– **Title**: Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 2 tablespoons five spice powder
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine the five spice powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a marinade.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
4. Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached. Use tongs to flip the steak, avoiding piercing it, which can lead to loss of juices.
5. Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
6. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
7. Serve the sliced steak garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This lean cut is perfect for grilling. If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin can work as alternatives. They have similar textures and flavors, but keep in mind they might cook slightly differently.
Five Spice Powder: This flavorful spice blend includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel. If you’re out, a homemade mix with these spices or a simple combo of cinnamon and black pepper can give a different, yet tasty result.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, try tamari. Coconut aminos can also be a great low-sodium option. I often swap soy sauce for these as they offer a different flavor while still providing umami.
Honey: If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes. They provide a similar sweetness to balance the savory elements of the dish.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but it’ll slightly change the dish’s flavor profile.
How Do You Get Your Steak to Be Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak perfectly can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and timing. Start by letting your flank steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Preheat your grill well. A hot grill creates a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare. Remove the steak from the grill just before it hits the target temp; it will continue cooking while it rests.
- Letting the steak rest for a few minutes is key. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite juicy and tender.
How to Make Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons five spice powder
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour to marinate. If you want more flavor, you can marinate for up to 8 hours. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to grill the steak, making your total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 9 hours, depending on your marinating choice. It’s a simple dish that can be dressed up for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the five spice powder, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. This will be the tasty marinade for your steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, you can leave it for up to 8 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting a nice sear on your steak.
4. Grill the Flank Steak:
Take the flank steak out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place it on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. Use a meat thermometer for the best results!
5. Let it Rest:
Once the steak is done cooking, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting helps to lock in all those juicy flavors, so don’t skip this step!
6. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This technique ensures each bite is tender and delicious.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled flank steak with a drizzle of any remaining marinade that you’ve cooked (never use raw marinade) or a sauce of your choice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or your favorite sides. Enjoy your flavorful grilled five spice flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What Can I Use Instead of Five Spice Powder?
If you don’t have five spice powder, you can make a quick substitute using equal parts cinnamon, star anise, ginger, Fennel seed, and black pepper. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still impart a delightful flavor to your steak.
How Long Can I Marinate the Steak?
You can marinate the flank steak for as little as 1 hour and up to 8 hours. If you marinate it longer than that, it may become too salty or mushy due to the soy sauce. For best results, marinate it overnight in the fridge if you can!
How Should I Store Leftover Steak?
Store any leftover grilled flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the steak and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. You can also use the microwaves, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
