How To Cut Flank Steak: Expert Chef Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Share it

Have you ever wondered how chefs make flank steak so tender? Their secret is in how they cut it. With the right knife skills, anyone can prepare a delicious flank steak. I’m here as an experienced chef to show you how to cut flank steak perfectly. This guide will help you cook it well, whether it’s for fajitas, stir-fries, or grilling.

Key Takeaways

Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut that requires proper cutting techniques to achieve tenderness.
Slicing the flank steak against the grain is crucial for shortening the tough muscle fibers.
Using a sharp knife and cutting at a slight angle can further enhance the texture of the flank steak.
Marinating and quick-cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or stir-frying are best for flank steak.
Mastering flank steak cutting skills can elevate your culinary repertoire and impress your guests.

Are you ready to make your flank steak tender and juicy? We’re going to learn the expert techniques. These skills will help you cut and cook flank steak like a professional chef.

Understanding Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean, tasty beef cut. It comes from the cow’s belly area. This area works a lot, making the meat strong, but if you cook it right, it’s delicious.

What is Flank Steak?

Flank steak is from the cow’s belly muscles. It’s thin and has lines running through it. This makes it great for fast cooking meals.

Flank Steak vs. Other Cuts

Flank steak is an affordable choice. It costs less than fancier cuts like ribeye. But, it can be tough if not cooked properly.

Why Cutting Against the Grain Matters

Cutting flank steak the right way is key to juicy, soft meat. The grain means how the muscle fibers go in the meat. To make it easier to chew, you should cut against the grain. This breaks the tough fibers into smaller bits.

The Importance of Cutting Against the Grain

It’s not hard to figure out the grain direction in flank steak. Just look for the long lines on the meat. When you slice across these lines, you get tender flank steak. It turns a hard cut into a delicious meal.

Identifying the Grain Direction

Flank steak has a clear grain direction, shown by its long lines. You can look and see which way they go. Cutting against the grain means cutting across these lines. This makes the meat easier to chew and enjoy.

Tools Needed for Cutting Flank Steak

To cut flank steak right, you must have some important tools on hand. The top tool you’ll need is a sharp 7-8 inch chef’s knife. A dull knife could damage the meat and make it hard to cut. Also, a clean, tough cutting board is crucial. Boards that can go in the dishwasher are best for raw meat.

An extra item that helps is a big kitchen towel under the cutting board. This keeps the board from moving while you cut the flank steak. Now, with the main tools for cutting flank steak, you’re set to slice it perfectly.

How to Cut Flank Steak: Expert Chef Step-by-Step Guide

I’m an expert chef, and I’ll show you how to cut flank steak just right. You might be making stir-fries or carne asada. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to make the flank steak tender, juicy, and perfect for any dish.

Here’s the secret to cutting flank steak well: slice it against the grain. This way, you break the tough muscle fibers making the meat softer. Just follow my easy steps. You can turn this budget-friendly beef cut into something truly tasty.

Cutting Raw Flank Steak

With raw flank steak, preparing it right is key before you cut. Lay the steak lengthwise on a clean board first. Notice the grain by looking for the long, thin lines on the surface.

It’s easier to slice if you chill the steak for 30 minutes. This keeps the meat solid when cutting into thin pieces. When cutting the raw flank steak, angle your knife at 45 degrees. This way, the flank steak will turn out more tender for eating.

Preparing the Steak

Start by placing the raw flank steak on a clean board, lengthwise. Check the grain by looking for those long, thin lines. This step is crucial for preparing the flank steak right.

Cutting Against the Grain

Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the raw flank steak into thin strips. Cut at a 45-degree angle, going against the grain. This trick makes the steak more tender. Be sure to keep the slices the same thickness for even cooking.

Cutting Cooked Flank Steak

Once your flank steak is cooked how you like it, it’s time to slice it. Let the cooked steak rest for a bit before slicing. Slice it thinly opposite to the grain for a tender cut.

Resting the Steak

Place your flank steak on a clean cutting board after cooking. Let it rest for 10 minutes or more. This lets the juices spread, making the meat juicy and tasty.

Trimming Excess Fat

Check the flank steak for any fat or tough parts not going the same way as the grain. You can trim these parts off for a leaner meal. Use a sharp knife for this step.

Slicing Against the Grain

After the resting time, grab a sharp knife and start slicing. Cut the meat thinly, against the grain, at a 45-degree angle. This makes the meat easier to chew. Slice it into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, for the best taste and texture.

How to Cut Flank Steak for Specific Dishes

When you’re getting flank steak ready for stir-fries and fajitas, slice it thin. Cut against the grain so it’s tender and cooks fast. It will soak up the flavors of the marinade or seasonings well this way. For grilled or broiled flank steak, you have choices. You can slice the cooked steak thinly when it’s done, or cook the whole steak first and then slice it. No matter which way you cook it, just remember to slice against the grain. This is key for the best texture.

Stir-Fry and Fajitas

For cutting flank steak for stir fry or cutting flank steak for fajitas, slice the meat thin. Do this across the grain at a slight angle. It makes the meat softer and easier to chew. Plus, the thin pieces will cook fast and take in the flavors of the marinade or seasonings.

Grilled or Broiled Flank Steak

For flank steak used in grilled or broiled dishes, you can choose how to slice it. After cooking, you can thinly slice against the grain. Or you can grill or broil the whole steak and then slice it. Remember, cutting against the grain is vital. It makes sure the meat is tender and easy to eat, whichever way you cook it.

Expert Tips for Cutting Flank Steak

Hey there, I’m an expert chef with some great tips for cutting flank steak just right. First off, make sure you use a sharp knife. A dull one can mess up the meat and make it hard to chew. Slice the steak at a slight 45-degree angle. This makes it extra tender by shortening the muscle fibers more.

Also, make sure to cut the steak into thin, even slices, but not thicker than 1/4 inch each. This helps it cook fast and stay easy to chew. With these expert tips for cutting flank steak, you’ll serve up juicy, tender steak every time.

how to cut flank steak

This part gives a good look at how to slice flank steak the right way. It doesn’t matter if the meat is raw or cooked. With the steps and tips we shared, you’ll slice flank steak to be really tender and tasty.

It’s key to cut flank steak the right way for it to taste great. No matter if you’re making stir-fries, fajitas, or grilling. Knowing the right way will make your flank steak come out juicy.

We talked about why cutting against the grain matters, the tools you need, and how to do it for raw or cooked flank steak. Use our methods to slice the flank steak into thin, even pieces. This way, it cooks fast and soaks up all the tasty flavors.

To really up your flank steak skills, use the tips and tricks from earlier. Grab a sharp knife and a clean board. Then, follow the right steps. Soon, you’ll cut flank steak like you’ve been doing it forever.

Marinating Flank Steak

Marinating flank steak makes it tastier and softer. The acid in the marinade, like lime juice or vinegar, breaks down tough parts. This makes the steak both flavorful and easy to chew.

Benefits of Marinating

Marinating helps flank steak in many ways. It makes the meat tender and adds different tastes. So, your dish will be both juicy and full of flavor, perfect for meals like stir-fries or fajitas.

Flavorful Marinade Recipe

Here’s a simple, tasty marinade for flank steak. Mix soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and more. Let the steak sit in this mix for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes.

Cooking Methods for Flank Steak

Flank steak is best cooked fast and hot to keep it juicy. Great ways to cook it are grilling, broiling, pan-searing, and stir-frying.

Grilling Flank Steak

Start by heating your grill on high. Season your steak, then grill each side for 5-7 minutes. This makes it crispy outside but tender inside.

Broiling Flank Steak

Broiling is also good for flank steak. Turn your broiler to high and place the steak on a pan. Broil 5-7 minutes each side. Watch it so it doesn’t cook too much.

Pan-Searing Flank Steak

For an easy stove option, pan-sear your steak. Use a hot, heavy skillet and some oil. Sear it 2-3 minutes on each side to get a good crust.

Stir-Frying Flank Steak

Cut your steak into strips and stir-fry with veggies for a quick meal. Warm a wok or skillet, then add oil. Sauté the steak and veggies fast for a tasty result.

Delicious Flank Steak Recipes

Flank steak is great for many meals. It’s perfect in carne asada, a Mexican favorite with lime, oil, garlic, and spices. Or, take an Asian turn with stir-fries and Mongolian beef, or beef satay with Thai peanut sauce.

Carne Asada

Carne asada is a tasty Mexican dish. The flank steak is marinated in lime, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili. You cook it on a hot grill, slice it thin, then serve with tortillas, onions, and guacamole.

Asian-Inspired Dishes

Flank steak is superb for Asian meals. Cut it thin and stir-fry with sauce and veggies. Or marinate it in soy, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Then, grill or broil for Mongolian beef or beef satay.

Grilled Flank Steak with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled whole flank steak is a summer hit. Season, grill, let it rest, then cut and top with pineapple salsa. The mix of sweet pineapple and steak is amazing.

Cutting against the grain makes flank steak very tender and juicy in all dishes.

flank steak recipes

That goes for carne asada, Asian meals, and grilled flank steak with pineapple salsa.

Knife Skills for Cutting Flank Steak

Learning to slice flank steak is key, but knowing your way around a knife is important too. Honing your knife skills by learning to cut bell peppers and cut dragon fruit adds variety. These skills help in making your flank steak meals fancier. For example, adding bell peppers to stir-fry or dragon fruit salsa on top of grilled steak.

How to Cut Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are great for color and crunch in dishes. To cut bell peppers the right way, cut off the top and bottom first. Then, slice the sides to remove seeds and pith. Cut into strips or cubes, based on what you’re cooking.

How to Cut Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is not only pretty but also tasty with flank steak. To cut dragon fruit, first cut off the top and bottom. Next, peel off the skin with a knife. Then, slice into rounds or dice into cubes for your steak dishes.

Conclusion

Cutting flank steak right is key for tender, juicy meat. Slice against the grain with sharp tools for the best results. Use fast cooking methods for a great meal.

This skill can make you a pro chef, ready for any dish. Always cut across the grain to soften the meat. A sharp knife and the right cuts will make your meal perfect every time.

Knowing how to cut flank steak well is useful for anyone cooking at home. Use these skills to wow your guests. It’s time to start cooking!

FAQ

What is flank steak?

Flank steak is a tasty beef cut from a cow’s belly area. It’s thin and has visible lines. This makes It flavorful but needs careful cooking to stay tender.

Why is cutting flank steak against the grain important?

It’s vital to cut flank steak against the grain. The grain is the way the muscle fibers go. Cutting this meat way makes it soft and easier to eat.

What tools do I need to cut flank steak properly?

You need a sharp 7-8 inch chef’s knife and a clean cutting board. A kitchen towel under the board stops it from moving while cutting.

How do I cut raw flank steak?

Lay the steak longways on a board. Find the grain, shown by lines. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the meat against the grain.

How do I cut cooked flank steak?

After it’s cooked, let the steak sit for 10 minutes. Then, slice it thinly against the grain. This makes it easier to chew.

How should I prepare flank steak for different dishes?

Slice raw meat thinly for stir-fries or fajitas. For grilled dishes, slice the cooked steak against the grain. Always cut against the grain for the best texture.