The Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend feasts. Combining the deep tang of balsamic vinegar with the rich aroma of garlic and a hint of thyme, this dish brings out the full, robust flavor of a perfectly grilled flank steak. It’s simple yet sophisticated, delivering juicy tenderness with a caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or new to cooking steak, this recipe is easy to follow and never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the flavors bold but balanced while ensuring the steak stays tender and juicy. The freshness and quality of each component make all the difference.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides smoothness and helps the marinade cling to the steak.
- Garlic clove: Brings a warm, pungent depth that infuses the steak with irresistible aroma.
- Thyme leaves: Offers subtle earthy notes that brighten the marinade’s profile.
- Flank steak (2 1/2 pounds): A lean, flavorful cut perfect for grilling and slicing thin.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and helps the crust develop during grilling.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy kick to balance the balsamic’s sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. The key to success with this recipe is having everything ready to go so you can blend the marinade and get your steak soaking up those flavors quickly.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
Into a blender, combine 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one large garlic clove, and half a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and aromatic. This marinade is the heart of the dish, balancing acidity, richness, and herbaceous notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
Place your flank steak in a large glass or ceramic dish, and pour the freshly prepared marinade all over it. Make sure the steak is well-coated, then allow it to marinate for just 5 minutes. Though brief, this step ensures the flavors begin to permeate without overwhelming the natural steak taste.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill Pan
While the steak marinates, heat your grill pan over moderately high heat. It’s essential to get the pan nice and hot to achieve that coveted sear and grill marks, which lock in juices and add fantastic texture.
Step 5: Season and Grill the Steak
Before grilling, generously season both sides of the flank steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, place the steak on the hot grill pan. Grill for about 8 minutes per side, turning once, until the steak reaches a perfect medium doneness. This method produces a beautifully caramelized crust with a juicy, tender center.
How to Serve Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh thyme sprigs or thinly sliced scallions complement the steak’s bold flavors without overpowering them. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can also add a delightful crunch and burst of saltiness.
Side Dishes
This steak shines alongside vibrant roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The tang from the balsamic marinade pairs beautifully with sweet grilled asparagus or a wedge of charred lemon to brighten each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual feast, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain and serve it on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of leftover marinade or olive oil. Alternatively, use it to top warm pita bread with tzatziki and fresh veggies for a fun, Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover steak to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner additions.
Freezing
If you want to keep the steak longer, slice and freeze it in portioned airtight bags. Properly wrapped, it will maintain flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To avoid drying out your steak, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, covering the pan to trap moisture. Alternatively, warm it briefly in the microwave at low power, checking regularly to keep juiciness intact.
FAQs
Can I marinate the steak longer than 5 minutes?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a brief marinade to highlight the freshness of the balsamic and garlic, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration without sacrificing tender texture.
What if I don’t have a grill pan? Can I use a regular pan?
You can use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan if you don’t have a grill pan. Just make sure it’s hot enough to sear the steak properly, and you can still achieve a delicious crust, though you might miss out on those classic grill lines.
Is flank steak the best cut for this recipe?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean with great flavor and cooks quickly. You could substitute skirt steak with similar results, but avoid cuts that are too thick or fatty as they may not absorb the marinade as well or cook evenly.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
The grilling time in this recipe leads to medium doneness, which is juicy and tender. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer—130°F to 135°F indicates medium rare, while 140°F to 145°F is medium. Let the steak rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, dried thyme can be used if fresh is unavailable. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just blend it well into the marinade to distribute its flavor evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe that makes it a standout crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable yet elegant, packed with flavor without relying on complicated techniques or ingredients. Give it a try the next time you want to wow friends or simply treat yourself to a satisfying, home-cooked meal that feels like a celebration of great taste.
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Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak recipe is a flavorful and simple way to prepare a juicy, tender steak. The marinade combines tangy balsamic vinegar with aromatic garlic and thyme, enhanced by extra-virgin olive oil, creating a deliciously savory glaze. The flank steak is quickly marinated, then grilled to medium perfection, making this dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
Steak
- 1 (2 1/2-pound) flank steak
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients including balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, flank steak, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the marinade: Peel the garlic clove and measure the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and thyme leaves.
- Blend the marinade: In a blender, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and thyme leaves and puree until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Pour the prepared marinade over the flank steak in a large glass or ceramic dish, ensuring the steak is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the grill pan: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Season the steak: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the flank steak to taste.
- Grill the steak: Place the steak on the preheated grill pan and cook over moderately high heat, turning once. Grill for about 8 minutes per side or until the steak reaches medium doneness.
- Rest and serve: Remove the steak from the grill pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain and serving.
Notes
- Allow the steak to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust the grilling time if you prefer your steak rare or well-done.
- Use a meat thermometer if desired; medium doneness is about 135°F (57°C) internal temperature.
- You can marinate the steak for longer if time allows, up to 1 hour, for fuller flavor infusion.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes such as grilled vegetables, salad, or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
