14+ Flank Steak Recipes Full Of Bold Flavor

There’s something about the sizzle of a flank steak hitting a hot grill or skillet that feels instantly comforting to me. It takes me back to summer evenings growing up, when my dad would marinate that long slab of beef in something garlicky and citrusy, and all of us would hover around the picnic table hoping to snag the juiciest slice. Flank steak has become my go-to for bold flavors—it’s the cut I trust for big family dinners, quick weeknights, or even feeding a crowd. Whether you’re looking for 14+ flank steak recipes full of bold flavor or just need a little inspiration for tomorrow’s dinner, these recipes are all about hearty taste and kitchen joy.

1. Garlic-Lime Grilled Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This is one of those recipes you pull out when friends show up last minute and you need something impressive but unfussy. The citrus and garlic do all the work, and the steak comes out tangy, juicy, and crisp-edged. It’s perfect for tacos or just slicing thin to serve over a salad.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb flank steak
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Handful fresh cilantro, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Whisk together garlic, lime juice and zest, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour marinade into a large zip-top bag. Add flank steak and turn to coat. Marinate 20 minutes at room temp (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to high.
4. Remove steak, letting excess marinade drip off. Grill 6–8 minutes per side, turning once for medium-rare.
5. Rest the steak 5 minutes on a board, then slice thinly across the grain. Scatter with cilantro.

Optional Enhancers (pick two):

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

Serving Idea: Perfect sliced for tacos, topped with avocado and a little salsa.

2. Chimichurri Marinated Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

When you’re craving something bright and herbaceous, nothing beats classic Argentinian chimichurri. It doubles as a marinade and sauce, making weeknight steak taste like a celebration. It’s ideal for making ahead and tossing on the grill for quick dinners.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Reserve 1/3 of the chimichurri in a separate bowl for serving.
3. Place steak in a shallow dish. Pour remaining chimichurri over steak, turn to coat. Marinate 1 hour (or overnight).
4. Grill steak over high heat, 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Rest, slice across the grain, and drizzle with reserved sauce.

Best Pairings: Grilled bread, roasted potatoes, or tomato salad.

3. Korean BBQ Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This is what you make when you want to bring restaurant-style Korean barbecue into your kitchen. The soy-ginger marinade gives sweet-salty depth, and the steak is perfectly charred. Serve with rice bowls and a pile of kimchi for that true takeout vibe.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Add steak and marinate in the fridge for 30–1 hours.
3. Preheat grill or broiler. Grill steak 4–5 minutes per side.
4. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
5. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.

Swap This With That: Try thinly sliced sirloin if you don’t have flank steak.

4. Sheet Pan Flank Steak Fajitas

Why You’ll Love It:

Fajitas are a family-night staple in my house. I love tossing everything on one pan for easy cleanup and letting everyone DIY their tortillas at the table. Perfect for busy evenings and picky eaters alike.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 flour tortillas

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine steak, peppers, onion, oil, and all spices on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss everything together.
3. Spread into an even layer. Roast 18–20 minutes, stirring halfway.
4. Warm tortillas and serve steak and veggies with toppings.

Meal Prep Tip: The cooked steak and veggies reheat beautifully for packed lunches.

5. Balsamic Herb Marinated Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a go-to for those nights when you want minimal fuss but big flavor. The balsamic vinegar makes the steak tender with a tangy punch, and the herbs add restaurant-level aroma. Serve it with simple roasted veggies, and dinner feels special but is totally easy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Place steak in a bag or dish and pour marinade over. Refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 8).
3. Remove from marinade and grill or broil 6 minutes per side.
4. Let rest, then slice thinly against the grain.

Serving Idea: Delicious over a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes.

6. Classic London Broil-Style Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This old-school favorite gets its name from a cooking style, not a cut. Marinade is the magic here, and even simple pantry ingredients give you a juicy, savory steak that’s easy to slice for sandwiches or mashed potatoes.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb flank steak
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a dish. Add steak and turn to coat. Marinate 45 minutes minimum; up to 8 hours.
2. Preheat broiler or grill to high.
3. Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and broil about 6–8 inches from heat for 7–8 minutes per side.
4. Rest, slice thinly against the grain.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking—London broil is best medium-rare to medium for tenderness.

7. Coffee-Rubbed Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

A coffee spice rub gives steak such a rich, earthy flavor with just a hint of bitterness that plays well with the meat’s natural sweetness. I love making this when I want to surprise guests or jazz up the usual steak night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 2 tbsp finely ground coffee
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make It:

1. Mix coffee, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
2. Rub spice mixture all over steak and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Grill or broil steak 7–8 minutes per side.
4. Rest, slice thin, and serve.

Best Pairings: Roasted sweet potatoes, mixed greens salad, or charred broccolini.

8. Thai-Inspired Flank Steak Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love vibrant flavors, a steak salad with a punchy lime-fish sauce dressing and loads of crunchy veggies is impossible to resist. It’s satisfying but fresh—my solution for hot days and leftover steak.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb flank steak
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 6 cups mixed lettuces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 small red chili, sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame oil

How to Make It:

1. Whisk soy sauce, lime, fish sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil for dressing.
2. Marinate steak with half the dressing 30 minutes.
3. Grill 4–5 minutes each side. Let rest, slice thin.
4. Toss veggies and lettuce in a large bowl. Top with steak, chili, and cilantro. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

Swap This With That: Sub sunflower seeds for peanuts for a crunchier topping.

9. Soy-Honey Broiled Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This sweet and savory recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for when you want steak without grilling. The broiler gets you a flavorful crust and juicy slices, ideal for easy weeknight rice bowls.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Stir soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper together.
2. Marinate steak for 20–30 minutes.
3. Set broiler to high. Broil steak 6–7 minutes per side.
4. Rest, slice, sprinkle with green onions.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use the same marinade with chicken thighs for an affordable swap.

10. Moroccan Spiced Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

The warm spices in this rub make plain steak taste exotic and comforting at the same time. It works wonders for shaking up routine meals, and the leftovers are great tucked into pita with yogurt sauce.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped mint

How to Make It:

1. Combine spices and salt in a small bowl. Rub steak with olive oil, then cover with spice mix.
2. Grill 7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
3. Let rest, slice thin. Garnish with mint, serve with yogurt sauce.

Flavor Boost: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne for subtle heat.

11. Flank Steak Tacos with Pickled Onions

Why You’ll Love It:

Taco night is treated as a special occasion around here, and flank steak always delivers super tender, flavorful bites that hold up to toppings. Quick-pickled onions add just enough tang to balance the beef.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb flank steak
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, pour over red onions. Let cool 20 minutes.
2. Rub steak with oil and spices. Grill or broil 6 minutes per side.
3. Rest steak 5 minutes, slice thin.
4. Serve steak in tortillas with pickled onions and cilantro.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the pickled onions up to a week in advance.

12. Ginger-Soy Flank Steak Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want stir fry but crave the texture of real steak, flank is the answer. Sliced thin, it cooks up tender and soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce. This one’s a freezer-to-table lifesaver for busy nights.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Toss sliced steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper.
2. Heat oil in wok or skillet, stir fry steak 2–3 minutes. Remove steak.
3. Add broccoli and bell pepper, cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Add garlic and ginger. Return steak to pan. Pour in remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Stir until glossy and well mixed.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Sub frozen stir fry veggies for fresh to save money.

13. Spicy Cajun Flank Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s for everyone who likes smoky heat. Cajun spice and flank steak are a match made for the grill or broiler, and leftovers slice up for killer sandwiches the next day.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Rub steak with oil, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
2. Grill or broil steak 7–8 minutes per side until charred.
3. Rest, slice and serve with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.

14. Mediterranean Flank Steak with Olive Relish

Why You’ll Love It:

Olive, caper, and tomato relish is the star here, brightening each slice of steak and making the meal feel Mediterranean market-fresh. This is a great summer dinner, served outdoors with crusty bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta

How to Make It:

1. Rub steak with oil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Grill steak 6 minutes per side, rest and slice thinly.
3. In a small bowl, combine olives, tomatoes, capers, parsley, and feta for relish.
4. Spoon relish over steak to serve.

Best Pairings: Serve with couscous, grilled vegetables, or fresh greens.

15. BBQ Flank Steak Sandwiches

Why You’ll Love It:

A saucy sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser, and slicing grilled flank steak for hearty buns means everyone gets a tender bite. This is the steak sandwich you’ll want for game day or backyard meals.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb flank steak
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 6 sandwich rolls
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced pickles

How to Make It:

1. Rub steak with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill 7–8 minutes per side. Brush with barbecue sauce during final 3 minutes.
3. Rest steak, then slice thinly.
4. Pile steak into rolls with lettuce and pickles; serve with more sauce.

Personal Note: We pack these up for picnics and they always disappear fast.

16. Flank Steak & Poblano Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

When I want something a little smoky and comforting, I reach for poblanos. This one pan meal brings together steak, peppers, and onions for savory, bold flavors with minimal cleanup.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high. Add steak, cook 2–3 minutes, remove.
2. Add remaining oil, poblanos, and onion. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until soft.
3. Add cumin, paprika, and salt, return steak, and cook 2 more minutes.
4. Finish with cilantro and lime juice.

Serving Idea: Serve over cilantro-lime rice or spooned into warm tortillas.

17. Mediterranean Flank Steak Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love It:

Butterflying and rolling flank steak with a savory Mediterranean filling makes for an impressive presentation. This is my dinner party move when I want to serve steak, but with a twist.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb flank steak, butterflied
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Lay steak flat, season with salt, pepper, oregano.
3. Layer spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
4. Roll up tightly, securing with toothpicks or butcher’s twine.
5. Brush with oil. Sear in oven-safe pan 4 minutes per side, then bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
6. Cool slightly, remove picks/string. Slice into pinwheels, sprinkle with parsley.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling makes rolling difficult; keep layers even for best results.

FAQ

What is the best way to slice flank steak for maximum tenderness?

Always slice flank steak thinly, against the grain. This breaks up the tough fibers and ensures a more tender bite.

Can I cook flank steak in the oven instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Broiling is a great alternative to grilling and delivers a nice crust. Just watch closely, as flank steak cooks fast under high heat.

How long should you marinate flank steak?

Flank steak benefits from at least 20–30 minutes in marinade, but a few hours (or even overnight) will create deeper flavor and tenderness.

What are good sides to serve with bold-flavored flank steak?

Fresh salads, roasted potatoes, rice, grilled vegetables, or simple tortillas all work well to round out the meal.

Conclusion

There’s a reason flank steak keeps showing up at my table—it’s the perfect blank canvas for bold, memorable flavors, whether you like things herbaceous, spicy, sweet, or smoky. With these 14+ flank steak recipes full of bold flavor, you can make steak night feel new every time and keep everyone excited to come to the table. Don’t hesitate to try new marinades, swap in your favorite spices, or give a different cooking method a shot. Cooking should always feel like an adventure, and flank steak is the ideal place to start. Happy cooking—your next favorite dinner is already on this list.