If you have any gatherings coming up, putting these Grilled Flank Steak Sandwiches on the menu is really good idea. They make a really great alternative to a burger, and feel much more special. So mouth watering, you may need to make these sandwiches tonight, just to “test” them for guests. : ) And don’t miss the White Cheddar Spread recipe that’s included below.
Flank steak is a flavorful lean cut of beef that comes from the abdominal area of a cow. With long fibers running down the length, it’s important to take care when preparing this particular cut to keep it from being dry and tough. Flank steak benefits from time spent marinating, and quick cooking like grilling. (This isn’t a cut of meat that you’d toss into the oven or slow cooker!)
Once cooked, flank steak should be thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. When done right, flank steak is as flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth as more expensive cuts. If you haven’t tried flank steak yet, use this recipe as an excuse to go for it. Even if you have tried flank steak, still give this marinade a try. It’s so, so good.
If you can’t find flank steak, or prefer a different cut, flat iron, hangar, or skirt steaks are great substitutes in this recipe. And if you’re not a fan of beef or just prefer chicken, know that you can totally make this meal with chicken breasts or thighs.
Flank steak doesn’t need much time on the grill. Four to five minutes per side, depending on the thickness, will yield a medium-rare steak. Direct heat is the best grilling method for flank steak. It sears in all of those tasty juices, and because flank steak isn’t too thick, the quick, super-high heat is perfect.
After grilling, it’s important for the meat to rest, off the heat and covered with foil, to allow the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat. There is usually a narrower, thinner end to the flank steak that cooks much more quickly than the rest of the meat. This can be helpful if you’re serving a group of people who like everything from rare to more well-done. But be careful not to overcook flank steak; it is better and at its most tender in the medium to medium-rare range.
The flank steak, once marinated and cooked, is certainly flavorful enough on its own — but if you really want to step them up, try this white cheddar spread. One recipe makes more than enough spread for the sandwiches, so finish off the leftovers as a veggie dip or with crackers.
Horseradish is a classic accompaniment to meat and the grainy mustard pumps up the flavor. You can add a little dried dill, too, though it’s also just fine without it, or with another herb in its place.
As far as the other fixings go, try arugula and other non-lettuce greens for these sandwiches. And find the juiciest, sweetest heirloom tomatoes and cut them into thick slices. You won’t be sorry.
An often overlooked secret to a good burger (or flank steak sandwich) is the bun. There are a lot more options out there now than there used to be. For this recipe, reach for brioche buns. They are lightly sweet and sport a pretty, burnished top. They’re sturdy enough for spreads and sauces, and all manner of toppings. And they really are perfect here. Grilling the buns is an extra, optional step, but well worth it.
And finally, let’s talk about grilled onions. If you’ve already got the grill piping hot, it’s a no-brainer to cook the onions on the grill too. Opt for a cast-iron skillet because it can handle the high heat, or any grill-safe pan works fine too. Cook them in butter with a tiny bit of a high-heat oil to keep the butter from burning. It takes a good 20-25 minutes for the onions to cook to golden perfection, but luckily enough, that’s just about the right amount of time the flank steak needs to rest after grilling.
The flank steaks end to come in 1.5 pound pieces. That should feed 4-6 people nicely. For a bigger crowd, it’s easy enough to toss a few extra steaks into the marinade. These would be a huge hit at your next BBQ party.
Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients
1 (1.5 to 2 lb.) flank steak
Sea salt
For marinade:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, basil, thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For sandwiches:
White Cheddar Horseradish Spread (see below for recipe)
1 extra large red onion, thinly sliced (see notes)
2 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced
2 cups baby arugula or tender lettuce leaves
6 brioche buns, halved and toasted or grilled, if desired
Instructions
1. Prepare marinade by whisking together all of the ingredients. Place the flank steak in a shallow casserole dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the top. Allow to marinate in refrigerator for 2-3 hours, minimum, preferably 5-6 hours, or overnight. Remove flank steak from marinade and allow to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat barbecue grill (or stovetop grill pan) for direct heat. Clean and lightly oil grill grates. Season the steak on both sides with a little sea salt. Place flank steak directly over the hot coals or flame and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, and another 4-5 minutes on the other side. This should yield a medium to medium-rare steak depending on the thickness. Cook for a few minutes longer, to preferred doneness, if desired.
3. Place steak on a cutting board or platter. Cover with foil and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to be reabsorbed into the meat.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut meat into very thin slices, going against the grain.
5. To serve, place on buns with desired toppings and serve warm.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Notes
– Other cuts of meat such as flat iron, hangar, or skirt steak can be substituted for the flank steak.
– 2 pounds of chicken can be substituted for the steak. Marinate and grill as directed, making sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
White Cheddar Horseradish Spread
Ingredients
8 ounces extra sharp white cheddar, grated
1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained, to taste
1 tablespoon grainy or Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place all of the ingredients into a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse until the cheese is finely chopped and the mixture is thick and creamy. Taste and add sea salt and black pepper, if needed.
2. Transfer to a container with tight-fitting lid and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Yield: about 1 1/2 cups
Grilled Onions
Ingredients
1 extra large red onion, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon high-heat oil, such as avocado
Instructions
1. Have a grill-safe pan ready, such as a cast-iron skillet. Add butter and oil to the pan. Place pan over direct heat. When butter is bubbling and hot, add the onions. Toss with long handled tongs to coat the onions with the butter. Let cook, tossing occasionally, until onions are tender and deep golden on the edges, about 20-25 minutes.
2. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm until ready to serve.
—-
P.S. — Ultimate Guide to Dutch-Oven Cooking.
Credits: Photos and recipes by Lindsey Rose Johnson for Design Mom.
The post Easy Dinner: Grilled Flank Steak Sandwiches appeared first on Design Mom.