Brown Sugar Flank Steak Recipe – Easy & Delicious

If you are looking for a quick, easy, delicious, yet budget-friendly steak recipe, you are going to love Brown Sugar Flank Steak. A tender, juicy and incredibly flavorful steak that cooks in under 10 minutes!

Although not as well known as other cuts of meat flank steak is an affordable yet tasty option. It is the perfect cut of beef that will satisfy your steak craving without breaking the bank.

The easy homemade marinade, made with simple ingredients like olive oil, brown sugar, and garlic, creates a rich, caramelized crust on the outside of the steak. In addition, the marinade helps to break down the fibers of the steak so that it guaranteed to be nice and tender.

And because of its quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. You can choose from three different cooking methods-grilling, pan-searing, or broiling-depending on your preference.

However don’t just think this as a quick dinner recipe. The presentation is equally impressive, with thin, tender strips of steak showcasing the beautiful caramelized crust and perfectly cooked, moist and juicy interior.

The visually appeal alone is more than enough for it to take center stage on a special occasion. Combine that with the delicious flavor and it would make any anniversary, birthday, Father’s Day celebration, or any other day even more special!

What Is Flank Steak

Flank steak is a fabulous, lean, boneless cut of beef that comes from the cow’s lower belly area. It is known as a lean steak that has an amazing texture and robust beefy flavor.

It is often used in quick cooking recipes like Fajitas, Pepper Steak Stir-Fry, and as the protein for steak salads. However it is also a popular choice for grilling, especially once it has been marinated.

Why Marinate Flank Steak

Marinating flank steak works wonders in tenderizing the meat and infusing it with extra flavors. Its lean nature and long muscle fibers benefit from a marinade that breaks down proteins and increases its tenderness.

For optimal results, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but ideally 8-12 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and enhance its tenderness.

Why Use Brown Sugar In The Flank Steak Marinade

Although brown sugar, when used as a marinade ingredient, adds a delightful sweetness to help balance out the strong beef flavor. However, in addition to adding sweetness it also helps create a gorgeous caramelized crust on the exterior of the steak.

As the flank steak cooks on the brown sugar caramelizes when exposed to the heat. The result is a delectable and slightly crunchy outer layer, while the steak remains tender and juicy on the inside.

Best Method For Cooking Flank Steak

Grilling is considered the best method for cooking flank steak. Searing the steak on a hot grill allows the meat to develop a mouthwatering, caramelized crust while preserving its juicy interior.

Simply heat the grill over medium-high heat, grease the grates with olive oil, and cook the flank steak for 3-4 minutes per side. It is best to cook flank steak to a medium-rare or medium level of doneness, however ultimately the choice is up to you on how you like your steaks.

Other Methods For Cooking Brown Sugar Flank Steak

If you don’t have a grill, or you need to cook indoors there are a couple of other cooking methods that you can consider. Both pan-searing and broiling are also fantastic methods for cooking flank steak.

To pan-sear, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter to a skillet and cook the steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.

For broiling, preheat the broiler and position the oven rack near the top. Then place the steak on a broiler pan and broil for about 4 minutes per side or until desired doneness has been reached.

Why Does Steak Need To Rest

No matter what method of cooking that you decide to use to make Brown Sugar Flank Steak, you must allow the time for the steak to rest after it is removed from the heat source.

Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This will help ensure that you have a tender steak that is full of flavor.

While the steak rests, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil so the steak remains warm. Then when you are ready to eat, you will have a juicy steak that is ready to be sliced and served.

How To Slice Brown Sugar Flank Steak

However in order to make it super tender and to the point of melt in your mouth you must slice it the correct direction. Slicing the brown sugar flank steak against the grain will ensure that the meat is more tender and enjoyable.

Look for the long muscle fibers and make thin slices perpendicular to the grain. This process will cut the long fibers into shorter ones, making the steak more tender.

However, I have one more tip when you go to slice the steak. Position your knife at a 45-degree angle and cut into very thin strips for the most delectable results.

Chimichurri Sauce & Steak

If you want to take your brown sugar flank steak to the ultimate level of flavor, serve it with a drizzle of Chimichurri sauce on top. This zesty and tangy sauce is made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, and requires no cooking.

It is the perfect accompaniment to flank steak. Its bright, fresh flavors balance the richness of the meat, enhancing the caramelized crust and tender interior.

Serving steak with chimichurri sauce adds a burst of flavor and takes the dish to new, exciting heights! I have included the easy recipe that I use below.

Optional Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place the garlic cloves in a small food processor. Pulse until you’ve chopped the garlic into small pieces. Then add the cilantro, parsley, salt and crushed red pepper flakes to the food processor and pulse until the cilantro and parsley is finely chopped. Add the red wine vinegar and process on low speed. As the food processor continues to run on low speed, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. If the mixture is too thick, add a tiny bit of water.

Brown Sugar Flank Steak Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pound flank steak, 1-inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the flank steak inside a large baking dish. Season both sides with the salt and pepper, adjusting as needed per taste.

In a small mixing bowl, add the olive oil, brown sugar and minced garlic and mix until well combined. Coat both sides of the steak with the brown sugar and garlic mixture. Cover and place the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably 8-12 hours for maximum flavor.

Remove the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Methods:

1. Grilling

Heat the grill over medium-high heat. Grease the grill grates with olive oil. Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

2. Pan Searing

Add 1–2 tbsp. of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet (enough to coat the bottom) and immediately place the Flank steak in the hot skillet. For a perfect medium-rare Flank steak on the stove, sear in a skillet for 10–12 minutes, turning about 1 minute before the halfway point. A meat thermometer should read 130°F.

3. Broiling

Preheat the broiler in your oven and move the oven rack to the top rack. Place the steak on a broiler pan and broil on each side for about 4 minutes. Check for preferred doneness with an instant read digital thermometer.

Rest Time

No matter what cooking method you use allow the steak covered with a lid or aluminum foil for at least 5 minutes.

Serving Instructions

Slice the steak against the grain at a 45° angle in very thin strips. Then drizzle chimichurri sauce over top of the steak.

Enjoy! Mary

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