If you crave bold, zesty flavors and love a meal that feels both special and simple, Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak is destined to become your new go-to dinner. This recipe gives you tender, juicy steak with that irresistible balance of tangy balsamic, savory garlic, and fresh herbs—all caramelized to perfection over a hot grill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Flavor-Packed: The marinade of balsamic vinegar and garlic soaks into every bite, creating a steak bursting with tang and depth.
- Effortlessly Impressive: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll serve up a main dish worthy of any special occasion—or just a seriously awesome weeknight dinner.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough to satisfy a hungry crowd, making it ideal for entertaining or family meals.
- Quick & Simple Preparation: Minimal prep and speedy grilling mean you’ll spend more time enjoying company and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s almost magic how just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients can transform a humble cut of beef into something so crave-worthy. Each addition brings its own character, harmonizing into that signature taste and tender texture that makes Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak unforgettable.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness that balances the savory richness of the steak.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps carry all the flavors and ensures juicy, tender bites.
- Large garlic clove: Fresh garlic brings a bold, aromatic bite (don’t be shy—mince it finely or crush for even more flavor).
- Thyme leaves: Earthy thyme gives a subtle herbal lift that plays so nicely with the balsamic and beef.
- Flank steak (about 2 1/2 pounds): This lean yet full-flavored cut is ideal for marinating and grilling—you’ll want to slice it thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the steak, enhancing all those bold flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A generous grind adds bright, spicy contrast to the rich meat.
Variations
There’s plenty of room to make this Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak recipe your own. Try switching things up based on what’s in your pantry or to fit your favorite flavor profiles—it’s so easy to adapt!
- Citrus Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the marinade for a bright, sunny tang.
- Fresh Herbs Medley: Swap or add rosemary, parsley, or oregano for a different herbal dimension.
- Spicy Twist: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat and smokiness.
- Alternative Protein: Use the same marinade for chicken breasts or portobello mushrooms for a delicious non-beef option.
How to Make Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Combine balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and thyme in a blender. Blitz until smooth—the mixture should smell wildly fragrant and look glossy. This magical marinade is what transforms the steak from ordinary to mouthwateringly memorable.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Lay your flank steak in a large glass or ceramic dish and pour the marinade all over, making sure every inch of meat is coated. Let it sit for five minutes at room temp—it’s quick, but enough to infuse real flavor while you prep the grill.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan over moderately high heat until nice and hot. Pat the steak dry, season with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper, and then lay it down with a sizzle. Grill about 8 minutes per side, turning once, for a gorgeous char and juicy, medium doneness.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Move the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes—this crucial pause keeps all those tasty juices inside. Slice thinly against the grain for fork-tender bites that show off the marbled, flavor-soaked interior.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Arrange the juicy slices beautifully on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle with any extra juices from the board, add your favorite garnishes, and gather everyone around. Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak is ready to wow!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak
- Get a Good Sear: Preheat your grill or grill pan until it’s really hot—this helps caramelize the outside quickly and locks in juiciness.
- Slice Against the Grain: Always cut flank steak thinly across the grain; it’s the secret to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the steak rest before slicing means every bite will be just as juicy as you dreamed.
- Double Up the Marinade: Make extra marinade (set aside before adding the meat) to drizzle over the finished steak for even more flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak
Garnishes
Bursting with flavor straight off the grill, this steak shines with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a shower of fresh chopped parsley, or even a few shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano for a touch of luxury. Add lemon wedges on the side for a zippy finish.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with grilled veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. I also adore it with roasted potatoes or atop a bed of garlicky sautéed greens—the steak’s richness makes any side feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak thin and fan it out on a rustic wooden board for family-style serving, pile it into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw for steak tacos, or arrange atop a crisp green salad for an impressive lunch. Leftovers? Try a steak sandwich with grilled onions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover steak cool completely, then seal it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prepping or next-day sandwiches and salads.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze extra Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, gently reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat, just until warmed through. Alternatively, cover and microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking—nothing beats tender, just-warmed steak.
FAQs
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Can I marinate the steak longer for more flavor?
Absolutely! While five minutes works well for a quick meal, marinating the steak for up to 2 hours (or even overnight) in the fridge will infuse even deeper flavor—just be sure to bring it to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
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What’s the best way to tell if my flank steak is cooked perfectly?
For most, medium doneness is around 135–140°F on a meat thermometer. Flank steak is at its best when left a little pink in the center—otherwise it can get tough. Always let it rest before slicing!
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Can I cook Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak without an outdoor grill?
Yes! A cast iron grill pan or even a heavy skillet works beautifully on the stovetop, giving the steak great char and flavor—just be sure to get your pan nice and hot.
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What’s the secret to slicing flank steak so it’s not chewy?
Always slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain—the muscle fibers are long, so cutting across them shortens each bite, making your Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak incredibly tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your tastebuds (and your dinner guests!) with a meal that’s both bold and beautifully simple, you just have to try Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak. I hope it brings as much excitement to your table as it does to mine—happy grilling!
PrintGrilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 16 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare a flavorful flank steak with a balsamic and garlic marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend grilling.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
Steak:
- 1 (2 1/2-pound) flank steak
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a large glass or ceramic dish, pour the marinade over the steak.
- Heat a grill pan.
- Transfer the steak to a board and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Slice the steak, transfer to plates, and serve.
In a blender, combine the vinegar, oil, garlic, and thyme; puree until smooth.
Let stand for 5 minutes.
Season the steak with salt and pepper. Grill over moderately high heat, turning once, until medium, about 8 minutes per side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg