Grilled Flank Steak with Peanut Sauce

Tired of tough, chewy flank steak? I was too! But after countless grill sessions and a burning desire for perfectly tender steak, I’ve cracked the code. This Grilled Flank Steak with Peanut Sauce recipe not only delivers incredible flavor, but also guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture you won’t believe. The secret? A simple, yet effective, technique that transforms this cut of beef into a grilled masterpiece. Get ready to experience flank steak like never before!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Flank Steak

This isn’t just another steak recipe; it’s a flavor explosion and a texture revelation! Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:

• Unbelievably Tender: The anti-dryness trick works wonders. Say goodbye to tough steak.
• Flavor-Packed Peanut Sauce: Sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy, this sauce is the perfect complement to the grilled steak.
• Easy to Make: Despite the gourmet results, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward.
• Impressive Presentation: Sliced thinly and garnished beautifully, this dish is perfect for entertaining.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course, in tacos, or even on top of a salad.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Grilled Flank Steak

Before we fire up the grill, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this peanut sauce flank steak sing! We’re aiming for a balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, all while ensuring the steak remains incredibly tender. The marinade not only infuses flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. The peanut sauce adds a creamy, rich element that elevates the dish to another level.

• 1.5 lbs Flank Steak: The star of the show! Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut that’s perfect for grilling. Look for a piece with good marbling for the best results.

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. It provides umami and helps tenderize the steak.
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and tenderize the meat.
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and helps with caramelization during grilling.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger: A warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other Asian-inspired ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: For that essential garlic flavor.

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter forms the base of the sauce. Use a smooth variety for the best texture.
• 1/4 cup Water: To thin out the peanut butter and create a smooth, pourable sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
• 1 tablespoon Honey: Sweetens the sauce and adds a touch of floral notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
• 1 Jalapeno, sliced: For extra heat and visual appeal.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.

Crafting Your Grilled Flank Steak: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part – grilling! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is very doable. The key to success lies in the marinade, the anti-dryness trick, and knowing how to properly slice the steak. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a perfectly grilled flank steak in no time.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even flavoring of the steak. This marinade is your first line of defense against a dry, bland steak!
2. Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the steak will be.
3. Whip Up the Peanut Sauce: While the steak is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, lime juice, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
5. The Anti-Dryness Trick: Pound That Steak!: This is the game-changer! Before grilling, place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the steak to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This breaks down the muscle fibers, promoting even cooking and preventing toughness.
6. Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
7. Rest is Best: This is a crucial step! Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step!
8. Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is essential for maximizing tenderness. Arrange the sliced steak on a platter or in a bowl, drizzle generously with the prepared peanut sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeno, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Grilled Flank Steak Every Time

Want to ensure your grilled flank steak is a knockout every single time? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you achieve steak perfection:

• Don’t Overcook: Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in a tough, dry steak, even with the anti-dryness trick! Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Let it Marinate: While 30 minutes will work in a pinch, marinating the steak for 2-4 hours will yield the best results.
• Get a Good Sear: A hot grill is essential for achieving a beautiful sear on the outside of the steak. Make sure the grill is preheated properly before adding the steak.
• Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to experiment with different marinades to customize the flavor of your steak. A teriyaki marinade or a chili-lime marinade would also be delicious.
• Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce or use a spicier variety of chili pepper for garnish.
• Storage: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peanut sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What to Serve With Grilled Flank Steak

This grilled flank steak with peanut sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:

• Steamed rice or golden rice pilaf. The fluffy rice soaks up the delicious peanut sauce perfectly.
• Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
• A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Noodles such as soba or udon.

Your Grilled Flank Steak Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different cut of steak?

While flank steak is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak or flat iron steak. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cut.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before serving.

Can I grill the steak indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or an indoor grill. Just be sure to properly ventilate your kitchen.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover steak?

To prevent the steak from drying out, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of water or broth. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.

I don’t have rice vinegar. What can I substitute?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Enjoy Your Homemade Grilled Flank Steak!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for incredibly tender and flavorful Grilled Flank Steak with Peanut Sauce! With the anti-dryness trick and the delicious peanut sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience flank steak like never before. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! Also, be sure to share this recipe with your fellow grilling enthusiasts!