Grilled Cuban Flank Steak

Steaks & Sunshine: The Best Grilled Cuban Flank Steak Ever!

Hey! So, have you ever had one of those days where all you want is a juicy, flavorful steak but, like, you don’t want to go out or anything? Yeah, same. Let me tell you about this Grilled Cuban Flank Steak that’s been living rent-free in my head (and my grill). It’s got flavor, it’s got zing, and it’s the kinda meal that makes you feel like you’re on a beach somewhere… even if you’re just in your backyard.

Main dish photo
The finished dish — looks amazing, right?

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, so here’s the deal. You’ll need a solid piece of flank steak (like, a big one), and trust me, the marinade is where the magic happens. Grab:

– 1 large piece of flank steak (this recipes makes enough marinade for 3 pounds of meat, but like, who even needs that much?)
– 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (fresh is best!)
– 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin if you’re feeling fancy)
– 1 tsp. ground cumin
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– 1 tsp. onion powder (hello, flavor!)
– 1 tsp. garlic powder (can’t have too much garlic, am I right?)
– 1 T soy sauce (you could skip this, but don’t. Just don’t)
– 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle chile powder (or your favorite hot sauce, just bring the heat!)
– 2 tsp. lime zest (optional but highly recommended because zesty is always good!)

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so I first tried this recipe at a potluck (I think it was last summer? Time blurs, right?), and I was like, *what even is this magic?* Everyone was raving, and I just had to know the secret. Turns out, it’s all about the marinade. I mean, who knew you could make steak taste like a tropical vacation? Ever since that day, it’s been my go-to for BBQs, birthdays, or just a random Wednesday night when I feel like treating myself (which is often, let’s be real).

Another beautiful angle of the dish
Just as gorgeous from this angle too!

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Now, here’s the trick that will make you a steak master: let that flank steak sit and marinate ALL DAY. Seriously, I’m not kidding. You can even let it chill in the fridge overnight. The longer it marinates, the more it soaks up all that delicious goodness. And don’t skip the room temp part—letting it warm up a bit before grilling is key to juicy perfection.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Check your grill! Like, really check it. It needs to be hot hot hot. We’re not cooking on a sidewalk here!
2. Don’t overcook it! Trust your gut—if it feels tough when you’re cutting it, it’s too far gone. Seriously, aim for medium rare, or you’ll be gnawing on shoe leather.
3. Rest the meat! After grilling, let it rest. I know it’s hard to wait, but that’s how you get juicy slices.
4. Slice against the grain! This is crucial. It’ll make your meat tender and easier to chew. Nobody wants to fight with their food!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

If by some miracle you have leftovers (seriously, how?), wrap them up tight in foil or store in a container. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be good for a couple of days. Just reheat gently so they don’t dry out. But let’s be honest, you’re probably gonna inhale it all in one sitting anyway.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re into this flavor explosion, you might wanna check out my spicy shrimp tacos (OMG, so good!) or my easy-peasy chimichurri chicken. Both are perfect for summer vibes!

So, what’s your go-to summer grill recipe? Let’s swap stories! 🍽️

Grilled Cuban Flank Steak

Flavor-packed Grilled Cuban Flank Steak with amazing ingredients and incredible taste! Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
8 hours
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
8 hours

Category: Dinner
Yield: 6 servings servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large piece of flank steak (this recipes makes enough marinade for 3 pounds of meat)
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 T soy sauce (see notes)
  • 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle chile powder (or use your favorite hot sauce)
  • 2 tsp. lime zest (optional)
  • Instructions

    1. Combine marinade ingredients. Put flank steak into a ziploc bag and pour marinade in, seal bag, and marinate all day in refrigerator. (You can marinate up to 24 hours if desired.)
    2. Take meat out of refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before grilling.
    3. Oil the grill with a paper towel dipped in olive oil, then preheat gas or charcoal barbecue grill to medium-high (you can only keep your hand there for a few seconds.)
    4. Grill meat to desired doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for rare to medium rare or 6 minutes for medium. I wouldn’t cook flank steak more than medium or it will be tough.
    5. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your flank steak, the best way to judge the doneness is to use an Instant Read Meat Thermometer (affiliate link), cooking to 140-145 for medium rare or 155-160 for medium. (The meat in the photo was cooked about 5 minutes per side.
    6. Remove meat from grill and let rest about 5 minutes. (You can cover with foil to keep it warm if needed.)
    7. Slice across the grain and serve hot, with slices of fresh lime to squeeze on the meat.

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