Memorial day; the unofficial herald of the summer season! This tremendously easy Flank Steak Marinade, a.k.a. Nana & Papa’s Famous Flank Steak Marinade is the perfect recipe this summer and it’s gluten free with only 5 ingredients.
Memorial day — a day off, prime time for barbecues…but truly I hope you take a moment to reflect on those who died while serving our country, fighting for the very freedoms we enjoy on this holiday. What a humbling, magnificent and noble sacrifice they made so we may enjoy our barbecues without fear, amongst the many other freedoms we enjoy.
Whether you are hosting a barbecue or just feeding your own family, this is one of our families favorite beef marinades, in our home it’s Nana & Papa’s FAMOUS flank steak marinade! In fact, it has a story (shocker).
While preparing the marinade the other day, my husband said to me, “Many a twenty-something has been fed this famous flank steak,” he had that far off look, one of sweet memories of days gone by…with dear friends. This precious couple has mentored us, fed us spiritually and literally, counseled and nurtured us.
Our boys know them as Papa John and Nana Liz. We are so very grateful for this couple who still pour their lives into countless singles, couples and kids, most especially ours. Each time we make this marinade we think of and pray for this wonderful couple.
THE BEST BEEF MARINADE
As with most marinades the longer they hang out in the marinade, the better infused the meat will be, enhancing the flavors. So make it in the morning, or the night before and let it hang out for 4 hours or more!
BEST BEEF MARINADE INGREDIENTS
A beautiful cast! Fresh ginger, garlic, a touch of brown sugar, oil and teriyaki sauce (or substitute soy sauce, Gluten free Tamari or Bragg’s Liquid Amino’s). I am loving avocado oil, have you tried it? I thought it would taste, well…avocado-y, but it’s a lovely, light oil that doesn’t taste of avocados, which I love, but I don’t necessarily want all of my foods tasting like them. Give it a try!
Pour the oil, teriyaki (or soy) sauce and water into a small mixing bowl. Mince garlic and ginger and place into liquids, add brown sugar and whisk well.
Next score your flank steak; using a sharp knife using just the tip, slip it just careful into the flesh and slice diagonally across and again the other direction. Flip and do the same on the reverse side.
Place flank steak in a glass dish and pour marinade over the top, making sure to lift the steak slightly so the marinade gets under the steak as well.
BEST GRILLED FLANK STEAK
I made just enough for our family, using a smaller flank steak, but most of the time, I get a couple of larger flank steaks from Costco and double the marinade. Placing one in a freezer baggie (don’t forget to write on it) pour half the marinade over and freeze. When ready to barbecue, thaw in refrigerator overnight, prepare as directed.
Let it hang out in the fridge marinating for 4 hours or more! Turning flank steak half way through marinade time.
Heat grill to high, then turn down to low and grill steak for 6-8 minutes per side (6 for pinker center, 8 for more well done).
If desired, you may pour the excess marinade over the meat while grilling, be careful though as flare-ups will occur due to the oil; watch that the fire goes out so that the meat doesn’t char.
Why should I let my meat rest?
Once meat is done to your liking, remove from grill to a plate, cover with foil, allowing it rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
As a matter of fact, while the steak was resting, I whipped up a couple of refreshing 4 Ingredient Margaritas.
Allowing the meat to rest, gives it time to finish cooking and all those delicious juices to stay in the meat. Don’t be tempted to slice into it beforehand. Once rested, slice against the grain into thin slices and serve immediately.
Delicious served with fresh watermelon, a simple salad.
Accompany with a crusty bread or biscuits (mine were Annie’s Organic Canned biscuits) and maybe a baked sweet or regular potato. Simple, filling, elegant.
Sit down, take a load off, relax with your family, enjoy a meal together and laugh… a lot…mainly at yourself!
If you enjoy soy and Asian inspired sauces, also give these a try:
½cupsoy sauceOr teriyaki sauce; gluten free if desired
¼cupoilmild olive, avocado or grapeseed oils all work great
2tablespoonswater
2clovesgarlicminced
2teaspoonsbrown sugar
1-2teaspoonsfresh ginger rootchopped or grated
2-3lbsflank steak
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
In a small bowl combine all marinade ingredients, mixing well. Score the flank steak on both sides, by slicing about ¼ inch to form a cross-cross pattern. Place the steak in a glass baking dish if making right away, pour marinade over the meat. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, turning once during the marinade time.
Heat grill to medium hot, then reduce to low heat, place meat on grill and grill for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness of flank steak and desired doneness.) Basting with leftover marinade if desired. For grill marks, rotate beef ¼ turn after 3 minutes, repeating on other side.
Remove meat from grill and cover with foil allowing to rest for about 6-7 minutes before slicing. Slice thinly against the grain. Serve immediately.
Recipe easily doubles. Label gallon size baggie prior to filling with meat and marinade. Place meat in freezer baggie, pour marinade over meat, remove as much air as possible and lay flat to freeze. When ready to barbecue, take out of freezer allowing to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, turning once during thawing. Cook according to above directions.
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Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Thank you Kathleen! Happy Memorial Day. And, CONGRATULATIONS Kieran. WOOWOO….What a great plethora of recipies! I chose the flank steak marinade! Blessings, bob
The flavor will be amazing and I can’t wait to taste it! Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
I reviewed this recipe before but have to say it again…it’s fantastic!!! I’ve made similar marinades for years, but there is something about this one…delicious!! Great flavor. 5 stars!! Thanks Kathleen!!
Had a flank steak in my fridge on Friday when I read this….so, I whipped up the marinade in less than 5 minutes before work, and came home to an easy delicious steak on the grill! Thanks Kathleen!
Had a flank steak in my fridge on Friday when I read this….so, I whipped up the marinade in less than 5 minutes before work, and came home to an easy delicious steak on the grill! Thanks Kathleen!
So sorry I’m just now seeing this Peggy been out of town. Love my lemon Moscow mile. 1-2 oz of Deep Eddy’s Lemon vodka, ½ lime, squeezed, fill with ice and pour your favorite ginger beer on top. Stir and squeeze a lemon wedge on top.
Bob
Thank you Kathleen! Happy Memorial Day. And, CONGRATULATIONS Kieran. WOOWOO….What a great plethora of recipies! I chose the flank steak marinade! Blessings, bob
Thank you Bob! I know you will love the flank steak marinade!
Eliza Cross
Miz Helen
The flavor will be amazing and I can’t wait to taste it! Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
I do hope you try it!!! Thank you!!
Peggy McCall
I reviewed this recipe before but have to say it again…it’s fantastic!!! I’ve made similar marinades for years, but there is something about this one…delicious!! Great flavor. 5 stars!! Thanks Kathleen!!
Wahoo!! Thank you Peggy!
Cindy K
Had a flank steak in my fridge on Friday when I read this….so, I whipped up the marinade in less than 5 minutes before work, and came home to an easy delicious steak on the grill! Thanks Kathleen!
Cindy K
Had a flank steak in my fridge on Friday when I read this….so, I whipped up the marinade in less than 5 minutes before work, and came home to an easy delicious steak on the grill! Thanks Kathleen!
That’s awesome Cindy!!
Peggy
Yum!!! Going to make it this weekend! Do your have a lemon Moscow mule recipe you love? That sounds wonderful too!
So sorry I’m just now seeing this Peggy been out of town. Love my lemon Moscow mile. 1-2 oz of Deep Eddy’s Lemon vodka, ½ lime, squeezed, fill with ice and pour your favorite ginger beer on top. Stir and squeeze a lemon wedge on top.
Peggy
Yum again! Thank you! Made the flank steak, it was delicious, rave reviews.
YAY Peggy!! I love hearing that!
Betty Schofield
Similar to the marinade I use on Elizabeth’s favorite pork cubes. Can’t wait to try your version of the marinade.
I love yours too!!
Bks
Perfect…YUMMERS! What time did you say to come over??????????????????????????
LOL! Nice BKS!