When it comes to cooking flank steak, there are countless ways to bring out its rich flavor and tender texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course, pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook this versatile cut of beef. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a wide range of delicious flank steak recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic combinations like garlic butter and chimichurri sauce to bold flavors like soy ginger glaze and spicy tacos, we’ve rounded up 20 savory flank steak recipes that are pan-seared to perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or something fresh and adventurous, these recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this tender and flavorful cut of beef!
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Garlic Butter
This recipe elevates the humble flank steak to new heights by adding a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and unsalted butter.
6. Add the garlic butter to the same pan used for the steak and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Serve the sliced flank steak with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Flank Steak Stir-Fry in a Pan
Satisfy your cravings with this lightning-fast stir-fry recipe that combines tender flank steak, colorful vegetables, and savory sauces. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add flank steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
3. In the same pan, add onion and garlic; cook for 1 minute, until softened.
4. Add bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until tender.
5. Return flank steak to the pan; stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Cooked Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, featuring a zesty Argentinean-inspired chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
5. In a small bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, and red wine vinegar. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve the pan-cooked flank steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flank Steak Fajitas Skillet Recipe
Savor the flavors of Mexico with this simple and delicious flank steak fajita skillet recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slice the cooked steak into thin strips. Add the steak back to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.
6. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing some of the steak and vegetable mixture onto a tortilla, then add your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Pan-Fried Flank Steak with Mushrooms
A flavorful and tender flank steak recipe that’s quick to prepare and packed with savory mushroom flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, trimmed of excess fat
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook over medium heat until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
7. Slice the flank steak against the grain and serve with sautéed mushrooms.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flank Steak and Veggie One-Pan Dinner
A flavorful and healthy one-pan dinner that’s ready in under an hour! Marinate flank steak and sauté with colorful vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add flank steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan. Cook onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and oregano to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Return flank steak to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Red Wine Reduction
A classic combination of bold flavors and tender texture, this recipe elevates the humble flank steak to new heights. With a rich red wine reduction sauce, it’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet or grill pan to high heat.
2. Season flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the preheated skillet and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add red wine and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan.
6. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until reduced by half.
7. Stir in butter until melted.
8. Slice the flank steak against the grain and serve with the red wine reduction.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Flank Steak Tacos Pan Recipe
Add a kick to your taco Tuesday with this flavorful and spicy flank steak recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick meal prep option, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides, then brush with the spice mixture.
4. Cook the flank steak for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness (medium-rare recommended).
5. Slice the cooked steak against the grain into thin strips.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos with sliced steak, cilantro, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Flank Steak with Pan-Roasted Potatoes
A flavorful and hearty combination of tender flank steak and crispy pan-roasted potatoes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat. Add potato wedges and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until they start to brown.
5. Finish cooking the potatoes in the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
6. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with pan-roasted potatoes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Asian-Inspired Flank Steak Stir-Fry
Savor the bold flavors of Asia with this easy and delicious stir-fry recipe that pairs tender flank steak with crunchy vegetables and savory sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add steak strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, and broccoli to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and honey. Pour into the pan and stir to combine.
5. Return steak to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Cooked Flank Steak with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and tender flank steak recipe, paired with a rich balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, combine garlic, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until reduced by half.
6. Slice the flank steak against the grain and serve with the balsamic glaze spooned over the top. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flank Steak and Onions Skillet Meal
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender flank steak with caramelized onions and savory spices, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season flank steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Add olive oil to the preheated skillet and sear the flank steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions to the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
6. Serve flank steak with the onions and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Butter
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful and tender recipe that combines the richness of herb butter with the charred goodness of pan-searing. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 flank steak (6-8 oz)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over high heat and add the steak. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, mix together the softened butter, parsley, and thyme.
6. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Serve with the herb butter melted on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flank Steak and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the tenderness of flank steak with the sweetness of bell peppers. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the flank steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bell peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Add it to the pan with the bell peppers and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Flank Steak with Garlic Green Beans
A flavorful and effortless dinner that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe combines tender flank steak, crisp green beans, and aromatic garlic for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the flank steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside. Add the green beans and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Return the steak to the skillet, and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired doneness.
6. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Fried Flank Steak with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
Pan-Fried Flank Steak with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
Elevate your steak game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the tender flavor of flank steak with a rich and creamy peppercorn sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 0.5 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup freshly ground black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flank steak with salt and black pepper.
3. Pan-fry the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and black peppercorns. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve the sliced flank steak with the creamy peppercorn sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Flank Steak and Broccoli Skillet Dinner
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender flank steak with crisp broccoli and savory sauce, all cooked to perfection in one skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the steak to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
7. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the steak is coated with the sauce.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Soy Ginger Glaze
This Asian-inspired recipe combines the bold flavors of soy sauce and ginger with the tender texture of flank steak, making for a quick and impressive dinner. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear flank steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. Brush glaze over flank steak during the last minute of cooking.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Hash
This hearty dish combines the bold flavors of grilled flank steak with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and crispy onions.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season flank steak with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
3. Grill flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toss sweet potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and onions are crispy.
6. Slice flank steak against the grain and serve with roasted sweet potato hash.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling flank steak: 8-10 minutes
– Roasting sweet potatoes and onions: 20-25 minutes
Quick Pan-Cooked Flank Steak with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Savor the bold flavors of a tender flank steak cooked to perfection and served with a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Add the flank steak to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Pour the lemon garlic sauce into the same pan and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
6. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with the warm lemon garlic sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your flank steak game with these 20 savory recipes! From classic pan-seared dishes to bold and flavorful stir-fries, there’s something for everyone. Try pan-seared flank steak with garlic butter or a quick flank steak stir-fry in a pan. For a twist, opt for flank steak fajitas skillet recipe or Asian-inspired flank steak stir-fry. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple or indulgent, these recipes are sure to impress.
