Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade is a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer BBQ with friends. The steak is tender, flavorful, and super easy to make, thanks to a simple marinade that combines the tang of balsamic vinegar with the rich taste of soy sauce. Not only does the marinade enhance the flavor of the beef, but it also helps to keep it juicy and moist while grilling. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that will impress anyone who sits at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
This recipe is a standout for several reasons. First off, it is incredibly easy to prepare. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the steak with deep flavors while it marinates. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Secondly, flank steak is a budget-friendly cut that yields delicious results when cooked properly. Its natural texture coupled with the marinade creates a winning combination that will make your taste buds dance. Finally, this dish is versatile; you can serve it as the main attraction alongside grilled vegetables, or slice it for tacos or salads.
Print
Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade is a savory and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners. The marinade brings together tangy balsamic vinegar, rich soy sauce, and sweet brown sugar to tenderize and infuse the steak with deep umami flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and optional rosemary or chili flakes.
- Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature while the grill heats up.
- Grill the steak for about 5–6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will result in the most flavorful steak.
- Always slice flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Leftovers make great additions to salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- You can also cook the steak under a broiler if a grill isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of steak
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: grilled flank steak, balsamic soy marinade, steak marinade, summer grilling, easy steak recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
Creating this mouthwatering dish requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak: This cut is known for its flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar: It adds a tangy sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: This brings a salty, umami flavor which is essential for the marinade.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: It helps to keep the steak moist and adds richness to the marinade.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic contributes a lovely aroma and a bit of zing.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
Optional Add-Ons
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: If you enjoy herbal notes, rosemary adds a wonderful fragrance.
- Fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh thyme or parsley as a garnish when serving.
- Chili flakes: If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up.
How to Make Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade: Step by Step
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful dish, step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and rosemary (if using). Whisk everything together until well blended. It should have a rich, dark color and a sweet yet tangy aroma.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Take your flank steak and place it in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. This helps the marinade to penetrate the meat. Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours. For best results, let it marinate overnight. This extra time allows the flavors to really soak in.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the steak, giving it that delicious grilled flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Steak for Grilling
After marinating, remove the flank steak from the bag and let any excess marinade drip off. It’s important to discard the used marinade as it has been in contact with raw meat.
Step 5: Grill the Flank Steak
Place the flank steak on the hot grill. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip the steak and grill the other side for the same amount of time, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. A medium-rare steak usually reaches an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure precision if you have one.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once the steak is done cooking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the flank steak against the grain, which means cutting it perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This makes the meat easier to chew and enhances tenderness. Serve your grilled flank steak warm, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
This dish pairs well with various sides and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- With Grilled Veggies: Serve alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob for a fresh and colorful meal.
- Over Salad: Thinly sliced flank steak on a bed of mixed greens creates a hearty salad. Add some cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a complete dish.
- In Tacos: Chop the grilled steak and serve it in soft or crunchy tortillas. Top with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a tasty taco night.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Pair the steak with fluffy rice or quinoa. Drizzle a little of the leftover marinade (that hasn’t touched the raw meat) over the grains for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the steak. This helps achieve a good sear and keeps the juices inside.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer can help you pull the steak off at just the right time.
- Resting is Vital: Letting the steak rest before slicing can make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Slice Correctly: Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you aren’t sure which direction the grain runs, look closely at the meat fibers.
Easy Variations for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily mix it up. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Citrus: For a fresh twist, mix in some orange or lime juice with the marinade. This adds a bright flavor that lifts the dish.
- Consider Different Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, try honey or maple syrup for a distinct sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for varied flavor profiles.
Storage Tips for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely because it’s so good), here are some tips for storing your grilled flank steak:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover steak in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked steak. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftover steak gently in the oven at low temperature or on the stovetop to avoid toughening the meat. A microwave is fine in a pinch, but it can dry out the steak.
Conclusion
Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade is an easy yet impressive dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. So fire up your grill, marinate that steak, and get ready to enjoy a delightful dining experience!
FAQs About Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Soy Marinade
1. How long should I marinate flank steak?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate your flank steak for at least 4 hours. If possible, overnight is even better.
2. What is flank steak?
Flank steak is a lean cut of beef from the lower chest or abdominal area of the cow. It has a rich flavor and is best cooked quickly at high heat, making it ideal for grilling.
3. Can I cook this steak in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook flank steak in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
4. What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
5. Is flank steak healthy?
Flank steak is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. When prepared with a balanced marinade and served with vegetables or salads, it can fit well into a healthy diet.
By following this guide, you’ll not only have a great recipe to share, but you’ll also be equipped with tips and insights to enhance your cooking journey. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful grilled flank steak!
Looking for more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!
