Memorial Day is HERE! You know what that means, right? Long weekends, sunshine, dusty grills getting fired up, and the absolute *best* excuse to gather everyone you love for some seriously good eats. And when I think of those perfect summer holiday gatherings, my mind immediately goes to that incredible smell of steak hitting the hot grill. If you’re like me and want to totally wow your friends and family this year without spending all day slaving away, then you’ve landed in the *perfect* spot. We’re diving headfirst into 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress! Seriously, flank steak is my go-to for these kinds of events. It’s just so darn versatile, takes marinades like a dream, and grills up beautifully. I have so many memories of my dad flipping flank steak for our big family BBQs growing up, and it always felt like the star of the show. These recipes are tried, true, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Why These 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes Are Perfect
Okay, so why flank steak for Memorial Day? It’s actually a no-brainer if you ask me! This cut is just *made* for the grill. It loves a good marinade – I mean, it practically drinks it up! – which means you can get some seriously amazing flavor into it without a ton of fuss. Plus, it cooks up pretty quickly, which is key when you’ve got a whole crowd waiting and you don’t want to be stuck at the grill all day. Over the years, I’ve found that flank steak is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s impressive enough for a holiday cookout, but honestly, it’s still easy enough for a weeknight if you’re craving something special. That’s why putting together these 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress felt like such a natural fit. Each one takes that wonderful, grilled flank steak and gives it its own unique personality. You get the classics, a little tang, a little smoke, a little sweet… really, something for everyone! I’ve spent countless holidays testing out different flavors, and these are the ones that always disappear first. For a deeper dive into marinades, check out this amazing flavor bomb for steak!
Recipe 1: Classic Grilled Flank Steak with Herb Rub
Let’s start with the OG, the tried-and-true classic. This is my go-to when I want that pure, unadulterated steak flavor. We’re talking a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, a kiss of paprika for color, and a good sniff of dried thyme and rosemary. Honestly, sometimes the simplest things are the best, right? You just mix up this dreamy herb rub with some olive oil and slather it all over your flank steak. The key, trust me on this, is getting a really hot grill. You want that gorgeous sear on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly medium-rare and juicy. I always let mine rest for a good ten minutes after it comes off the heat – it makes a world of difference! This is one of those recipes where the primary keyword, 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress, really comes through with just a few basic spices.
Recipe 2: Zesty Lime-Marinated Flank Steak
If you’re looking for something bright and punchy, this lime-marinated flank steak is your guy! Lime juice is fantastic because it does double duty: it tenderizes the meat and adds this incredible zestiness that’s just perfect for a hot Memorial Day. We’re talking fresh lime juice, a little bit of olive oil, some garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinating it for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours!) really lets all that citrusy goodness soak in. When it hits the grill, the outside gets this beautiful char, and the inside is so tender and flavorful. It’s seriously a hit at every BBQ I’ve ever made it for. People always ask what the secret is, and it’s just that simple, fresh marinade!
Recipe 3: Smoky Chipotle-Adobo Flank Steak
Alright, for all you spice lovers out there (and even for those who just like a little *oomph*), this smoky chipotle-adobo recipe is a game-changer. Those little cans of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are pure gold! They give the flank steak this amazing smoky heat that’s just out of this world. You can totally control the spice level too – use more peppers for a real kick, or just a spoonful of the sauce for a milder, smoky flavor. Mix it up with some garlic, a splash of oil, and maybe a bit of brown sugar to balance it out. This one really makes the flank steak shine, and it’s another fantastic option when you’re looking for 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress. It’s got a bit of mystery and a whole lotta flavor!
Recipe 4: Balsamic Glazed Flank Steak
Oh, the balsamic glaze! This is for those who love that little bit of sweet and tangy magic that happens when things caramelize on the grill. We’re talking a simple balsamic reduction – just simmer good quality balsamic vinegar until it thickens up into this gorgeous, syrupy glaze. You baste the flank steak with it a few times while it’s grilling, and boom! You get this incredible sticky, savory crust that is just divine. It’s rich, it’s a little sweet, it’s got that wonderful tanginess. I remember making this for a cookout a few years back, and every single person asked for seconds. It’s definitely one of my secret weapons for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. You can even whip up a quick little caramel sauce if you’re feeling adventurous! This caramel sauce is incredibly easy and could even inspire ideas for the glaze!
Recipe 5: Garlic-Soy Marinated Flank Steak
You can never, ever go wrong with a classic garlic-soy marinade, right? It’s just one of those flavor combinations that’s universally loved. This recipe gives you that incredible umami punch from the soy sauce, paired with tons of fresh garlic and maybe a little ginger or sesame oil if you’re feeling fancy. It’s savory, it’s deeply satisfying, and the soy sauce helps create a beautiful crust on the grill. Marinating is key here, so make sure you give it at least 30 minutes to let all those delicious flavors really meld into the steak. It’s the kind of flavor that makes everyone close their eyes and nod in approval. Plus, it’s super forgiving, meaning even if you cook it a minute too long, it’s usually still pretty darn tasty!
Essential Ingredients for Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak
When you’re whipping up these 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress, the foundation is key, and thankfully, it’s super simple! For our classic grilled flank steak, you’ll need about 1.5 pounds of good quality flank steak. Don’t skimp here if you can help it – a well-marbled piece can make all the difference. Then, for our basic flavor boost, we’ve got 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt (I like mine finely ground for better distribution), 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and then our fabulous spice team: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, plus half a teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. That’s it! The variations will build on this, but these core ingredients are what give us that perfect canvas. Using fresh, good-quality staples really makes your grilling shine, especially for a holiday cookout!
Mastering the Art of Grilling Flank Steak
Alright, let’s talk about actually *grilling* this beautiful flank steak. It’s not super complicated, but a few little tricks make all the difference, especially when you’re aiming for those 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress! First things first, get that grill fired up to medium-high heat. You really want it nice and hot so you get that gorgeous, savory crust forming right away. While it’s heating up, go ahead and give your flank steak a good rub-down with that herb mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Then, place it on the hot grill grates. For a beautiful medium-rare, I usually aim for about 5-7 minutes per side. Now, I know it’s tempting to poke and prod, but try to resist! Let it cook. And here’s the *most* important part, the one I learned the hard way: let that steak rest! Seriously, ten minutes off the heat, loosely tented with foil. This lets all those juicy flavors redistribute. If you skip this, all that goodness just runs out onto your cutting board. Trust me on this one! And for ultimate tenderness, always, *always* slice it thinly against the grain. It makes a world of difference. For more amazing steak tips, check out this guide to perfect steaks!
Tips for Success with Your 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes
So, you’ve picked out your favorite flavor from our 5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes To Impress – that’s awesome! Now, let’s just go over a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make sure your flank steak comes out perfectly every single time. It’s really not that tricky, but these little tips really do make a difference! If you’re looking for even more steak wisdom, this crazy easy steak recipe has some great takeaways.
Marination Matters: Maximizing Flavor
Marinating is your best friend with flank steak! For anything citrusy like our lime recipe, I wouldn’t go much longer than 4-6 hours because that acid can start to break down the meat a bit too much. But for soy-based or oil-based marinades, you can absolutely go overnight! It just infuses so much more flavor deep into the meat, which is exactly what we want for a holiday feast. It’s like giving the steak a super flavorful bath!
The Perfect Sear: Grill Temperature and Time
You want a hot grill – seriously hot! That’s how you get that beautiful, crispy sear on the outside. For medium-rare, which is my personal favorite for flank steak, aim for about 5-7 minutes per side. If you like it more medium, maybe push it to 8-9 minutes per side. And if you’re cooking for folks who like it well-done, keep a close eye on it, as flank steak can dry out if you go too long. Honestly, a good meat thermometer is a lifesaver here – for medium-rare, you’re looking for an internal temp around 130-135°F. You can always pop it back on for another minute if you’re nervous!
Slicing Against the Grain: The Key to Tenderness
This is HUGE. When you look at a piece of flank steak, you’ll see those long muscle fibers running in one direction. That’s the “grain.” You absolutely *have* to slice your steak against those lines, or “against the grain.” Think of cutting against the direction that hair grows on your arm. This shortens those tough fibers, making every single bite incredibly tender. If you slice with the grain, it’ll feel chewy, no matter how perfectly you cooked it. Trust me, take that extra minute to find the grain and slice thin!
Serving Suggestions for Your Memorial Day Flank Steak Feast
Okay, now that we’ve got our amazing flank steak ready to go, what are we serving it with? Because let’s be real, a holiday meal is all about the *whole* spread! For me, flank steak is just begging for some classic BBQ vibes. Think vibrant grilled veggies – asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, all smoky and tender. Or you can’t go wrong with a big, crisp green salad, maybe with some berries or a light vinaigrette. Corn on the cob is always a winner, whether it’s grilled or boiled! And if you’re feeling a little nostalgic, my grandma’s dill pickle potato salad is just divine – you can find the recipe here. Honestly, a batch of these irresistible french fries wouldn’t hurt either! It’s all about those fresh, summery flavors that pair perfectly with that savory, grilled steak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Day Flank Steak
Got questions about making your flank steak totally amazing for Memorial Day? I’ve got you covered! As someone who’s cooked more than her fair share of flank steak for summer holidays, I’ve picked up a few things. People always ask me about marinating, reheating, and cooking indoors, so let’s dive into those!
Can I marinate flank steak overnight?
Oh, absolutely! For most flank steak marinades, especially those that are soy-based or oil-based, marinating overnight is actually a fantastic idea. It allows all those lovely flavors to really penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious and tender. Just pop it in a sealed container in the fridge and you’re good to go! Just be a *little* careful with super acidic marinades (like those with lots of lemon or lime juice), as they can sometimes start to make the meat a bit mushy if left for too long, but usually, overnight is still fine for most recipes.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover flank steak?
Reheating steak can be tricky, but the key is to avoid drying it out. My favorite trick is to heat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of broth or water, just enough to create a little steam. You can also wrap it loosely in foil and pop it in a warm oven (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s just warmed through. Just remember, it’s cooked already, so you’re just trying to bring it up to temperature without cooking it further!
Can I cook flank steak indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, you totally can! While grilling gives flank steak that amazing smoky char, you can get delicious results indoors too. A cast-iron skillet is your best friend here. Get it screaming hot on the stovetop, add a little oil, and sear the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how you like it cooked. You’ll get a great crust this way! Just remember to slice it against the grain like you would if it were grilled.
How do I know when flank steak is done?
This is where a good instant-read meat thermometer is your secret weapon! For medium-rare flank steak (which is usually perfect for this cut), you’re looking for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 140-145°F. Pro tip: always let your steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after taking it off the heat, as the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the touch test – for medium-rare, it should feel yielding and springy when you lightly press the thickest part.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, this nutritional info is an estimate and can change depending on exactly how you make it, like if you marinate it longer or add extra oil. But generally, a 4 oz serving of our classic grilled flank steak packs around 250 calories, with about 25g of protein and 15g of fat. It’s a pretty lean, mean, flavorful machine!
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5 Mouthwatering Memorial Day Flank Steak Recipes
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Impress your guests this Memorial Day with these five delicious flank steak recipes. Perfect for grilling and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the flank steak.
- Grill the flank steak for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Serve with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: flank steak, memorial day, grilling, steak recipe, easy recipe, summer recipes, barbecue