Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

4 servings
This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is so simple, but absolutely packed with flavor. The sweet, umami-rich marinade tenderizes the beef and helps it develop a deep, caramelized crust. The marinade also become a glaze, for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • flat iron

    flank or skirt steak, 1 1/2 - 2 lbs

    1
  • soy sauce
    ½ c
  • grape seed or vegetable oil

    plus more for brushing

    2 tbsp
  • mirin
    ¼ c
  • honey or brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves

    grated

    4
  • scallions)

    sliced thin (plus more for garnish, if desired

    3
  • toasted sesame oil
    2 tsp
  • sambal olek or other chili garlic paste
    2 tsp
  • toasted sesame seeds

    for garnish

  • cornstarch

    optional

    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Into a sealable bag, add the soy sauce, vegetable oil, mirin, honey, garlic, scallions, sesame oil and Sambal (or other hot sauce). Add the steak, and move it around to ensure the surface is completely coated with marinade. Seal the bag and marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, though overnight (in the refrigerator) is best. If refrigerated, take steak out at least 30 minutes before grilling.

  2. 2

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove the meat from the marinade and pat steak dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade. Brush steak lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking. Grill the steak to desired doneness, about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Remove from heat when a thermometer reads 125 ℉ so the final temperature will be about 135℉. Transfer meat to carving board, cover loosely with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.

  3. 3

    To turn the marinade into a glaze, pour reserves marinade into a small saucepan and bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. If a thicker glaze is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved. While stirring, stream slurry into simmering liquid until thickened to desired viscosity.

  4. 4

    To serve, sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions and a drizzle of the glaze, if desired.

Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

80 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of bland grilled beef? This Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak recipe delivers an explosion of savory-sweet flavor and incredible tenderness, transforming an everyday cut into a truly special meal. It’s perfect for weeknights or weekend entertaining, offering restaurant-quality taste right from your grill.

Why This Grilled Steak Works

The secret to this recipe's success lies in its incredibly flavorful, umami-rich marinade. A blend of soy sauce, mirin, and honey or brown sugar not only imbues the beef with deep, complex flavors but also works to tenderize the flank steak, ensuring every bite is juicy and succulent. As it cooks, the marinade also becomes a luscious glaze, helping to create that beautiful, irresistible caramelized crust we all crave on grilled steak.

What to Expect

You'll be rewarded with a steak that boasts a wonderfully savory and subtly sweet profile, complemented by aromatic notes of grated garlic, fresh scallions, and toasted sesame oil. The sambal olek adds a gentle warmth, balancing the richness. The exterior will have a gorgeous, slightly crisp char from the grill, while the interior remains tender and juicy, bursting with flavor. It's a remarkably satisfying dish that feels both familiar and elevated.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is versatile. Feel free to use a flat iron or skirt steak if flank steak isn't available, as they will all benefit from this vibrant marinade. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less sambal olek to suit your preference. For an even richer glaze, the optional cornstarch in the marinade helps it thicken beautifully as it cooks, adhering perfectly to the steak.

Serving & Context

This Sweet Soy-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is fantastic served simply, sliced thin against the grain and garnished with extra sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete, delightful main course.

Frequently Asked Questions