DINNER

Flank Steak Marinade: 7 Bold Ideas for Flavorful Grilling

by basmer

31 de January de 2026

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Flank Steak Marinade is a game changer for your grilling experience. Our bold, balanced marinade combines the perfect mix of acid, fat, salt, and aromatics to deliver juicy, richly flavored steak that grills or sears beautifully every time. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish, setting the stage for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Flank Steak Marinade

This flank steak marinade recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try. First, it enhances the natural flavors of the flank steak, resulting in a mouth-watering dish. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients. Third, it’s versatile; you can use it for grilling, stir-frying, or even tacos! Additionally, marinating your steak tenderizes the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat. The inclusion of garlic and fresh herbs adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the balsamic vinegar provides a touch of sweetness. Lastly, it caters to gluten-free diets, making it suitable for many guests!

Ingredients for Flank Steak Marinade

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon shallot (chopped)

How to Make Flank Steak Marinade Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic, and shallot to a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together for 10-15 seconds to combine.
Step 3: Pat the steak dry on both sides with a paper towel, then place it in a sealable bag or a shallow dish.
Step 4: Pour the marinade into the bag with the steak, then seal it. Move the marinade around so it covers the steak on all sides.
Step 5: Place the steak in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. For best results, prepare it the night before so it is ready for the next day.
Step 6: Once ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Step 7: Discard the remaining marinade and pat the steak dry with a paper towel.

Pro Tips for the Best Flank Steak Marinade

Keep these in mind:

For optimal flavor, let your steak marinate overnight.
Don’t skip bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking; this ensures even cooking.
Try adding a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick to your flank steak marinade for grilling.
Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your steak.

Best Ways to Serve Flank Steak Marinade

There are countless delicious ways to serve marinated flank steak. For a classic option, slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain and enjoy it in a warm taco shell with fresh toppings. Alternatively, serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a hearty meal or toss it into a salad for a refreshing summer dish. It’s also fantastic with a side of rice or in a stir fry!

How to Store and Reheat Flank Steak Marinade

After marinating, store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet over low heat, ensuring not to overcook the meat. This dish is also perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Flank Steak Marinade

What’s the secret to perfect Flank Steak Marinade?

The secret lies in balancing the marinade’s ingredients. Using a combination of acid from vinegar, fat from olive oil, and aromatics such as garlic and thyme enhances flavor and tenderness. This easy flank steak marinade ensures a juicy result every time.

Can I make Flank Steak Marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the marinade ahead of time not only saves you effort but allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Flank Steak Marinade?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t over-marinate the steak, as it can become mushy. Additionally, always discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination.

Variations of Flank Steak Marinade You Can Try

Experiment with different flavors by trying variations of this marinade. Consider adding citrus juice for a fresh twist or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy flank steak marinade. You could also incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a garden-fresh taste. Lastly, using apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic can provide a tangy alternative.

Ingredients for flank steak marinade including balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Korean BBQ Meatballs for a flavorful twist. You can also explore Creamy Peppercorn Steak Bites for a delightful appetizer!

For more information on the benefits of marinating meat, you can visit Healthline.

Flank Steak Marinade: 7 Bold Ideas for Flavorful Grilling

Author: basmer
Total Time: 130 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Our bold, balanced flank steak marinade uses the right mix of acid, fat, salt, and aromatics to deliver juicy, deeply flavored steak that grills or sears perfectly every time.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon shallot (chopped)

Instructions

Add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic, and shallot to a small mixing bowl.
Whisk the ingredients together for 10-15 seconds to combine.
Pat the steak dry on both sides with a paper towel, then place it in a sealable bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade into the bag with the steak, then seal it. Move the marinade around so it covers the steak on all sides.
Place the steak in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours. The longer it marinades, the more flavor it will absorb. For best results, prepare it the night before so it is ready for the next day.
Once ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Discard the remaining marinade and pat the steak dry with a paper towel.