What To Know
- In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why flank steak curls up and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prevent it from happening.
- Flank steak has a very long grain, which means that the muscle fibers run parallel to the length of the steak.
- This will also help to prevent the steak from curling up, as it will not have a chance to cook on one side for too long.
Flank steak is a delicious and versatile cut of meat, but it can be challenging to cook perfectly. One of the most common problems is that flank steak tends to curl up as it cooks. This can make it difficult to grill or pan-sear evenly, and it can also result in a tough and chewy texture.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why flank steak curls up and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prevent it from happening. We will also share some tips on how to cook flank steak perfectly, so that you can enjoy this delicious cut of meat to its fullest potential.
Why Does Flank Steak Curl Up?
There are a few reasons why flank steak curls up as it cooks.
- The grain of the meat: Flank steak has a very long grain, which means that the muscle fibers run parallel to the length of the steak. When these muscle fibers contract during cooking, they pull the steak in different directions, causing it to curl up.
- The lack of fat: Flank steak is a very lean cut of meat, which means that it does not have a lot of fat to hold it together. This can also contribute to curling, as the steak has less resistance to the contraction of the muscle fibers.
- The high heat: Flank steak is typically cooked over high heat, which can cause the muscle fibers to contract quickly and forcefully. This can also lead to curling.
How to Keep Flank Steak from Curling
There are a few things you can do to prevent flank steak from curling up.
1. Score the steak: Scoring the steak before cooking helps to break up the long muscle fibers and prevent them from contracting as much. To score the steak, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the grain of the meat, about 1/4 inch apart.
2. Marinate the steak: Marinating the steak in a flavorful liquid helps to tenderize the meat and prevent it from drying out. This can also help to keep the steak from curling up, as the marinade will help to hold the muscle fibers together.
3. Cook the steak over medium heat: Cooking the steak over medium heat helps to prevent the muscle fibers from contracting too quickly and forcefully. This will help to keep the steak flat and prevent it from curling up.
4. Flip the steak frequently: Flipping the steak frequently during cooking helps to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. This will also help to prevent the steak from curling up, as it will not have a chance to cook on one side for too long.
5. Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Tips for Cooking Flank Steak Perfectly
In addition to the tips above, here are a few more tips for cooking flank steak perfectly:
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will help you to cut the steak against the grain, which will make it more tender.
- Season the steak generously: Season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Cook the steak to your desired doneness: Flank steak can be cooked to any level of doneness, but it is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium.
- Slice the steak thinly: Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender and flavorful results.
The Perfect Flank Steak Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for the perfect flank steak:
Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup your favorite marinade
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Score the steak and then place it in a shallow dish.
3. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and marinade to the steak and turn to coat.
4. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
5. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
6. Grill or pan-sear the steak over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Why is my flank steak tough?
A: Flank steak can be tough if it is not cooked properly. Be sure to cook the steak over medium heat and flip it frequently to prevent it from overcooking. You should also let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it, as this will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Q: How can I make my flank steak more flavorful?
A: There are a few things you can do to make your flank steak more flavorful. First, be sure to season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also marinate the steak in a flavorful liquid for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Finally, be sure to cook the steak over medium heat and flip it frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Q: What is the best way to slice flank steak?
A: Flank steak should be sliced thinly against the grain for the most tender and flavorful results. To do this, hold the steak perpendicular to the cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips.
