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September 20, 2024
Flank steak is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling or pan-searing. The key to cooking flank steak to perfection is achieving a beautiful medium-rare doneness. This will result in a tender and juicy steak that is full of flavor.
Before cooking the flank steak, it’s important to properly season it. Create a simple marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When it comes to cooking the flank steak, there are a few different methods you can choose from. Grilling is a popular option, as it imparts a smoky flavor and creates beautiful grill marks. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (medium rare).
If grilling isn’t an option, you can also pan-sear the flank steak. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired doneness. For medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F.
Remember to let the flank steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve the sliced flank steak with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
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Now that you know how to cook flank steak medium rare, you can confidently prepare this delicious cut of beef for your next meal. Whether you choose to grill or pan-sear, the result will be a perfectly cooked steak that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Flank Steak
1. Start by patting the flank steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Moisture can prevent the steak from browning properly.
2. Next, season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Optional: If you have time, you can marinate the flank steak for added flavor. Some popular marinade options for flank steak include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Simply place the steak in a resealable plastic bag with the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4. Before cooking the flank steak, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure more even cooking.
5. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Flank steak is best cooked quickly over high heat to achieve a medium-rare doneness.
6. If using a grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and let it melt.
7. Once the grill or skillet is hot, carefully place the flank steak on the heat source. Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
8. To test the doneness of the steak, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. For medium rare, the internal temperature should read around 135°F (57°C).
9. Once the flank steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for a more tender and flavorful steak.
10. After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure tender and easy-to-eat pieces of meat.
11. Serve the flank steak immediately and enjoy!
Trimming the Flank Steak
Before cooking a flank steak, it is important to trim off any excess fat or silver skin. This will help prevent the steak from becoming tough or chewy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly trim a flank steak:
- Place the flank steak on a clean cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, locate any large pieces of fat on the outer edges of the steak.
- Carefully trim off the fat by sliding the knife under it and cutting it away from the meat.
- Continue trimming any remaining fat until the surface of the steak is relatively lean.
- Next, look for any silver skin, which is a thin, silvery membrane that can be tough when cooked.
- Gently slide the knife under the silver skin and carefully cut it away from the meat.
- Continue removing any remaining silver skin until the steak is completely free of it.
By properly trimming the flank steak, you will ensure that it cooks evenly and is tender and delicious. Once trimmed, the steak is ready to be seasoned and cooked to your desired level of doneness, such as medium rare.
Seasoning the Flank Steak
Before cooking a flank steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by patting the flank steak dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasoning. Common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the surface of the flank steak, making sure to coat it evenly.
- For additional flavor, you can also marinate the flank steak in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices for a few hours or overnight.
- Once seasoned, let the flank steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
By seasoning the flank steak properly, you’ll create a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Cooking the Flank Steak
Once you have prepared your flank steak by marinating it, it is time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook your flank steak to a perfect medium rare:
1. Preheat your grill or skillet
Before cooking the flank steak, you need to preheat your grill or skillet. This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious charred crust. Set your grill to medium-high heat or heat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak
Remove the flank steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add additional spices or herbs of your choice to enhance the flavor.
3. Cook the steak
Place the seasoned flank steak on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium rare. For a more well-done steak, cook it for 6-8 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip the steak only once, as frequent flipping will prevent a nice crust from forming.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your grill or skillet. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (55-57°C).
4. Let it rest
Once the flank steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill or skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Remember: Cutting the flank steak too early will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak. To ensure maximum juiciness, always let your steak rest before slicing it.
Congratulations! You have successfully cooked a delicious medium rare flank steak. Now you can slice it against the grain and enjoy it as is or use it in your favorite recipes.
Searing the Flank Steak
Once you have properly marinated the flank steak, it’s time to sear it to perfection. Searing helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
1. Preheat the Pan
Start by preheating a cast iron pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. It is important to use a pan that can withstand high heat to ensure the steak cooks evenly.
2. Add Oil
Drizzle some oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, onto the pan and spread it around to create a thin layer. This will prevent the steak from sticking to the pan during the searing process.
3. Heat the Oil
Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. This indicates that the pan is hot enough for searing. Be careful not to let the oil smoke, as it can give a burnt taste to the steak.
4. Season the Flank Steak
Remove the marinated flank steak from the refrigerator and let any excess marinade drip off. Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper or any desired spices to enhance the flavor.
5. Sear the Flank Steak
Place the seasoned flank steak onto the heated pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a more well-done steak, cook it for a few more minutes per side.
6. Rest the Flank Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy flank steak.
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By searing the flank steak properly, you will achieve a delicious medium-rare steak with a flavorful crust. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
Grilling the Flank Steak
Grilling flank steak is a great way to achieve a delicious medium rare finish. Follow these steps to grill your flank steak to perfection:
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Season your flank steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Place your flank steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare.
- Flip the steak once halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium rare, the steak should reach about 135°F (57°C).
- Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tender and juicy slices.
Grilling flank steak can result in a charred and flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Enjoy your perfectly cooked medium rare flank steak!
FAQ
What is the best way to cook flank steak medium rare?
The best way to cook flank steak medium rare is to first season it with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Then, heat a grill or skillet over high heat and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Can I cook flank steak medium rare in the oven?
Yes, you can cook flank steak medium rare in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), season the steak, and sear it in a hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side. Then, transfer the steak to a baking sheet and finish cooking it in the oven for about 6-8 minutes for medium rare.
What temperature should the flank steak be for medium rare?
The internal temperature of a flank steak should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium rare. It’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
How long should I marinate flank steak before cooking it medium rare?
Flank steak can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If marinating for less than an hour, it’s recommended to use a marinade with a higher acidity, such as citrus or vinegar, to help tenderize the meat.