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Looking for the ultimate flank steak? This marinade is my go-to trick! It blends sweet and savory flavors with a hint of citrus - transforming an affordable cut into something that tastes fancy. Plus, you'll have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour!
What Makes This Method Special
The transformation happens as these basic ingredients combine - the citrus acids soften the meat while soy sauce creates that deep, umami flavor. Cook it with intense heat and you'll get that gorgeous browned exterior while keeping the inside moist. It's become such a hit that my family begs for it every week!
Items You'll Need
- Quality Olive Oil: This isn't where you want to cut corners - it ensures juiciness.
- Soy Sauce: Either standard or tamari does the job wonderfully.
- Tangy Citrus: I typically go with lime, but lemon's just as good.
- Brown Sugar: Just the right amount for perfect browning.
- The Meat: Try to find a flank steak with consistent thickness.
Let's Make It Happen
- Create Your Mixture
- Find a container and stir the oil, soy sauce, citrus juice, and brown sugar together. Don't worry if the sugar stays a bit grainy!
- Marinating Period
- Place the steak in a container or resealable bag, add the marinade, making sure it covers everything. Refrigerate it - 30 minutes will do the job, but leaving it for 2 hours works even better.
- Cook With Heat
- Make sure your grill or broiler is extremely hot. Remove the steak, dry it thoroughly (this really matters!), and season lightly. Cook around 5 minutes each side for medium-rare doneness.
- Crucial Waiting Time
- Give that gorgeous meat 5-10 minutes to rest - this step keeps it juicy inside. Then cut thin slices against the grain direction.
Expert Advice
After countless times making this, here's what I've figured out: Invest in a meat thermometer - aim for 130°F for perfect medium-rare. Always thoroughly dry the meat before cooking or you won't get that nice sear. And slicing against the grain isn't just fancy talk - it actually makes every bite much softer!
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Storing For Future Meals
Any extra steak stays good in your fridge for 3-4 days. I actually enjoy it straight from the fridge on salads, but you can also warm it up gently. It's fantastic for throwing together quick tacos or adding to stir-fries later on.
Tasty Pairing Ideas
We usually pair this with baked potatoes and a fresh salad, but it works with so many things! Cut it thin for awesome tacos, toss it in a stir-fry, or dice it up for the most amazing steak and eggs you've ever had for breakfast. Sometimes I think the day-after meals taste even better!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long is ideal for marinating?
Let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but keep it under 2 hours to avoid making the texture mushy.
- → Why dry the meat before cooking?
Wiping off excess marinade lets the meat sear properly and avoids it steaming.
- → Can I replace lime juice with something else?
Sure! Swap it with lemon juice if that's what you have on hand, using the same amount.
- → Is extra salt needed?
A little pinch is fine, but go easy as soy sauce is already salty.
- → What temperature should I cook it to?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temp of 130°F, then let it sit after cooking.