Easy Recipe for Flank Steak Marinade
This Easy Flank Steak Marinade is a family favorite and the perfect way to add incredible flavor to your steak! Marinating flank steak not only enhances its rich, beefy taste but also helps tenderize the meat, giving you a juicy, flavorful bite every time. Whether you’re grilling up a summer dinner or meal prepping for the week, this simple recipe makes it easy to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
This post was originally published 10/29/2008. It has been updated to include new information and edited for clarity.
Creating this Recipe for Flank Steak Marinade
We’ve had a bit of cold weather already, but today feels like the perfect time to fire up the grill. The sun is shining, and a simple, flavorful meal sounds just right. One of the reasons I love grilling is that it keeps dinner easy—fewer dishes, no heating up the kitchen, and always great flavor.
This flank steak marinade has been my go-to for nights when I want something satisfying but effortless.
Flank steak can be a little pricey, but I always grab a Costco flank steak two-pack—it’s more budget-friendly, and I love having an extra one on hand.
We don’t eat beef all the time, but when we do, I love grilling flank steak because it cooks quickly and looks just as good as it tastes. Those gorgeous grill marks and deep, rich color make it feel special—even on a casual weeknight.
If you’re looking for a great flank steak recipe to add to your summer grilling lineup, this one is easy to prep, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
In this post, you’ll learn how to marinate flank steak for tenderness, the best way to cook it to perfection, and what to serve with marinated flank steak. I’ll also share my top tips for preparing, freezing, and making the most of this recipe.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ Quick, Easy & Perfect for Grilling – This simple marinade takes minutes to prep and delivers bold, smoky flavor on the grill.
✔ Bold & Juicy – The marinade infuses rich, savory flavor while also tenderizing the meat for a perfectly juicy bite.
✔ Perfect for meal prep—just marinate, freeze, and enjoy a fuss-free steak dinner later!
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish, on salads, or in tacos and wraps for endless possibilities.
Tools Needed to Make Recipe
You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:
- Sharp Knife – For slicing the steak against the grain to keep it tender.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurately measuring the marinade ingredients.
- Glass Measuring Cup or Bowl – To mix the marinade.
- Wire Whisk – For stirring the marinade ingredients together.
- Resealable Plastic Bag – Perfect for marinating the steak evenly with minimal mess.
- Gas Grill – We love cooking the steak outdoors on a hot grill for the best flavor.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Helps ensure the flank steak is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Cutting Board – Essential for letting the steak rest before slicing.
Ingredients for the Flank Steak Marinade
Check your pantry before you start! This simple flank steak marinade uses everyday ingredients to add bold flavor and tenderness to the steak. For exact measurements, see the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You’ll need the following ingredients to prepare this easy marinade recipe:
- Fresh Garlic Cloves – Adds rich, savory depth to the marinade.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning – A bold blend of spices that enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
- Ground Cumin – Provides a warm, earthy note that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Chili Powder – Adds a subtle smoky heat to balance the seasoning.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Helps tenderize the steak while adding umami-rich depth.
- Red Wine Vinegar – The acidity helps break down the meat’s fibers for a more tender texture.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Locks in moisture and carries the flavors throughout the steak.
Katie’s Tip: For the best results, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, and choose a high-quality olive oil to enhance the marinade’s richness.
How to Make This Flank Steak Marinade Recipe
This marinade is perfect for meal prep—just marinate and freeze the steak ahead of time for a quick, flavor-packed meal anytime! Follow these simple steps to prep your steak for the grill:
- Mix the Marinade – Add all the marinade ingredients to a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake it well to combine.
- Add the Steak – Place the flank steak into the bag, ensuring it’s fully coated with the marinade.
- Seal & Remove Air – Zip the bag shut, pressing out as much air as possible without spilling the marinade.
- Refrigerate & Marinate – Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet to prevent spills, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate.
Katie’s Tip: Flip the bag halfway through marinating to ensure the steak absorbs all the flavors evenly. Using a baking sheet helps keep your fridge clean in case of any accidental leaks!
The above is simply a quick summary of this Montreal steak seasoning marinade. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making Grilled Flank Steak
Follow these expert tips to ensure your grilled flank steak turns out perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful every time!
- Even Out the Thickness – If one side of the steak is thicker than the other, use a meat mallet to gently pound the thicker side for more even cooking.
- Get the Best Sear – Pat the steak dry before grilling to help develop a perfect crust. Let it sear properly before flipping for beautiful grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – To avoid overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature based on your preferred doneness.
- Let the Steak Rest – After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak moist and flavorful.
- Slice Against the Grain – Always cut against the grain for the most tender and easy-to-chew slices.
What Goes Well With Marinated Flank Steak?
There are so many tasty side dishes to serve alongside this flank steak recipe! We enjoy a variety of potatoes, side salads, pasta salads, and grilled or roasted vegetables. Here are a few ideas:
Side Dish Ideas
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes – Tender, smoky, and lightly charred—perfect for summer cookouts.
- Classic Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy, and packed with potatoes, celery, onion, and eggs.
- Traeger Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, and perfect for summer grilling—no oven needed!
- Grilled Baby Artichokes with Lemon and Garlic – A unique side that pairs beautifully with grilled steak.
- Traeger Asparagus – Smoky, charred, and ready in 15 minutes. And if you don’t have a pellet grill, you can still make the asparagus on a traditional grill!
Side Salad Ideas
- Grilled Zucchini and Squash – Tossed with lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and feta.
- Creamy Jalapeño BBQ Coleslaw – Coleslaw with a touch of heat, perfect for adding some spice to your meal.
- Watermelon Salad – A sweet and salty mix with balsamic glaze and mint.
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within an hour of serving. Properly stored, flank steak will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled steak in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tip: To keep the steak tender, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F until warmed through. Microwaving can dry out the meat.
What to Do with Leftover Flank Steak
- Chop it up for tacos – Add to soft tortillas with fresh toppings.
- Use it in quesadillas – Pair with cheese and veggies for an easy meal.
- Top a green salad – A great way to turn leftovers into a quick lunch.
- Make breakfast burritos – Wrap with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa.
Marinated Flank Steak FAQs
Got questions about how to make this marinade for flank steak? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments, and I’ll respond with answers!
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat With This Flank Steak Marinade?
Absolutely! While flank steak is my go-to, this Montreal steak marinade also works well with skirt steak or hanger steak—both of which are great for grilling.
How Long Should You Marinate Flank Steak?
For the best results, marinate your flank steak for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop. However, I prefer marinating for 12-24 hours for maximum tenderness and depth of flavor.
Katie’s Tip: The easiest way to get the most out of the marinade is to prepare it the night before and let the steak sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, flip the bag to redistribute the marinade evenly.
What Temperature Do You Grill Marinated Flank Steak?
For the best results, grill the flank steak at medium-high heat (400 – 450°F).
How Long Do You Grill Flank Steak?
Grill the steak for about 3 – 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
What Temperature is Flank Steak Done At?
Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, using an instant-read thermometer to check for accuracy:
- RARE: 120 to 125°F
- MEDIUM RARE: 130 to 140°F
- MEDIUM: 145°F
Katie’s Tip: Always remove the steak from the grill at your target temperature and let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender. We prefer our flank steak medium rare—but cook it however you like it best!
Can You Freeze Flank Steak Marinade?
Yes! You can freeze freshly prepared marinade, but never reuse a marinade that has already been in contact with raw meat—it’s not food-safe.
Here’s how to freeze marinade for later use:
- Label a gallon-sized freezer bag with the date, contents, and cooking instructions.
- Prepare the marinade according to the recipe.
- Transfer the marinade to the freezer bag.
- Add fresh (not previously frozen) flank steak to the bag and coat it in the marinade.
- Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Lay the bag flat in the freezer to prevent odd shapes.
Katie’s Tip: When ready to cook, thaw the steak in the refrigerator (about 24 hours) while it marinates. I like to place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential leaks.
Try This Recipe at Home!
Did you think it was the best flank steak marinade? Leave a comment below and give it a review so others can see what you thought of this great recipe.
On Instagram? Share your grilling experience —whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ! Tag me @goodlifeeats with #goodlifeeatsrecipes—I’d love to see how you serve your steak!
More Flank Steak Recipes
Looking for more ways to enjoy flank steak? Try these favorites:
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry – A takeout favorite made at home! Tender beef, savory sauce, and crisp broccolicome together for a quick, flavorful meal.
Grilled Chimichurri Steak – Skirt steak (or flank steak) marinated in a herby chimichurri sauce and grilled for juicy, bold flavor. Perfect for salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
Flank Steak Fajitas – Flank steak marinated in a zesty fajita marinade, then grilled and served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
If you want to explore another way to get restaurant-quality steak at home, check out my guide on cooking steak using the sous vide method!
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Do you have a favorite steak marinade?
Easy Flank Steak Marinade
This Easy Recipe for Flank Steak Marinade is a family favorite! Marinated Flank Steak is perfect for summer grilling nights! Marinating flank steak will infuse the meat with tons of flavor and give you a tender and juicy piece of steak.
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbs Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 c tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 c extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- Combine the garlic cloves, Montreal Steak Seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire Sauce, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a non-metal bowl or a gallon sized zip top bag.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is combined.
Marinating the Meat
- Put the meat in a gallon sized zip top bag (if you prepared the marinade in a bowl) and make sure all sides are fully coated.
- Then, zip the bag, removing as much air as possible without letting the marinade leak out.
- Place the bag flat on a baking sheet and then transfer it to the refrigerator to marinade. (The baking sheet helps keep the fridge clean in the even of any accidental leaks.)
- Marinate at least 4 hours. For lots of flavor, let it marinate all day or even overnight.
Grilling the Marinated Flank Steak
- Grill over medium heat approx. 6-8 minutes per side depending on how rare you like your meat and how thick the steak is.
- Let the flank steak rest 5-10 minutes before slicing it.
- Slice the meat against the grain and serve.
Notes
How Long Should You Marinade Flank Steak
You will want to let your flank steak marinade for at least 4 hours to get a some benefit from the marinade. I prefer to marinade my meat for 12-24 hours.
I think the easiest way to get the most out of the process is to prepare the marinade and place it in the fridge with the meat the night before you plan to cook it. Then, in the morning, flip the bag to the opposite side facing up and redistribute the juices.
Can You Freeze this Recipe?
Yes you can freeze freshly prepared marinade! Do not ever try to reuse marinades be freezing the leftovers. This is not food safe.
Here is how I like to freeze marinade recipes:
- Label a gallon sized freezer bag with date, contents, and instructions.
- Prepare the marinade according to directions
- Transfer the marinade to the freezer bag.
- Transfer the meat to the freezer bag and coat with marinade. (Note: the meat should be fresh meat, not previously frozen and defrosted meat)
- Zip the bag, removing as much air as possible without spilling the marinade.
- Transfer the bag to the freezer, laying it flat so it won’t freeze in a weird shape.
Then, when you want to prepare the meat, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator. The meat will marinade while in thaws.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 398Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 608mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 32g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
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