Flank steak is a lean and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps for how to cut flank steak. We will also provide some tips on how to prepare it properly so that it cooks evenly and comes out tender and juicy. So, if you are looking for a new summer BBQ recipe, be sure to check out our instructions for cooking flank steak!
Table of Contents
What is flank steak?
Flank steak is a beef cut that comes from the abdominal muscle of the cow. It is typically known for its relatively lean profile, but it has a robust flavor and contains a lot of protein. Because it is so lean, flank steak should always be cooked over high heat in order to prevent it from becoming tough.
Many people choose to marinate their flank steak before cooking as this can help to enhance both the flavor and tenderness. However, if you prefer, you can also grill or pan-fry your flank steak instead. Whatever method you use, make sure that you don’t overcook this delicious cut of meat! If you’re looking for something delicious to serve alongside your grilled or pan-fried flank steak, why not try some roasted potatoes or a simple green salad?
Since flank steak is such a lean cut of meat, it’s important to be careful when cooking it. If you attempt to cook your steak over high heat or use a marinade that contains acidic ingredients, it may end up becoming tough and chewy instead of juicy and tender. However, with a little bit of care and attention, you can easily get the best results from your flank steak.
Whether you choose to grill it on the barbecue or pan-fry it in a skillet on the stovetop, make sure that you keep an eye on your steak throughout the cooking process. Flank steak tends to cook very quickly – typically within just 10 minutes or so – so check on it frequently and remember to remove it from the heat as soon as it is cooked to your liking.
How to cut flank steak?
Cutting flank steak can be a little intimidating since it is a tougher cut of meat, but if you follow the steps below, you will find that cutting this flavorful and inexpensive piece of beef is easy.
First, place your flank steak on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut along the edge of the grain until you have removed all the visible fat and silver skin. Then, turn your flank steak so that one of its long sides is facing you. Use your knife to hold down one side while pulling back on the other side with a cooking fork or tongs to expose more of the meat’s surface area. Slice off any remaining fat or silverskin from this newly exposed edge as well as from the exposed edge of the steak.
Next, cut your flank steak into thin strips by making long and shallow slices along the grain of the meat. You can then use these strips as part of a stir-fry, or you can freeze them to use later on in recipes like fajitas or burritos. When cutting flank steak, it is also important to remember that thicker steaks are better for grilling or pan searing while thinner steaks are ideal for marinating and slicing.
How to choose a flank steak
The first thing you need to do when choosing a flank steak has inspected the quality of the meat. You want to make sure that it doesn’t have any large discolored spots or areas where there are too many small bits of fat mixed in with the meat. It should be firm, smooth, and even in color throughout. Once you have found a good-looking piece of meat, it is time to decide what cut of beef you want.
Look for cuts that come from the inside part of the flank steak because these will be more tender than ones that come from near the edge. The same goes for thickness – choose slices that are about 1/4 inch thick or less so they won’t be tough when cooking them up at home. These are just a few tips for choosing a flank steak but remember that the final assessment of quality is up to you.
What to avoid when buying flank steak
Flank steak is a delicious cut of beef that can be used in many recipes, but there are some things you should keep in mind when buying this type of food. First, it is important to buy meat that comes from a reliable source and has been properly stored.
Meat that is old or obtained from an unreliable producer can carry disease or other contaminants which can make you sick if you consume infected meat. Also, pay close attention to the packaging of the steak and look for any signs of damage or leaks. Finally, always cook your flank steak to a safe internal temperature before eating it. Remembering these simple tips will help ensure you get the most out of your flank steaks every time!
How long to marinade flank steak
This will depend on the cut of meat and how tender you want it. Typically, if you are just doing a quick cooking marinade in a hot pan or grill then it should be able to take at least 15 minutes to marinate. If you want it to be extra tender, then 30 minutes may be required. For tougher cuts like London broil, it can take up to a few hours for the best results. Having said this, there is no hard and fast rule for how long you need to leave your flank steak in the marinade so feel free to play around with it until you find what works for you!
Have you ever tried marinating flank steak? What methods did you use and what results did you get? What is your favorite way to cook it or are there any tips that have worked well for you in the past? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
Tips to cut the amazing flank steak
To cut an amazing flank steak, you’ll need to use a very sharp knife. Place the flank steak on a cutting board and hold it with your hand. The side of the meat that has more fat should be facing up. Use your knife to trim some of this off so that it’s not too fatty.
To start cutting the steak into thin strips, begin by placing your knife in the center and slicing down one side at a slight diagonal angle toward the edge of the meat. Continue making diagonal slices to each edge until you have sliced all the way across.
Now turn the beef onto its other side and make similar cuts between each adjacent strip while they are still connected at one end. Once you’ve made your last cut, you can separate the individual strips.
You can use different techniques for slicing the meat depending on your personal preference. Some like to have larger, thicker slices of flank steak while others prefer smaller, thinner pieces. You can also vary the thickness by making diagonal cuts that are closer together or further apart from each other.
If you want to make small pieces of steak for fajitas or stir-fry dishes, hold the knife at an even angle and push it down into each piece of beef as you slice it into thin pieces. Continue cutting until all of the meat has been sliced up according to your desired size. Use a paper towel to blot away any excess fat if necessary before cooking the steak.
Try out your new cutting skills today and create a delicious dinner with fresh, flavorful flank steak! With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to impress all of your dinner guests. Even the most experienced chefs can always learn something new about cooking amazing cuts of meat like flank steak. Keep experimenting with different flavors, seasonings, and ingredients for endless options when it comes to creating meals that are packed with flavor and satisfaction.
How to cook flank steak
- Cut the flank steak into thin slices with a sharp knife: The thinner you cut it, the more tender and delicious it will be.
- Marinate the sliced steak: This is an important step that adds flavor to the meat and helps break down tough muscle fibers. Try to marinate your meat for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking, but it can also be kept in the fridge overnight if you want extra flavor.
- Cook quickly over high heat: When grilling or frying meat, always start off with very high heat so that you get a nice sear on the outside before lowering the heat to finish cooking through all the way.
- Always let your meat rest after cooking: After removing the steak from the heat, let it sit for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows all of the juices to redistribute and ensures that your meat is moist and delicious every time.
- Enjoy! Your amazing flank steak is now ready to be served up with any side dishes you like, such as rice or colorful vegetables, and enjoyed by everyone in your family or dinner guests. Good luck and bon appetit!
FAQs
Do you cut flank steak with or against the grain?
Cutting flank steak against the grain allows the meat to be more tender and easier to chew. This is because cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fiber of the meat, making it easier to eat. Flank steak may also be cut with grain if you prefer a chewier texture in your steak. When cooked properly, either way, works just fine!
How do you cut flank steak on the grain?
To cut flank steak on the grain, you will need a very sharp knife and some patience. Begin by slicing through the steak horizontally at an angle on each side of the natural fibers, which run in one direction. Next, turn your slices 90 degrees to face the opposite direction and make another set of cuts that extend all the way through the meat and follow along the same horizontal angle as before. Cut as many times as is necessary to create long thin strips whose length corresponds with the natural fibers. Finally, slice across these steaks to produce bite-sized pieces that are covered in beautiful streaks of meat and fat.
How do you cut a flank steak so it’s not chewy?
Ideally, the steak should be cooked to about medium doneness. When you cut it into strips for stir-fry, it needs to be sliced in a way that prevents the thick sections from drying out and becoming chewy. If you were cooking a boneless sirloin steak, you would want to slice it against the grain so that every bite is tender and juicy. However, because flank steak has an irregularly shaped bone running through one side of it, this isn’t quite as simple with this cut. Fortunately, there are ways around this problem!
The most important thing when cutting flank steak is to make sure that the pieces include the entire length of the muscle fibers; otherwise, they will become tough or dry out. To do this, you will need to slice the steak against the grain, but in a way that allows the thick sections of meat to cook evenly. To achieve this, start by cutting strips along the length of the steak – either horizontally or vertically – and then slicing these strips into smaller pieces. If there is a small amount of fat attached to one side of your flank steak, you can trim that off and use it as extra flavoring later on!
After your steaks are cut into thin slices, it’s best to marinate them for at least an hour before cooking. You can choose any marinade you like, but some good ones include teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a little bit of lemon juice; olive oil with herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, and thyme; or even just salt, pepper and olive oil. Once your steak has marinated for long enough to soak up some of the flavors, it’s ready to be cooked.
How do you cut a flank steak into small pieces?
Before you can cut a flank steak into small pieces, you will need to first freeze it to make the cutting process easier. Once the steak has been frozen, use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the meat across the grain of the meat. You will want to aim for thin slices that are about half an inch thick. After slicing both sides of your piece of meat, cut each side in half again so that every section is roughly one inch wide and two inches long. Finally, chop each individual piece into smaller pieces by slicing at an angle and then rotating your knife back toward yourself until you achieve the desired size for your dish.
If you’re looking for other cuts of beef that are perfect for chopping or cutting into smaller pieces, some other options to try include round steak, brisket, chuck roast, and cube steak. Additionally, you may want to consider cutting your meat into small cubes instead of thin slices if that is more appropriate for the recipe you are preparing.
No matter which kind of beef cut you choose for your dish, it is important to remember that the quality of your meat can make a big difference in how well your dish turns out. To ensure that you’re getting the best possible cut of meat for this or any other kitchen task, it might be helpful to seek out high-quality cuts from a butcher or local farm rather than purchasing pre-packaged cuts from a supermarket.
How do you know which way the grain runs in meat?
When you are cutting meat, it is important to know which way the grain in that particular cut of meat runs. This can really help you when you are cooking your meat because the direction in which the grain runs will determine exactly how the meat should be cooked. If you cook a piece of meat with its grain going against how it should go, then the finished product will become tough and lose too much moisture. Knowing which way to cook your meat’s grain depends on what kind of cut it is as well as where on the animal it came from.
There are three main kinds of cuts when it comes to meats: primal cuts, sub-primal cuts, and retail cuts. Primal cuts come from large sections of an animal, including the ribs, loin and shoulder. These cuts are then broken down into sub-primal cuts, which are sections of meat that include muscles, tendons and fat deposits. The sub-primal cuts can be further broken down into retail cuts – or pieces of meat that you would typically buy at your local grocery store.
To determine the grain direction in a cut of meat, you will need to look for lines of fiber that run throughout the muscle tissue. Typically, these fibers run parallel to one another so it is easy to see which way they go on a piece of meat. If there is no line along with the fibers running in one direction, look for areas where there is less collagen as this could help indicate which direction the muscle fibers run.
What kind of knife do you use to cut flank steak?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as different people prefer different types of knives for cutting their flank steak. Some people like using a standard chef’s knife, while others may prefer a serrated or utility knife. Ultimately, choosing the right type of knife will depend on your own personal preferences and what feels most comfortable to you when cutting your meat.
If you are unsure about which type of knife to use, it may be helpful to experiment with a few different knives at first until you find the one that works best for you. Whichever type of knife you choose, just be sure that it is sharp so that it can easily cut through your flank steak without tearing or shredding it. With these tips in mind, you should be able to choose the right knife for cutting your flank steak.
Do you cut the fat off flank steak?
Yes, you should definitely remove the fat from flank steak because it can be very fatty. However, there are a few different ways that you can go about cutting the fat off your meat. One option is to use a sharp knife to cut the fat away from the rest of the steak. Another option is using kitchen shears to cut off any excess fat and then proceeding with cooking or grilling as normal. Choose whichever method works best for you and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal!
How do you cut flank steak before cooking?
When preparing flank steak for cooking, there are a few different methods you can use to cut the meat. The first option is to place the flank steak flat on your cutting board and slice it into thin strips lengthwise along its natural grain. Another way to go about prepping your flank steak is to butterfly it so that you have one large piece of meat instead of two or three smaller pieces. You may also want to remove any excess fat or sinew from your flank steak before cooking in order to prevent it from becoming too tough once cooked. Whichever method you choose, be sure to take care when slicing this particular type of meat since it can be somewhat difficult and time-consuming when working with a sharp knife.
Can I cut a flank steak in half?
Sure you can. A flank steak is a thin cut of meat that comes from the cow’s lower back. It has a strong flavor and is best when cooked quickly over high heat. You can either take your knife and slice it in half or just cook it as a whole, cooking two sides at once. Make sure to keep an eye on it though because if you overcook this cut of beef, the flavor will be extremely strong and unpleasant.
Why is my flank steak stringy?
The most common causes for stringy flank steak are either overcooking or under-marinating. If the flank steak is cooked too long, it can become tough and fibrous due to collagen breakdown in the meat fibers. You can avoid this by learning to cook it at a low temperature or increasing your marinade time so that the beef has time to absorb all of the flavors before you start cooking.
Another option is simply to choose a different cut of beef when making your favorite steak recipes. Flank steaks are delicious, but they aren’t always the best choice when you’re looking for something tender! Other cuts such as a strip or ribeye steaks will provide a more tender experience without sacrificing any of the great flavors found in flank steak.
Does flank steak get more tender the longer you cook it?
Flank steak is a flavorful and lean cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. Many people love to use flank steak in their recipes because it is so tender and easily absorbs flavors, whether you marinate it or cook it with a sauce.
Other cuts of beef are often tougher than flank steak and can require cooking for hours over low heat in order to break down the meat enough to make it fork-tender. But when it comes to flank steak, many people have found that you don’t need to cook it as long in order to make it more tender. If you like your meat rare, then this may not be an option for you, but if you like your beef cooked medium-rare or even medium well, you can still get a tender piece of steak without having to cook it for hours.
What is the difference between flank steak and skirt steak?
Flank steak and skirt steak are both cuts of beef that come from the cow’s abdominal muscles. Flank steak is a tougher cut of meat that requires long cooking times to tenderize, while skirt steak is a more tender cut that can be quickly grilled or seared. Flank steak has a distinctive grainy texture that makes it an ideal choice for marinades and sauces, while skirt steak has a richer flavor and juicier texture when eaten on its own. Overall, flank steak tends to be less expensive than skirt steak, making it a popular option for budget-minded home cooks.
Which is a more expensive skirt or flank steak?
When it comes to choosing a skirt or flank steak, the answer isn’t entirely clear. A skirt steak is going to come out slightly cheaper than the flank steak, but it offers less tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for something that is more flavorful, then you might want to consider the flank steak option instead. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing some flavor in favor of saving a bit of money, then the skirt steak will be your best bet overall.
In general, both options are fairly affordable cuts of meat compared to other premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. However, if the price is your main priority when shopping for quality meat at the grocery store or butcher shop, then either one can be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what you prefer in terms of flavor and tenderness. No matter which option you choose, though, you’re sure to be enjoying a delicious steak dinner!
What is flank steak good for?
Flank steak is a delicious cut of meat that is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or even slow cooking. It can be used to make a wide variety of flavorful dishes, such as fajitas, stir-fries, and chili. Additionally, flank steak is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for good health. If you want to enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much money or putting in too much effort in the kitchen, then flank steak is a perfect choice!
Is Flat Iron Steak the same as flank steak?
Flat iron steak is a type of steak that is cut from the shoulder area and flank steak is from the lower part of the cow. They both have similar textures and marinades can be used to cook them, but flat iron steak has less fat than flank steak which makes it healthier for you. Both are delicious cuts of meat, but I personally prefer flank steak since I find it more tender. Whether you choose to cook flat iron or flank, there’s no doubt they’ll be some amazing flavor in every bite!
Which is more tender flank or flat iron steak?
Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the area just in front of the loin. It is tender, but it can be tough and chewy if it is not cooked properly. Flat iron steak, also known as top blade steak, comes from the area between the shoulder blade and the rib cage. This is a leaner cut than flank steak, but it tends to be more tender since there are fewer connective tissues in this part of the cow’s body. I would say that flank steak is slightly more tender than flat iron because it has more marbling and contains less fat, which makes for a better cooking experience.
Closing words
Flank steak is a delicious and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. By following these simple steps, you can create a tender and juicy flank steak that will be sure to please your guests. Have you tried cooking flank steak at home? What tips would you add?Thanks for reading!
See More in This VIDEO !
- How Long Is Steak Good In The Fridge?
- How Long To Cook Steak In Oven At 400
- How Long Can Steak Stay In The Fridge?
- How To Cook Wagyu Steak?
- How Long Does Steak Last In The Fridge?
Hello, my name is Grant Love and I am the founder of Love Living Life.
I created this blog to provide tips, guides, and reviews on all topics related to living a better life. Whether it’s health and fitness, personal finance, or simply learning how to enjoy life more, I want to help you live your best life!
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy my content.
