Blog

Flank steak is a delicious and versatile cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. While it can be grilled or broiled, cooking flank steak on the stove is a convenient and efficient method that produces fantastic results. Whether you want to enjoy it on its own or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches, stovetop cooking allows you to achieve tender and juicy flank steak every time.

To cook flank steak on the stove, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and tools. Make sure you have a quality, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan that can withstand high heat. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is a popular choice for stovetop cooking due to its excellent heat retention and distribution.

Before cooking the flank steak, it’s essential to season it properly to enhance the flavor. You can create a simple marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can season the steak with a dry rub consisting of various spices, such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Choose a seasoning method that suits your taste preferences.

Once the flank steak is seasoned, it’s time to cook it on the stove. Preheat your skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil or butter to prevent sticking. When the pan is hot, carefully place the flank steak in the skillet and cook it for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C).

After cooking, it’s crucial to let the flank steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and moist result. Remember to slice the steak against the grain to further enhance its tenderness. Serve your perfectly cooked flank steak with your favorite side dishes or use it as a filling for a delicious meal. Enjoy!

Flank Steak: Cooking Guide

Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or cooking on the stove. It is a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to tacos. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook flank steak on the stove:

Step	Description
1	Prepare the flank steak by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or marinades. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
2	Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and let it heat up.
3	Add the flank steak to the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through cooking.
4	Remove the flank steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy steak.
5	Slice the flank steak against the grain, which helps to break up the tough muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender. Serve hot and enjoy!

Flank steak cooked on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. With these simple steps, you can cook a flavorful and tender flank steak that is perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and give it a try!

Preparing the Flank Steak

Before cooking the flank steak, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:

Step 1:	Start by trimming any excess fat from the flank steak. Fat can cause the steak to become greasy during cooking, so it’s important to remove as much as possible.
Step 2:	Next, score the surface of the steak with a sharp knife. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively and enhance the flavor.
Step 3:	Prepare a marinade by combining your desired flavors. This can include ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, and spices. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is fully coated, then seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4:	Remove the flank steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking.
Step 5:	Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak sear properly and develop a nice crust.

By properly preparing the flank steak before cooking, you’ll be able to enhance its flavor and ensure a delicious end result.

Marinating the Flank Steak

To add flavor and tenderize the flank steak, marinating is essential. Here is a simple marinade recipe you can use:

Ingredients	Measurements
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Soy sauce	1/4 cup
Garlic cloves (minced)	3
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Ground black pepper	1 teaspoon
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons

To marinate the flank steak:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is evenly coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Flip the steak halfway through marinating to ensure even flavor distribution.

Remember to discard the marinade after use, as it may contain raw meat juices. Now that your flank steak is marinated and ready, you can move on to the cooking process!

Heating the Stove

Before you start cooking the flank steak, you’ll need to heat your stove. Make sure the burners are clean and free from any debris or leftover food. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your steak.

Turn the burner on to medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. It’s important to preheat the stove to the proper temperature before adding the steak. This will help sear the meat and lock in the juices.

While the stove is preheating, you can prepare your flank steak by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Once the stove is preheated and the steak is seasoned, you’re ready to start cooking! Proceed to the next step to learn how to cook the flank steak on the stove.

Cooking the Flank Steak

Once you have prepared your flank steak and let it marinate, it’s time to start cooking it on the stove. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the steak but not so hot that it burns.

2. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom. This will help prevent the steak from sticking to the pan.

3. Carefully place the flank steak in the hot skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound as soon as it hits the pan. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.

4. While cooking the steak, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).

5. As you cook the steak, resist the temptation to move it around too much. Let it develop a nice crust on one side before flipping it over.

6. Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender.

7. After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. The grain refers to the lines running through the meat. Cutting against the grain will help break up the muscle fibers and make the steak easier to chew.

Now that you know how to cook flank steak on the stove, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal right in your own kitchen. Serve the steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Resting and Slicing the Flank Steak

Once the flank steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and ensures a juicier and more tender result.

While the steak is resting, take this opportunity to prepare your sides or finish up any remaining cooking tasks. Cover the steak loosely with foil to help retain the heat.

After resting, it’s time to slice the flank steak. It’s important to slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Look for the lines running through the steak, which indicate the grain direction. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Cutting against the grain helps break up the muscle fibers and results in a more tender bite.

Arrange the slices on a serving platter, and sprinkle any additional seasoning or herbs on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful flank steak!

FAQ

What is the best way to cook flank steak on the stove?

The best way to cook flank steak on the stove is to first marinate it for a few hours to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Then, heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat and sear the steak for a couple of minutes on each side. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the steak until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Can I cook flank steak on the stove without marinating it?

While marinating flank steak is recommended to enhance its flavor, you can still cook it on the stove without marinating. Simply season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat and cook the steak for a few minutes on each side, reducing the heat to medium for the remaining cooking time.

How long does it take to cook flank steak on the stove?

The cooking time for flank steak on the stove will vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. Generally, it takes about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare steak, 6-8 minutes per side for medium steak, and 8-10 minutes per side for well-done steak.

What temperature should I cook flank steak to?

The internal temperature of cooked flank steak should be about 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium, and 150-155°F (65-68°C) for well-done. Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.

Can I slice flank steak immediately after cooking it on the stove?

It is recommended to let flank steak rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender. After resting, you can slice the flank steak against the grain into thin slices for serving.