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.
FAMOUS FLANK STEAK MARINADE
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.
GLUTEN FREE MARINADE
By simply making sure your Teriyaki or Soy sauce is Gluten Free, you’ve just adapted this recipe to be Gluten Free! If you like this Gluten Free Marinade, try my delectable Coconut Lime Chicken Marinade or my Shish Kebab Beef or Chicken Marinade.
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:
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️star rating in the recipe below!
Famous Flank Steak Marinade
The easiest and most flavorful flank steak marinade; bursting with Asian flavors, tenderizing the meat for the best grilled flank steak ever.
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce OR teriyaki sauce (Gluten Free if desired)
- ¼ cup oil (mild olive, avocado or grapeseed oils all work great)
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, chopped or grated
- 1 (2-3 lb) flank steak
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine all marinade ingredients, mixing well. Score the flank steak on both sides, by slicing about 1/4 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 1/4 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.
Notes
See blog post for serving suggestions.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1/2 lbAmount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 985mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 11g
The nutritional information is estimated and may not be entirely accurate.
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ABOUT KATHLEEN
I enjoy sharing easy recipes that are wholesome and delicious. I am fed by my faith, family, friends & food! Welcome to my kitchen! Read more...
Bob
Sunday 24th of May 2020
Thank you Kathleen! Happy Memorial Day. And, CONGRATULATIONS Kieran. WOOWOO....What a great plethora of recipies! I chose the flank steak marinade! Blessings, bob
Kathleen
Monday 25th of May 2020
Thank you Bob! I know you will love the flank steak marinade!
Miz Helen
Tuesday 25th of June 2019
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
Kathleen
Wednesday 26th of June 2019
I do hope you try it!!! Thank you!!
Peggy McCall
Friday 30th of November 2018
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!!
Kathleen
Saturday 1st of December 2018
Wahoo!! Thank you Peggy!
Cindy K
Saturday 27th of May 2017
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!
kathleen@thefreshcooky.com
Monday 29th of May 2017
That's awesome Cindy!!
Cindy K
Saturday 27th of May 2017
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!