This Easy Marinated Flank Steak is a time-tested family favorite that delivers bold, savory flavor in every bite. The simple marinade—made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar—tenderizes the beef while adding a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether grilled, broiled, or pan-seared, this juicy steak cooks quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or meal prep.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
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1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola)
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6 tablespoons honey
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¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
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2 teaspoons ground ginger (or 1 heaping tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
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2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic)
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4 chopped green onions
For the Steak:
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1 flank steak (about 1½ – 2½ lbs.)
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oil, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
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Place flank steak in a large Ziploc bag or dish. Pour marinade over it and add chopped green onions. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
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Remove steak from marinade, discard marinade, and pat the steak dry. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
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Preheat a grill (or grill pan) over high heat to about 450°F.
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Grill steak for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for medium.
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Remove from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes under foil.
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Slice thinly against the grain on a diagonal and serve.
Alternate Oven Method (Broiled):
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Preheat broiler. Broil steak 4–5 minutes per side, then rest before slicing.
Nutrients (Per Serving – 1/6 of recipe)
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Calories: 333 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Protein: 34g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 90mg
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Sodium: 1498mg
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Potassium: 623mg
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Sugar: 18g
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Calcium: 39mg
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Iron: 3.5mg
Prep and Cook Time
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how seamlessly it fits into busy schedules. While the steak benefits from at least a couple of hours of marinating, that step is completely hands-off and can be done the night before or the morning of your meal. Once it’s time to cook, the steak needs only about 10 minutes on the grill or under the broiler, followed by a short resting period before slicing. Altogether, active cooking time is under 20 minutes, which means this recipe delivers gourmet-level flavor in a fraction of the time you’d expect from such a bold dish. It’s ideal for time-strapped home cooks who still want to serve something memorable.
Yield and Serving Suggestions
This recipe typically yields about six servings, depending on the size of the flank steak and portion sizes. It’s a filling main course that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic steakhouse-style dinner, serve it with roasted potatoes or a baked sweet potato and a green vegetable like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. If you’re leaning into the Asian-inspired marinade, consider jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a sesame slaw on the side. You can also slice the steak and use it in steak salads, tacos, rice bowls, wraps, or even hearty sandwiches. With its deeply seasoned profile and tender texture, this steak adapts easily to whatever you’re serving alongside it.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance. The marinade is inspired by classic Asian flavors, blending salty soy sauce with sweet honey and tangy vinegar to create a bold and complex base. Garlic and ginger bring aromatic depth, while green onions add a touch of freshness. This combination is not only delicious but also functional—soy sauce tenderizes the meat, while vinegar helps break down the fibers, making flank steak more tender and flavorful. This approach takes a naturally lean and tough cut of meat and turns it into a succulent, juicy main dish that feels far more luxurious than its simplicity would suggest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this marinated flank steak. It’s flavorful, juicy, and incredibly satisfying, with the kind of texture and taste you’d expect from a restaurant-quality meal. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, so the steak is deeply seasoned throughout with very little effort. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknights, but it’s also impressive enough to serve guests. It’s a great choice for home cooks looking to build confidence with grilling or broiling techniques because it’s hard to mess up and always delivers fantastic results. Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Perfect for Grilling Season and Beyond
This recipe really shines when cooked on a grill, making it a staple for summer cookouts and weekend gatherings. The high heat of the grill creates a caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. But it’s not just for grilling season. You can easily adapt the recipe for indoor cooking using a cast-iron skillet or your oven’s broiler, which makes it a year-round go-to. Because it’s so quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even holiday menus where you want to offer something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
This dish is also surprisingly family-friendly. The sweet and savory marinade is approachable for all ages, and because the steak is sliced thinly against the grain, it’s easy to chew and enjoy. Kids will love the flavor, especially when served with rice or tucked into a tortilla with a little cheese and avocado. Adults can dress it up with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for added punch. It’s a great way to introduce young eaters to bold flavors while still keeping the overall meal familiar and comforting.
Excellent for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Flank steak is one of those magical proteins that’s just as good, if not better, the next day. Once cooked and cooled, it slices beautifully for meal prep containers or to be used in a variety of ways throughout the week. Store leftovers in the fridge and add them to salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, or wraps for quick lunches. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave for a warm dinner without compromising the texture. The marinade infuses the meat with so much flavor that it holds up well over time, making it a smart and satisfying choice for batch cooking.
Tips for Best Results
To get the best results, be sure to marinate the steak for at least two hours—though overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate and helps tenderize the meat. When ready to cook, bring the steak to room temperature for even cooking. Whether grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, make sure the surface is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear. Don’t skip the resting step after cooking—this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak. Finally, always slice flank steak thinly against the grain on a diagonal to maximize tenderness and presentation.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What makes this Easy Marinated Flank Steak truly stand out is its ability to deliver bold, complex flavor with minimal effort. The marinade is made with everyday ingredients but creates a depth of taste that’s anything but ordinary. The cooking method is quick, straightforward, and adaptable, and the final result is a dish that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s ideal for beginners learning how to cook steak and seasoned home chefs alike. The versatility, flavor, and reliability of this recipe make it a true staple that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
Conclusion
Easy Marinated Flank Steak is a go-to recipe for good reason. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for just about any occasion—from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. The savory, slightly sweet marinade brings out the best in this lean cut of beef, transforming it into a juicy, tender centerpiece that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether grilled, broiled, or pan-seared, this steak delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. Serve it with your favorite sides or slice it up for tacos, salads, and sandwiches—the possibilities are endless. This recipe is proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are also the most unforgettable.