Craving a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Asian flank steak marinade recipe delivers tender, juicy steak packed with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Flank Steak
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor absorption. For an even more intense flavor, marinate overnight. This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines!
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. If using a skillet, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. For perfectly cooked flank steak, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. Slice thinly and serve immediately. This delicious dish is perfect served with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If grilling or pan-frying, ensure you have enough space for the steak to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees perfectly cooked steak every time, eliminating guesswork.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
- Get creative with sides: This flank steak pairs wonderfully with various sides, from simple steamed rice to vibrant stir-fried vegetables.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest and juice of one lime or orange to the marinade for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Ginger Zing: Increase the amount of ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Garlic Lover's Delight: Add extra minced garlic for a stronger garlic punch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This Asian flank steak marinade recipe is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your weeknight dinners. It’s a healthy meal option, perfect for those seeking delicious and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and explore the endless possibilities of homemade cooking!