Zesty Citrus Herb Flank Steak Marinade

🕒 Prep: 2 hours
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking for a dish that combines juicy, tender meat with a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors, this Zesty Citrus Herb Flank Steak is for you. It's a simple marinade that transforms a humble cut of beef into something extraordinary, perfect for grilling season or whenever you're craving a taste of summer.

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Herb Flank Steak Marinade

Olive oil acts as the base of our marinade, helping to distribute flavors evenly while keeping the steak juicy. Fresh lime juice and orange juice add bright, tangy notes that cut through the richness of the meat. Soy sauce introduces a savory depth, enhancing the steak's natural umami. Minced garlic adds a robust aroma, while fresh cilantro and rosemary bring in earthy, herby flavors. A touch of ground cumin offers a warm, smoky undertone, and crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat. Finally, salt and black pepper season the steak perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Marinating overnight is key for deeper flavor penetration, so plan ahead if possible.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet on high heat works as a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This steak pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a light, balanced meal. Consider serving it with warm tortillas and toppings for a fun taco night. A side of creamy mashed potatoes also complements the steak's zesty flavors wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor. Use half the amount if substituting with dried.
How long can I marinate the steak?
Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing.
What if I don't have a grill?
A stovetop grill pan or a broiler can also be used to cook the steak.

Zesty Citrus Herb Flank Steak Marinade Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, and soy sauce. Once these are well combined, stir in the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, rosemary, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavorful marinade.

Next, place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's well-coated. Seal the bag tightly and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, leave it overnight for even better flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Take the steak out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side. Adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness.

After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender bites. Serve it up and enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of citrus and herbs that enhances the beef without overpowering it.
  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly for a marinade that packs a flavor punch.
  • Flexible recipe that allows for easy adaptations based on personal taste or what's on hand.
  • Great for entertaining or a family dinner — impressive yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1.5 lbs flank steak

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, cilantro, rosemary, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
5. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off excess; discard the remaining marinade.
6. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to serve.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!