This flavorful flank steak marinade combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes to transform an affordable cut of beef into a tender, juicy, and deeply satisfying meal. With a simple overnight soak and a quick, high-heat cook, you’ll get a beautifully caramelized crust and a steak packed with bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy sees you through from prep to plate with minimal effort. The marinade uses everyday pantry ingredients yet delivers restaurant-quality results. It works beautifully for grilling or stovetop cooking, making it perfect year-round. The balance of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and balsamic vinegar creates depth without overpowering the natural flavor of the beef.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 flank steak, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
3 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions

In a large bowl or sealable gallon-size plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, and honey. Whisk until fully blended.

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced scallions, mixing well to evenly distribute the aromatics.

Place the flank steak into the marinade, turning it several times to ensure all sides are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly.

Refrigerate and allow the steak to marinate for at least 10 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor.

When ready to cook, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat.

Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Cook the steak for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 10 to 24 hours
Cooking time: 12 to 14 minutes
Total active time: approximately 25 minutes, plus marinating

Variations

For a spicier marinade, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes.
For a citrus twist, replace half of the balsamic vinegar with fresh lime juice.
For a deeper umami flavor, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and reduce the vegetable oil slightly.
This marinade also works well with skirt steak, sirloin, or beef kabobs.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave, covering to prevent drying out. For best texture, avoid reheating more than once.

FAQs

How long should flank steak marinate?

Flank steak should marinate for at least 10 hours, but overnight marinating produces the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I marinate the steak longer than 24 hours?

It’s best not to exceed 24 hours, as the acids in the marinade can begin to break down the meat too much and affect texture.

Do I need to score the flank steak before marinating?

Scoring is optional, but lightly scoring the surface can help the marinade penetrate more deeply.

Can this recipe be cooked without a grill?

Yes, a stovetop grill pan or heavy skillet works very well for this recipe.

What is the best doneness for flank steak?

Medium-rare to medium is ideal, as flank steak can become tough if overcooked.

Why should I slice flank steak against the grain?

Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.

Can I freeze the steak in the marinade?

Yes, you can freeze the steak in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Is low-sodium soy sauce necessary?

Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the marinade from becoming overly salty, but regular soy sauce can be used with care.

Can I reuse the marinade?

No, the marinade should be discarded after use for food safety reasons.

What sides pair well with this flank steak?

This steak pairs well with grilled vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This ultimate flank steak marinade proves that simple ingredients can create exceptional results. With minimal prep and a little patience, you’ll enjoy a tender, flavor-packed steak that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Once you try it, this marinade is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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