I. Introduction
Cooking flank steak can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to cooking it in the oven. With the wrong technique, your steak can come out dry and tasteless, leading to a disappointing meal. However, with proper guidance, anyone can easily make a delicious flank steak that’s juicy and packed with flavor. This article will serve as a step-by-step guide and will provide some hacks, tips, and tricks to making the perfect flank steak in an oven.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s gather the essential ingredients and equipment that we will need. For this recipe, we’ll need a flank steak, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a baking sheet.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Season both sides of the flank steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Drizzle some olive oil onto a baking sheet and place the steak onto the sheet.
Step 4: Put the baking sheet with the steak in the middle rack of the preheated oven.
Step 5: Cook 6 to 8 minutes on one side before flipping the steak with a pair of tongs.
Step 6: Cook the other side for another 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 7: Once done, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
III. Types of Marinades
While a simple seasoning of salt and pepper is delicious, marinading your flank steak can take it to the next level. The marinade serves as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer. Here are some different types of marinades that can be used to cook flank steak in the oven:
- Acid-based Marinade: Usually made of vinegar or citrus juice, this marinade is perfect for breaking down the tough fibers of the flank steak.
- Soy-Based Marinade: This type of marinade is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, usually made with a combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
- Dairy-Based Marinade: Yogurt and sour cream are popular choices for dairy-based marinade. They help to tenderize the meat, making it extremely succulent.
- Dry-Based Marinade: This is a quicker alternative to a marinade that involves rubbing dry spices onto the steak. It creates a crust around the meat, locking in the juices, and develops a marvelous flavor.
Here’s a great recipe for an acid-based marinade:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 2: Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream while whisking continuously, until it emulsifies.
Step 3: Pour the marinade over the flank steak and let it marinate for at least two hours or overnight in the fridge.
IV. Experiment with Spices
Spices are a fantastic way to boost the flavor of your flank steak. You can use a blend of spices or a particular spice that you prefer. Here are some exciting spices that you can try:
- Five-spice powder
- Cumin and coriander blend
- Curry powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Chipotle powder
Here is a recipe for an exotic spice blend:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Method:
Step 1: Mix all the spices together in a bowl.
Step 2: Sprinkle the mixture generously on both sides of the steak before baking it in the oven.
V. Cooking Hacks and Tips
Here are some tips and tricks to make cooking flank steak in the oven a breeze:
- Let the flank steak come to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to the required temperature before placing the steak in.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- Always let the flank steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the juices don’t run out.
- Make sure to slice against the grain to make sure it’s tender.
VI. Flavors of the World
Adding international flavors can add a distinctive twist to your flank steak. Here are two unique international ways to make a delicious steak in the oven:
Indian-Inspired Curry Flank Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Mix curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and olive oil together in a bowl.
Step 2: Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well coated, and let it marinate for at least an hour or overnight
Mexican-Inspired Spiced Flank Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil together in a bowl.
Step 2: Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well coated, and let it marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
VII. Conclusion
Cooking flank steak in the oven is a fantastic and relatively simple way to prepare a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones.
