Tender Marinated Flank Steak with a Flavorful Sauce

Alright, picture this: a sizzling steak on the grill, steam swirling up as the marinade caramelizes and the kitchen fills with those mouthwatering smells—yeah, this recipe is *that* good. What I love most is how the marinade transforms this lean cut into something buttery tender with layers of flavor that just make you wanna dive right in. And the best part? That sauce—rich, tangy, and savory—takes it from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re firing up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this marinated flank steak will become your new go-to. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll never look at flank steak the same way again!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 – 4.5 hours

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup reserved marinade
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This combo is where all the magic begins—savory, tangy, and just a touch smoky.

Step 2:

Place your flank steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and make sure it’s well-coated. Pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours, but 4 is even better if you have the time. This step really helps break down those muscle fibers, making this cut tender and juicy.

Step 3:

When you’re ready, remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly—no cold centers here!

Step 4:

Preheat your grill or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steak from the marinade (save the marinade for later) and pat it dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice crust.

Step 5:

Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—130°F is your target. Once done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Step 6:

While the steak rests, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil (this kills any bacteria). Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry if you want to thicken the sauce. Stir in butter for a silky finish. Drizzle this over your sliced steak and get ready to savor every bite!

Variations & Tips

• Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an herby twist.
• Use lime juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
• If you don’t have flank steak, skirt steak is a great substitute with similar texture.
• Letting the steak marinate overnight boosts flavor and tenderness even more.
• Don’t skip letting the steak rest—this keeps all those juicy juices locked in.
• For indoor cooking, a grill pan or cast iron skillet works wonders to develop that charred crust.

How I Like to Serve It

This steak is fantastic sliced thin over a fresh salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes on warm spring evenings or piled onto soft tortillas with some crunchy slaw for a casual taco night. When the weather cools, serve it alongside roasted root vegetables and a cozy glass of red wine for the ultimate comfort dinner.

Notes

• Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out.
• If you want a gluten-free marinade, swap soy sauce for tamari.

Closing: This tender, flavor-packed flank steak is a kitchen winner every time—easy, impressive, and downright delicious!