Grilling season is here, and there’s nothing quite like the flavor of perfectly grilled steak. One of my all-time favorites is balsamic glazed grilled flank steak. This dish is pure comfort on a plate and is bound to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this steak brings warmth and rich flavors that everyone will love.
The magic of this recipe lies in the delightful marinade made from a mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Combined with freshly minced garlic and a hint of Dijon mustard, this blend creates a flavor profile that is tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. With a sprinkle of salt and pepper, the marinade tenderizes the flank steak beautifully. The fresh herbs on top add a burst of freshness, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Creating this dish is easier than you might think. You start by whisking together your marinade ingredients in a bowl. Then, just place your flank steak in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours—or even overnight for that extra depth of flavor. After marinating, you grill it to perfection and let it rest before slicing. It’s a straightforward method that yields impressive results.
This balsamic glazed grilled flank steak recipe is perfect for those warm summer nights when you want to savor something special. It’s also outstanding for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy date night in.
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Glazed Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
- Quick Preparation: The marinade takes only minutes to prepare, and it does most of the flavor work for you.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry already!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey gives a unique taste that you won’t find in many other steak recipes.
- Versatile: Serve it with various sides or in salads, making it adaptable for any meal.
- Impressive Presentation: Grill marks and fresh herbs create a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flank Steak Tips
When selecting flank steak, look for a piece that has a good amount of marbling. Marbling is the small streaks of fat within the meat, which keeps your steak juicy and flavorful during cooking. Make sure the meat is bright red without any brown spots. If you can, choose grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and a more humane choice. Remember, flank steak is best cooked medium-rare for optimal tenderness, so be sure to keep an eye on it while grilling.
Options for Substitutions
- Use skirt steak instead of flank steak for a similar flavor.
- Substitute red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a tangier taste.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for an alternative sweetness.
- Swap garlic with shallots for a milder onion flavor.
- Use whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon for a different taste profile.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro instead of fresh herbs for variety.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is marinating the steak for too long. While the marinade is flavorful, leaving the steak in it for more than 24 hours can make it mushy. Another frequent pitfall is not allowing the steak to rest after grilling. Resting is crucial as it helps redistribute the juices within the meat. Skipping this step means your steak might end up dry. Finally, be cautious with the grill temperature; cooking the steak at too high a temperature can lead to burning outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
What to Serve With Balsamic Glazed Grilled Flank Steak Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light caesar salad. Grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing cucumber salad would balance the richness of the steak beautifully. Choose sides that complement the flavors without overshadowing the main event.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep any leftover grilled steak in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: If you wish to save it for later, this steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat: To reheat, you can use the stovetop on low heat or the microwave in short bursts until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (includes marination)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1200-1500
Protein: 110-130g
Fat: 80-100g
Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak into a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear on the steak, locking in the juices.
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or cooking to your desired level of doneness.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step is important; it helps the juices redistribute.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the steak against the grain into thin pieces. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately alongside your chosen sides.
In conclusion, this balsamic glazed grilled flank steak recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that anyone can master. With its delightful blend of flavors and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. I encourage you to give it a try, and I would love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your feedback or explore more delightful recipes on the blog. Happy cooking!
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Flank Steak
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Place the flank steak into a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or to your desired level of doneness.
- Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin pieces, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.