Flank Steak Recipes

June 04, 2012
Photo: Romulo Yanes
Salads, tacos, appetizers, and more—there are endless possibilities for this budget-friendly beef cut. Most flank steaks you buy at the grocery store come in 2-pound packs. Split one in half, and you've got enough meat for two meals. Wrap the leftover flank steak for another meal later, or go ahead and use it in one of these sizzling flank steak recipes.
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Healthy Flank Steak Recipes

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Thai Steak Salad

When it comes to transporting ingredients, flank steak is the ultimate vehicle. It can be dressed to fill tacos, mix into stir-fries, or top on salads. You won't be running short on ways to serve it up anytime soon. Before you start firing up the grill, a quick tip: Before serving, always slice against the grain to avoid chewy texture. Also, be sure to allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

We're starting with flavor-packed Thai Steak Salad. A combination of fresh herbs—mint, cilantro, and basil—impart delicious fresh flavor.

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Grilled Flank Steak Gyros

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Claire Spollen
View Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak Gyros

You can indulge your fast-food craving with a healthier sandwich that packs the same irresistible meaty-creamy combo you get from a street cart.

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Korean-Style Beef Tacos

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Korean-Style Beef Tacos

Serve with cooked rice tossed with a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Shop for your meat at supercenter box stores or discount warehouses like Costco for the best prices.

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Pan-Grilled Flank Steak with Soy-Mustard Sauce

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Pan-Grilled Flank Steak with Soy-Mustard Sauce

Perfectly seasoned flank steak is kicked up a notch with flavor-packing soy-mustard sauce. Serve with Garlicky Asparagus and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

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Hoisin Grilled Flank Steak with Noodle Salad

Photo: Whitney Ott
View Recipe: Hoisin Grilled Flank Steak with Noodle Salad

The noodle salad is delicious cold, perfect for warmer weather. Toss in any vegetables you like, such as snap peas and bell peppers.

Make-Ahead Tip: Make the udon noodle salad and marinate the steak the night before. Sprinkle the steak with salt and pepper before grilling.

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Philly Cheesesteak

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak

What hot dogs are to Coney Island and wings are to Buffalo, the cheesesteak is to Philadelphia: iconic, tasty, and loaded with salt and fat. But, thanks to our lightened version, you'll be able to enjoy this meaty, gooey, and delightfully messy sandwich all year.

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Flank Steak with Romesco Sauce

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Flank Steak with Romesco Sauce

Romesco also works well as a sandwich spread, a sauce for grilled chicken, or a veggie and pita chip dip.

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Flank Steak with Tomato-Balsamic Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Flank Steak with Tomato-Balsamic Sauce

This sauce is also tasty with sautéed chicken breasts or pork chops.

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Sesame Beef Stir-Fry

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Sesame Beef Stir-Fry

If presliced beef is not available, ask your butcher to thinly slice flank steak. This is a great weeknight meal because of how quickly it comes together.

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Peppered Flank Steak and Salsa

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Peppered Flank Steak and Salsa

Serve this summery steak dinner with bread to bulk up this light meal.

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Cowboy Flank Steak with Sweet and Smoky Beans

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Cowboy Flank Steak with Sweet and Smoky Beans

Time: 40 minutes

Flavor Hit: Molasses adds a caramel sweetness to the beans.

Serve with Garlic-Roasted Broccoli: Preheat oven to 400°. Place 6 cups broccoli florets and 3 minced garlic cloves in a large bowl. Coat generously with cooking spray; toss to coat. Arrange mixture in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan. Roast at 400° for 12 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once. SERVES 4 (serving size: 1¼ cups) CALORIES 36; FAT 0.7g (sat 0.1g); SODIUM 29mg

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Flank Steak Tacos with Slaw

Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Flank Steak Tacos with Slaw

Time: 40 minutes.

Kid Tweak: We love the color and slightly bitter edge of radicchio, but you can sub shredded green cabbage for a milder flavor.

Serve with Warm Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad: Combine 1 cup diced peeled sweet potato and 1/4 cup unsalted chicken stock in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. CALORIES 83; FAT 0.1g (sat 0g); SODIUM 182mg

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Chipotle-Rubbed Flank Steak

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chipotle-Rubbed Flank Steak

Ready in 25 minutes and coming in at less than 300 calories, this spicy steak with Gorgonzola cheese sauce is a flavorful and filling meal.

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Vegetable and Steak Fajitas with "Killed" Jalapeños

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Vegetable and Steak Fajitas with "Killed" Jalapeños

Fajitas can be a little boring, don't you think? Not when they're topped with these lime-softened jalapeños. If you like a big burst of lime, drain but don't rinse the chiles before garnishing. Placing the steak briefly in the freezer firms it up, making it easier to slice thinly.

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Flank Steak Panzanella Salad

Photo: Erin Kunkel
View Recipe: Flank Steak Panzanella Salad

This salad is even better at room temperature once the bread has absorbed some of the dressing. Swap the steak for chicken or shrimp, or omit for a side salad.

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Steak with Cucumber-Radish Salad

Photo: Joseph De Leo
View Recipe: Steak with Cucumber-Radish Salad

Perfectly seasoned flank steak placed atop a bed of leafy greens makes a divine spring-inspired meal. If you can't find mâche, use butter lettuce. 

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Wild Mushroom, Flank Steak, and Poblano Tacos

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Wild Mushroom, Flank Steak, and Poblano Tacos

This Tex-Mex favorite tastes as good as it looks. Please your family by letting everyone choose their own toppings to add to the tacos.

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Flank Steak Salad with Plums and Blue Cheese

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Flank Steak Salad with Plums and Blue Cheese

Combine the comforting flavors of steak and cheese with fresh summer greens and fruit for a filling salad that's less than 300 calories.

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Flank Steak with Herb Dressing and Charred Broccolini

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Flank Steak with Herb Dressing and Charred Broccolini

Adding the steak's juices into the dressing it's served with boosts savory satisfaction. 

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Beef Teriyaki Crisps with Wasabi Mayonnaise

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Beef Teriyaki Crisps with Wasabi Mayonnaise

Prepare the mayonnaise mixture and cook the steak up to a day in advance. There's no need to reheat it, just slice the steak about an hour ahead, and leave at room temperature. The savory delight paired with the creamy and spicy mayonnaise will surely be a hit.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Onions, Avocados, and Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Onions, Avocados, and Tomatoes

Choose colorful heirloom tomatoes for a pretty presentation if they are in season. This recipe only has five ingredients—proving a delicious and healthy meal doesn't mean an extensive grocery list.

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Edamame Salad with Crisp Steak Bits

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Edamame Salad with Crisp Steak Bits

This recipe received 5 stars from reviewers and after your first bite you'll know why. Full of fresh ingredients and tossed in a light dressing, this healthy entrée is a winner.

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Spicy Flank Steak Tacos With Watermelon Salsa

Photo: Hector Sanchez
View Recipe: Spicy Flank Steak Tacos With Watermelon Salsa

Make taco night quicker and more delicious all at once. The three-pepper spice rub gives the steak wonderful complexity.

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Beef Lettuce Wraps

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Beef Lettuce Wraps

Fill crisp lettuce leaves with sliced flank steak topped with a zesty sauce made from lime juice, brown sugar, and minced pepper. Soba noodle salad complements the meaty wraps and brings another texture to the plate.

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Grilled Steak with Fresh Mango Salsa

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Steak with Fresh Mango Salsa

Grilled flank steak receives an extra punch of flavor when topped with fresh mango salsa. Serve with Garlic Flatbread.

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Grilled Vegetable and Flank Steak Salad With Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Vegetable and Flank Steak Salad With Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

If you don't love blue cheese, try crumbled feta or grated Parmesan instead.

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Lemon-Pepper Flank Steak Tacos

Photo: Squire Fox
View Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Flank Steak Tacos

This steak is simple to prepare and ready in a flash. The results are flavorful and supermoist. Don't be tempted to save time by skipping the resting step before slicing—the juices will run out from the meat, making it dry.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo

Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo

Turn your kitchen island into a Mexican street food cart offering Carne Asada-style tacos. Fresh cilantro leaves, orange juice, and glorious bold-flavored spices unite to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Cherry-Pecan Rice

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Cherry-Pecan Rice

Instead of flank steak, you can also use 2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, grilled 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Serve with our Butter Lettuce and Beet Salad.

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