If you only order steak at high-end restaurants, it's time to expand your menu at home. Flank steak recipes turn a typically tougher cut into tender slices of meat that pair with so many dishes.
20 Best Flank Steak Recipes for Any Occasion
Updated Sep. 04, 2024
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Braciole
Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, bread crumbs, tomato sauce
Level: Intermediate
If your family is always making their favorite Italian recipes, you’ve probably had braciole plenty of times. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a bit like rollatini, with flank steak pounded flat, then stuffed and rolled up. Best of all, it’s fully customizable, so you can switch up the stuffing, the meat or both, depending on your mood.
“In our family, Braciole was served as a special treat for birthdays and holidays. It was Grandma’s specialty and the preparation was time-consuming. When the meat and sauce were fully cooked, Grandma called us into the kitchen to watch her lift the big roll from the sauce to the cutting board to slice it. The pinwheels of meat, laid side by side on the platter, topped with Grandma’s delicious sauce, made a colorful picture.” —Recipe contributor Cookie Curci, San Jose, California
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Flank Steak
Total Time: 25 minutes + marinatingMain Ingredients: Flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
There are so many ways to cook flank steak, including slow-cooked, broiled and stir-fried. If you’re just learning how to prepare it, try marinating it in soy sauce, brown sugar and oil, and then cook it using the method you’re the most comfortable with. I find grilling or stir-frying to be the most straightforward. No matter how you decide to cook it, this recipe is as simple as it gets.
“This soy-marinated flank steak is my son’s favorite. I usually slice it thinly and serve it with twice-baked potatoes and a green salad to round out the meal. Leftovers are great for French dip sandwiches.” —Recipe contributor Gayle Bucknam of Greenbank, Washington
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Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
Total Time: 8 hours, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, jalapeno pepper, diced tomatoes, tortillas
Level: Beginner
Flank steak is the ideal cut to make in the slow cooker because letting the meat cook slowly all day makes it extra juicy and tender. Don’t forget the sour cream, salsa and cilantro for toppings!
“We enjoy the flavors of Mexican food, so I was glad when I spotted the recipe for this spicy slow cooker steak fajitas. The beef always comes out nice and tender.” —Recipe contributor Twila Burkholder, Middleburg, Pennsylvania
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Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef
Total Time: 4 hours, 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, rice, hoisin sauce
Level: Beginner
Soy sauce, hoisin sauce and gingerroot join forces for a peppery, tangy sauce that also helps tenderize the meat. I’m a spicy food fanatic, so I add twice as much crushed red pepper to this recipe.
“This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It’s easier than getting takeout! Set your Crock-Pot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Grilled Steak Fajitas
Total Time: 30 minutes + marinatingMain Ingredients: Flank steak, green pepper, flour tortillas
Level: Beginner
Give Taco Tuesday a much-needed makeover with this grilled flank steak. Serve with elote for an easy side you can toss on the grill while it’s still hot.
“This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert.” —Recipe contributor Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas
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Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Total Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes + marinating and coolingMain Ingredients: Beef flank steak, Worcestershire sauce, honey
Level: Intermediate
Don’t let the long cooking time deter you. Most of it is hands-off, when the jerky sits in the oven at a low temperature to dehydrate. When it’s done, store it in the fridge until game day.
“Jerky is a fun and portable snack. The meat has a savory flavor and just a bit of heat.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Key West Flank Steak
Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating and standingMain Ingredients: Flank steak, red onion, Key limes
Level: Beginner
Key limes have a distinctly different flavor than your run-of-the-mill grocery store limes, but don’t let that stop you from making the recipe if you can’t find Key limes in your area. It’s still delicious with regular, or Persian, limes.
“My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains.” —Recipe contributor Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
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Steak Pinwheels
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef flank steak, frozen chopped spinach, Parmesan
Level: Beginner
If you liked flank steak braciole, it’s time to try pinwheels next. Frozen chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese and sour cream add a creamy decadence to the dish that will make your guests ask for seconds, and maybe thirds.
“I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don’t like spinach seem to like this dish!” —Recipe contributor Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time: 30 minutes + marinatingMain Ingredients: Flank steak, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic
Level: Beginner
Because flank steak cooks quickly, it’s important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. After grilling the meat for about eight minutes on each side, check the internal temperature. It should read 135°F for medium rare, 140° for medium and 145° for medium well.
“How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef.” —Recipe contributor Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
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Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja
Total Time: 8 hours, 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, sweet red pepper, dry red wine
Level: Intermediate
This Cuban favorite is versatile and customizable. For a spicier version, add serrano or jalapeno peppers. To make the dish more tangy, add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a hearty broth, add more tomato paste. To sweeten things up, add more carrots.
“I traveled to Cuba a few years back and had some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations of it, and when I returned home, I began to experiment. I went through roughly five trials before coming to this recipe.” —Recipe contributor Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan
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Fajita in a Bowl
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, sweet corn, miniature sweet peppers
Level: Beginner
We’re big fajita fans, but sometimes we want to ditch the sizzling plate for a more portable, easy-to-eat bowl. This recipe suggests the meat be cooked on a grilling grid, but if you don’t have one, a disposable foil pan with holes poked in it works too.
“Pull out the skewers and take a stab at grilling peppers, onions and corn for an awesome steak salad that’s all summer and smoke.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Swiss Steak
Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, bacon, mushrooms
Level: Intermediate
On a cold winter day, this rich, creamy and smoky steak dish really hits the spot. Serve over mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach or a kale salad.
“I was really glad to find this recipe since it’s a great way to use round steak and it picks up fabulous flavor from one of my favorite herbs – tarragon. I am a homemaker with three children and enjoy cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family.” —Recipe contributor Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
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Steak Burritos
Total Time: 8 hours, 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, green chiles, taco seasoning, tortillas
Level: Beginner
This recipe calls for store-bought seasoning, but if you want extra credit, make your own taco seasoning. Combine all-purpose flour with chili powder, dried minced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper and ground coriander.
“Slowly simmered all day, the beef in this steak burrito recipe is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal.” —Recipe contributor Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine
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Veggie Steak Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, spring mix salad greens, sweet corn
Level: Beginner
The star of this refreshing salad is the flank steak, so you can switch up the veggies for pretty much anything you find at the farmers market or grocery store. I love to add avocado and fresh herbs.
“This salad just explodes with flavors. It’s easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate.” —Recipe contributor Tiffany Martinez, Aliso Viejo, California
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Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas
Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank Steak, peppers, onions
Level: Beginner
When you have a long work commute, it can be tricky to get a hot dinner on the table. Luckily, this slow-cooker flank steak recipe does a lot of the hard work for you. Precut the veggies and store in the fridge so you’ll be ready to eat a few minutes after you kick off your shoes.
“As a busy teacher, I think it’s so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I’m not the only one who thinks so: These slow-cooker flank steak fajitas go fast at potlucks, too.” —Recipe contributor Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois
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Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, brown rice, black beans
Level: Beginner
Thanks to a package of ready-to-serve brown rice and a can of black beans, this dish is ready in no time. And with only five basic ingredients, you’ll want to add this tasty recipe to your regular weeknight rotation.
“Busy weeknights don’t stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese.” —Recipe contributor Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
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Cilantro Beef Tacos
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, salsa, jalapeno pepper
Level: Beginner
It’s always time for tacos. And while I love fresh cilantro, tomatoes and onions on mine, you could easily top it with a jar of store-bought salsa and canned, sliced jalapenos and call it a day.
“When I have leftover steak, it’s time to make cilantro tacos. Set out bowls of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado and salsa. That’s a fiesta.” —Recipe contributor Patti Rose, Tinley Park, Illinois
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Mushroom-Stuffed Flank Steak Roll
Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes + marinating and standingMain Ingredients: Flank steak, lemon, mushrooms
Level: Intermediate
Soy sauce is a stellar marinade for flank steak because it’s acidic and full of that rich umami flavor. But because soy sauce can be so salty, cut it with a little sweetness. Honey will do just the trick!
“My daughter and her family, who live in Hong Kong, love to make my flank steak becuase it reminds them of home.” —Recipe contributor Ethel Klyasheff, Granite City, Illinois
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Slow-Cooked Flank Steak
Total Time: 4 hours, 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, onion, green chiles
Level: Beginner
After browning the steak in a skillet, pop the whole cut of meat into the slow cooker with water, sauteed onion, the pan drippings and a few spices. After cooking all day, it will be fall-apart tender and ready to devour.
“My slow cooker gets lots of use, especially during the hectic summer months. I can fix this flank steak in the morning and forget about it until dinner. Serve with noodles and a tossed salad.” —Recipe contributor Michelle Armistead, Keyport, New Jersey
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Nana's Italian Roulade
Total Time: 2 hoursMain Ingredients: Flank steak, bacon, eggs, pasta sauce
Level: Intermediate
This recipe is time-consuming, so it’s best for a special occasion or a relaxed weekend. One reader suggests adding thin-sliced pepperoni, raisins and cayenne pepper to the filling.
“My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family.” —Recipe contributor Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Flank Steak Recipes FAQ
What is flank steak?
Flank steak is a versatile cut of beef found at the abdomen that can be grilled, slow cooked, oven broiled and more. While it’s a lean cut of meat with almost no fat, flank steak is extremely flavorful, especially when marinated before cooking.
How do you cook flank steak so it’s not tough?
Because flank steak is so lean, it tends to be tough. Marinating the meat before cooking (often for several hours or longer) helps keep it juicy and tender. Regardless of the method, cook until the meat is medium rare, then cut it against the grain for the most tender results. Consider cooking the flank steak for several hours in the slow cooker for extra-tender meat.
How do you reheat leftover flank steak?
Great news: Flank steak can be frozen! Store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. It can also be kept in a covered container in the fridge for up to four days. If frozen, thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat the steak in the microwave, in the oven or on the stovetop until warm.
Originally Published: July 12, 2021
