Flank steak is a flavorful, lean cut from the cow’s abdominal area. While it can be a bit tough if not cooked properly, with the right technique, you can turn it into a tender, juicy, and mouthwatering meal. Cooking flank steak in the oven is a fantastic way to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly, especially if you don’t have access to a grill. Let’s dive into how to cook flank steak in the oven with easy steps, tips, and seasoning ideas to make your steak dinner a hit!
Why Cook Flank Steak in the Oven?
– Convenience: No grill needed; your oven does all the work.
– Speed: Flank steak cooks quickly due to its thinness.
– Flavor: Using the broiler or roasting method creates a lovely crust and juicy interior.
– Versatility: Perfect for tacos, fajitas, salads, or served as a main dish.
Preparing Your Flank Steak for the Oven
- Bring to Room Temperature: Take the steak out of the fridge about 30-45 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Season Generously: Salt is essential for flavor and tenderizing. You can also add pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spice rub.
- Marinate (Optional): Marinating flank steak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) helps tenderize and infuse flavor. Use ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and red wine for a tasty marinade.
- Pat Dry: Before cooking, dab off excess marinade or moisture with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
Cooking Methods for Flank Steak in the Oven
1. Broiling Method (Fast and Flavorful)
– Preheat the Broiler: Place your oven rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler and preheat on high.
– Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
– Broil the Steak: Place the steak on the pan and broil for 4-6 minutes per side. You want a nice golden-brown crust.
– Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 120-125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium.
– Rest: Let the steak rest tented with foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
2. Roasting Method with Spice Rub (Hands-off and Juicy)
– Preheat Oven to 500°F: Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat.
– Apply Spice Rub: Mix spices like chili powder, coriander, paprika, garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub all over the steak.
– Sear and Roast: Place the steak on the hot baking sheet with a bit of oil and roast for about 15 minutes.
– Rest and Slice: Remove from oven, let rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
3. Searing then Oven Finishing (Best for Even Cooking)
– Preheat Oven to 400°F.
– Sear Steak: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the steak 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
– Finish in Oven: Transfer skillet to oven and roast 5-10 minutes depending on desired doneness.
– Rest and Slice: Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked Flank Steak
– Don’t Overcook: Flank steak is best medium-rare to medium for tenderness.
– Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures perfect doneness without guesswork.
– Slice Against the Grain: This breaks up muscle fibers and makes the steak easier to chew.
– Rest the Meat: Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the steak juicy.
– Watch the Broiler: Broilers can quickly burn food, so keep an eye on your steak while cooking.
Flavor Ideas and Serving Suggestions
– Marinades: Combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and honey for an Asian-inspired flavor.
– Spice Rubs: Use smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a smoky kick.
– Serving: Slice thinly and serve over salads, in tacos, with roasted veggies, or alongside rice.
Cooking flank steak in the oven is straightforward and yields delicious results. Whether you broil it for a quick crust, roast it with a spice rub, or sear then finish in the oven, you’ll enjoy a juicy, tender steak perfect for any occasion. Just remember to slice against the grain and rest before serving for maximum flavor and tenderness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked flank steak!