Why Flank Steak is Perfect for Marinating

Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef known for its distinct grain. While it can be tough if not prepared correctly, it’s an ideal candidate for marinades. The marinade’s acidic components help to break down tough muscle fibers, tenderizing the meat and allowing it to absorb incredible flavors. This cut also cooks relatively quickly, making it a fantastic choice for grilling or broiling when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying and robust meal.

⏲️ Time Needed: The Secret to Tender Flavor

While the actual “hands-on” prep and cook time for this Italian Flank Steak is remarkably short – often less than 10 minutes – the key to its exceptional tenderness and deep flavor lies in the marination process. The meat requires an overnight soak or at least a full day in the refrigerator to allow the Italian dressing mixture to work its magic. This extended marination time is crucial, as it tenderizes the beef and infuses it with those iconic savory, tangy, and aromatic Italian herbs and spices. Planning ahead for this step will truly elevate your dish, transforming an ordinary cut into something extraordinary.

🥘 Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

One of the best aspects of this Italian Flank Steak recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few common ingredients to create a marinade that packs a powerful punch. The magic happens when these components combine to tenderize and flavor the beef.

• 2 pkgs Italian Salad Dressing Mix: This is the star of our marinade! A good quality Italian dressing mix typically contains a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper. These ingredients provide the foundational savory and aromatic notes that define classic Italian flavors.
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil works perfectly here. The oil helps to distribute the flavors evenly, and more importantly, it coats the meat, preventing it from drying out during cooking and helping to create a delicious crust when grilled or broiled. It also helps to carry the fat-soluble flavor compounds from the dressing mix into the meat.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity in lemon juice is vital for tenderizing the flank steak. Acids help to break down the collagen and muscle fibers, making the meat more tender. Beyond tenderization, lemon juice adds a bright, zesty tang that balances the rich beef and savory herbs, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Flank Steak: Choose a fresh, lean flank steak. As mentioned, it’s a cut that benefits immensely from marination due to its naturally tougher fibers. Aim for a piece that’s relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking.

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling or Broiling

Preparing this Italian Flank Steak is incredibly easy, but following these steps ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful result every time.

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  Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing mix, oil, and lemon juice. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Make sure there are no dry pockets of dressing mix.
  
  
  Marinate the Steak: Place your flank steak in a shallow dish, a large zip-top bag, or a vacuum seal bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely coated. If using a bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing.
  
  
  Refrigerate: Transfer the marinating steak to the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours, and ideally up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates (within this timeframe), the more tender and flavorful your steak will be.
  
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  Cook the Steak: Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps ensure more even cooking.
  
  
  Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Place the marinated flank steak directly on the grates. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. For an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium.
  
  
  Broiling: If using a broiler, preheat it to high and position your oven rack about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Place the steak on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, checking for desired doneness with a meat thermometer.
  
  
  Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This is a critical step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender. Serve immediately and enjoy!
  

❄️ Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Cook Ahead for Convenience

This Italian Flank Steak recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it a dream for meal preppers and those looking to save time on future busy evenings. The best part? You can freeze the meat right in its marinade! This means that once you decide it’s time to cook, all you need to do is thaw it, and it will be perfectly marinated and ready for the grill or broiler. To maximize this convenience, we highly recommend purchasing 2-3 flank steaks on your first go. Marinate one for dinner tonight, and then freeze the other one(s) in their respective marinades. Label the bags with the date and cooking instructions. When you’re ready for another delicious meal, simply transfer a frozen marinated steak from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before, or even in the morning, and it will be thawed and fully flavored by dinnertime. This method not only saves time but also locks in the flavors, ensuring a tender and tasty meal with minimal effort down the line.