The Ultimate Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Recipe: Your Go-To Grilled Dinner

Grilled flank steak stands out as an effortlessly simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner choice, especially during the warmer months. This recipe for the most delicious Cilantro Lime Flank Steak promises a culinary experience where the meat is perfectly seasoned with a fresh, bold, and irresistible flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a quick marination, a turn on the grill, and it’s ready to transform your mealtime. Our homemade marinade, crafted from vibrant ingredients like fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, crisp green onions, a hint of spicy jalapeño peppers, and tangy tomatillos, ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. The longer you allow this steak to marinate, the deeper and more complex its taste becomes, promising a truly memorable meal. Join me as we unlock the secrets to preparing this outstanding grilled flank steak!

Why Cilantro Lime Flank Steak is Your Next Favorite Meal

Finding a dinner recipe that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful can be a challenge, but this Cilantro Lime Flank Steak ticks all the boxes. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping centerpiece for a summer BBQ. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus not only infuses the meat with a vibrant taste but also works as a natural tenderizer, ensuring a juicy and tender steak every time. Flank steak itself is a fantastic cut of beef; it’s lean, relatively affordable, and its grain makes it excellent for absorbing marinades. Its flat shape also means it cooks quickly on a hot grill, making it a perfect candidate for a fast and delicious meal.

The appeal of this recipe extends beyond its taste. It’s incredibly versatile. Once grilled and sliced, the succulent flank steak can be the star of tacos, burritos, salads, rice bowls, or simply enjoyed on its own with your favorite sides. This adaptability makes it a fantastic meal prep option or a way to refresh your dinner rotation. Forget boring meals; this cilantro lime sensation will awaken your taste buds and become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

The Magic of the Marinade: Fresh Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor

The secret to this flank steak’s incredible taste lies in its homemade marinade. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced, fresh, and deeply flavorful profile:

• Cilantro: This herb is the heart of the marinade, providing a distinctive fresh, herbaceous, and slightly peppery note that’s characteristic of many Mexican and Latin American dishes. Don’t be shy; use both leaves and tender stems for maximum flavor.
• Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential. Its acidity not only adds a bright, zesty tang but also acts as a natural tenderizer for the flank steak, breaking down tough muscle fibers to ensure a more tender bite.
• Jalapeños: These peppers introduce a mild, pleasant heat that complements the other fresh flavors. For less spice, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes. For more heat, you can leave some in or even add another pepper!
• Tomatillos: Often mistaken for green tomatoes, tomatillos offer a unique tart, slightly citrusy flavor with a hint of sweetness. They contribute to the marinade’s depth and vibrant green color.
• Green Onions: Providing a milder onion flavor than their red or white counterparts, green onions (scallions) add a subtle pungency and freshness that rounds out the aromatic base.
• Garlic: A staple in almost any savory marinade, fresh garlic cloves add a robust, aromatic foundation that enhances all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: This acts as the binder for all the ingredients, helping to emulsify the marinade. It also helps to distribute the flavors evenly over the meat and prevents the steak from sticking to the grill while cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: These foundational seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and ensuring the marinade’s vibrant notes truly shine.

The longer the steak bathes in this aromatic mixture, the more flavor it absorbs, resulting in an exceptionally tasty and tender piece of meat. Aim for a minimum of one hour, but overnight marination in the fridge is highly recommended for the best results!

Essential Grilling Tips for Perfect Flank Steak Every Time

Everyone loves a well-cooked steak, and mastering the grill is key to achieving that amazing flavor and tenderness. Here are my top tips to ensure your Cilantro Lime Flank Steak turns out perfectly every single time:

1. The Longer it Marinates, the Better it Tastes: This is a golden rule for flank steak. While a minimum of one hour is recommended to infuse flavor, marinating for up to 24 hours will yield a significantly more tender and flavorful result. Planning to grill tomorrow? Marinate it tonight!
2. Season Your Grill Grates for Success: To prevent your delicious steak from sticking and to ensure beautiful grill marks, it’s crucial to season your grill grates regularly, ideally every few weeks or before each use. Here’s how: Before turning the grill on, coat the surface of the grates with a high-heat cooking oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil). Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel, then turn the grill on high for about 15-20 minutes. The grates should become dark and almost shiny, creating a non-stick surface.
3. Preheat Your Grill to the Right Temperature: Don’t rush this step! You want your grill to be nice and hot, reaching between 350-400°F (medium-high heat), before you place the meat on it. This intense initial heat is vital for achieving a beautiful char and brown crust on the outside while allowing the inside to cook to a perfect medium-pink doneness.
4. The Crucial Resting Period: Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Allow the steak to rest for at least five minutes, or even up to ten, on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil. This allows the juices, which have been drawn to the center by the heat, to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly juicy and tender.
5. Slice Against the Grain for Tenderness: This is arguably the most important tip for flank steak. Flank steak has long, distinct muscle fibers that run parallel through the meat. To ensure maximum tenderness and make it easier to chew, use a sharp knife to slice the meat thinly *across* those lines, not with them. This shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in a much more palatable texture.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer: For absolute precision, especially if you’re new to grilling, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
   • Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
   • Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

   Remember, the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees during the resting period. Remove the steak from the grill just before it reaches your desired final temperature.

What You’ll Need for Cilantro Lime Flank Steak

Gathering your fresh ingredients is the first exciting step towards this flavorful meal. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for this vibrant marinade:

• Cilantro (fresh, packed, including leaves and stems for maximum flavor)
• Limes (freshly juiced for bright acidity)
• Jalapenos (seeds removed for controlled heat)
• Tomatillos (outer papery husks removed for their unique tangy taste)
• Green Onions (for a mild, fresh onion note)
• Garlic (fresh cloves for robust aroma)
• Olive Oil (to bind and carry flavors)
• Salt (essential seasoning)
• Pepper (freshly ground for best results)

Step by Step How To Make Flank Steak

Making this incredible Cilantro Lime Flank Steak is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

1. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Marinade:

Begin by gathering all the marinade ingredients and placing them into a food processor. This includes your fresh cilantro, juiced limes, green onions, peeled tomatillos, garlic cloves, olive oil, jalapeño peppers (with seeds removed for milder heat), and a generous dash of salt and pepper.

Blend these ingredients on a high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and forms a vibrant green paste. This ensures that all the flavors are fully incorporated and evenly distributed.

2. Marinate the Flank Steak:

Pour the freshly blended Cilantro Lime Marinade over the flank steak. You can do this in a large ziplock bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the steak is fully coated with the marinade, then seal it.

Allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for 1-3 hours, or for an even deeper flavor, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I personally find that an overnight marination in the fridge yields the most exquisite results.

3. Grill to Perfection:

Once marinated, preheat your grill to a high heat (350-400°F). Place the flank steaks directly on the hot grates and cook for a few minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 3-4 minutes per side; for medium, 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

4. Rest and Slice:

Once cooked, transfer the flank steak to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest for at least five minutes. This critical step ensures a juicy and tender steak. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the meat thinly against the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak incredibly tender and easy to chew. Enjoy this flavorful creation on its own or as part of your favorite meal!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Cilantro Lime Flank Steak is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of meals. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Tacos and Fajitas: Slice the grilled steak into thin strips and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
• Salads and Bowls: Add the sliced steak to a vibrant green salad, a hearty grain bowl, or even a Fiesta Taco Salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Rice Dishes: It pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy white rice or, even better, a zesty Cilantro Lime Rice.
• Nachos: Top crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, beans, and generous slices of this flavorful flank steak for an elevated nacho experience.
• Standalone Meal: Simply enjoy the steak with roasted vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh avocado salad.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing this Cilantro Lime Flank Steak can be even easier with a little planning. The marinade can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The longer the steak marinates, the better, so feel free to prepare it the night before you plan to grill.

If you have any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cooked flank steak is fantastic for quick lunches – slice it cold into salads or warm it gently for quick tacos or sandwiches. To reheat, you can briefly pan-fry slices or warm them in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Cilantro Lime Flank Steak:

• Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can! Skirt steak or flat iron steak are excellent alternatives as they also respond well to marinades and cook quickly. Adjust cooking times as needed for their thickness.
• How can I control the spiciness? The recipe calls for jalapeño peppers with seeds removed, which provides a mild warmth. For less heat, you can use fewer jalapeños or omit them entirely. For more heat, leave some seeds in, or add a serrano pepper for an extra kick.
• Can I cook this indoors? Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can sear the flank steak in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until it’s smoking slightly, then cook for similar times as on the grill.
• Can I freeze marinated flank steak? Yes, you can marinate the flank steak and then freeze it in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

Other Recipes You Might Like

If you loved this Cilantro Lime Flank Steak, be sure to explore these other delicious and complementary recipes:

• Cilantro Tomatillo Dressing
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Fiesta Taco Salad
• Crispy Taco Shells
• Simple Blender Salsa
• Tacos Al Pastor

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram!  I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!

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