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Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on August 22, 2007

Time

35 minutes, plus 3 hours marinating

Yield

Serves 4

Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric Ground black pepper 2 pound flank steak, trimmed of excess fatTable salt

Before You Begin

Flank steak is a relatively inexpensive cut that can be tough if not properly prepared. To make sure that the meat is tender, do not overcook (rare or medium-rare is best). Because flank steak is a very thin cut, the marinade may flavor the meat in less than 24 hours. Cut steak into thin slices across the grain.

Instructions

  1. Whisk first 9 ingredients together in a small bowl until marinade is combined. Place flank steak in a zipper-lock bag or in a shallow, nonreactive pan. Pour marinade over contents and seal or cover. Transfer bag or pan to refrigerator and marinate steak, turning zipper-lock bag or stirring contents of pan occasionally to evenly distribute the marinade, for at least 3 hours, 24 hours if possible.
  2. Heat grill or broiler. Remove steak from bag or pan and sprinkle with salt. Place on a roasting pan or hot grill rack. Cook steak on grill or under broiler, turning once, until medium-rare, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer steak to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to let juices settle, about 5 minutes. Holding knife at a slight angle, cut thin slices across the grain. Serve immediately.
Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak

Spicy Southwestern Flank Steak

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

35 minutes, plus 3 hours marinating

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Ground black pepper
2 pound flank steak, trimmed of excess fat
Table salt

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Ground black pepper
2 pound flank steak, trimmed of excess fat
Table salt

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Ground black pepper
2 pound flank steak, trimmed of excess fat
Table salt

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted to develop marinade recipes to add deep flavor to a variety of grilled foods. To keep the marinades from softening the meat during this long process, we determined that low-acid marinades (with some lemon or vinegar to balance flavors) were optimal. We then created several variations on our basic marinade recipe, along with a guide for the amount and marinating time, determined by the product.

Before You Begin

Flank steak is a relatively inexpensive cut that can be tough if not properly prepared. To make sure that the meat is tender, do not overcook (rare or medium-rare is best). Because flank steak is a very thin cut, the marinade may flavor the meat in less than 24 hours. Cut steak into thin slices across the grain.

Instructions

  1. Whisk first 9 ingredients together in a small bowl until marinade is combined. Place flank steak in a zipper-lock bag or in a shallow, nonreactive pan. Pour marinade over contents and seal or cover. Transfer bag or pan to refrigerator and marinate steak, turning zipper-lock bag or stirring contents of pan occasionally to evenly distribute the marinade, for at least 3 hours, 24 hours if possible.
  2. Heat grill or broiler. Remove steak from bag or pan and sprinkle with salt. Place on a roasting pan or hot grill rack. Cook steak on grill or under broiler, turning once, until medium-rare, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer steak to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to let juices settle, about 5 minutes. Holding knife at a slight angle, cut thin slices across the grain. Serve immediately.

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