 32g
Final Thoughts on This Easy Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
This juicy, flavorful grilled flank steak is a must-try for any steak lover! With its simple marinade, quick grilling time, and endless serving options, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or meal prep.