Name: Cast Iron Flank Steak
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. flank steak; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup olive oil (or avocado oil); 2 tbsp. honey; 5 tbsp. garlic (minced); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

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This Cast Iron Flank Steak is seasoned with a rich marinade and then seared on a hot cast iron skillet for an absolutely delicious main dish that is deeply flavored and easy to prepare.

Flank steak is a tasty cut of red meat that when prepared properly can be tender and flavorful. Flank steak can stand up well to the strong flavors of a marinade and is one of the more affordable cuts you can buy. Cooking it on the cast iron skillet gives it a great sear on the outside while keeping a perfectly pink medium rare center.

We have always used cast iron in our house, but over the years my husband and I have grown to love our pans more and more. They last forever, heat well and are safe to go directly from the stove to the oven which is perfect for searing meats and finishing them off by baking.

It is really nice to not have to fire up the grill (especially as the weather chills) and the cast iron skillet keeps all of the flavor in the pan while still giving it an awesome sear.

Some of our other cast iron favorites are venison backstrap and this cast iron pork tenderloin.

Ingredients for Flank Steak Marinade

ingredients for cast iron flank steak on a white table.

Flank Steak- Flank steak is a very lean cut of meat that is best cooked to medium rare so that it doesn't get tough. For something similar, try bavette steak, which is like flank steak but from the sirloin area as opposed to the loin. Bavette steak has slightly more marbling.
Soy Sauce- This adds saltiness and a depth of flavor to the marinade.
Oil- Flank steak is a very lean cut of meat so adding fat in the form of oil helps to keep the meat moist.
Red Wine vinegar- You can also use red wine or apple cider vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is also a great compliment to red meat and would work well.
Garlic- Lots of it!
Honey- For a little sweetness.
Salt- Add this to taste. You won't need much, as the soy sauce already makes it pretty salty.

Step by Step Instructions

flank steak soaking in a bowl of marinade.

Step 1. Combine marinade ingredients in a small mixing bowl or a glass pyrex measuring cup. Mix well to combine. Place meat in a bowl or a gallon sized baggie. Pour marinade over meat and place in the fridge for 2-24 hours.

flank steak cooking on a cast iron skillet.

Step 2. Once you are ready to cook the meat, place a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and allow the skillet to get hot. Remove meat from marinade and place on to the hot skillet and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes.

Step 3. Flip and repeat on the other side, around 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F.

sliced flank steak resting on a cast iron skillet.

Step 4. Carefully remove meat for the pan and place on a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain in ½ inch thick slices and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

If you have extra marinade leftover, pour into a small saucepan to bring to a simmer and then serve it alongside the meat.
Cast iron gets VERY hot, including the handle. Make sure to take care when using it to cook.
Cutting against the grain means slicing it perpendicular to the muscle fibers that are visible in the meat. This helps with tenderness.

cast iron flank steak sliced and placed on a white plate with a parsley garnish.

What to Serve with Cast Iron Flank Steak

Serve this marinated flank steak along with some of these delicious sides.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftovers make for great sandwiches!

More steak recipes

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