What To Know
- Cutting against the grain allows the marinade or seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
- Roast the steak in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Sear the steak in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned on both sides.
Flank steak is a versatile cut of beef that can be grilled, roasted, or seared. It is relatively lean and has a bold, beefy flavor. However, flank steak can also be tough and chewy if it is not cooked properly. One of the most important steps in cooking flank steak is to cut it against the grain.
What is the Grain of Meat?
The grain of meat refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. When you cut against the grain, you are cutting across the muscle fibers. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.
How to Cut Flank Steak Against the Grain
To cut flank steak against the grain, follow these steps:
1. Place the flank steak on a cutting board.
2. Find the grain of the meat by looking at the surface of the steak. The grain will be visible as long, thin lines.
3. Hold the knife perpendicular to the grain and slice the steak into thin strips.
Benefits of Cutting Flank Steak Against the Grain
Cutting flank steak against the grain has a number of benefits, including:
- Tenderness: Cutting against the grain breaks down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.
- Flavor: Cutting against the grain allows the marinade or seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
- Juiciness: Cutting against the grain helps to keep the meat juicy by preventing the juices from escaping.
How to Cook Flank Steak
Once you have cut the flank steak against the grain, you can cook it using your preferred method. Here are a few tips for cooking flank steak:
- Grill: Grill the steak over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Roast: Roast the steak in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Sear: Sear the steak in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned on both sides.
Marinating Flank Steak
Marinating flank steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. Here are a few tips for marinating flank steak:
- Use a flavorful marinade: Choose a marinade that contains acidic ingredients, such as vinegar or citrus juice. These ingredients will help to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours: The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be. However, do not marinate the steak for more than 24 hours, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much.
- Remove the steak from the marinade before cooking: Before cooking the steak, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry. This will help to prevent the marinade from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Serving Flank Steak
Flank steak can be served with a variety of sides, such as:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with flank steak.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Grilled corn on the cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a summery side dish that is perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Final Thoughts
Cutting flank steak against the grain is an important step in cooking a tender, flavorful steak. By following the tips in this blog post, you can ensure that your next flank steak is cooked to perfection.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Why is it important to cut flank steak against the grain?
A: Cutting flank steak against the grain breaks down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.
Q: How do I know which way the grain of the meat is running?
A: The grain of the meat is visible as long, thin lines on the surface of the steak.
Q: What is the best way to cook flank steak?
A: Flank steak can be grilled, roasted, or seared. The best way to cook flank steak is to cook it over high heat for a short period of time.
Q: How long should I marinate flank steak?
A: Flank steak should be marinated for at least 4 hours, but no more than 24 hours.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with flank steak?
A: Good side dishes to serve with flank steak include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and grilled corn on the cob.
