Embark on a culinary adventure this weekend with our Grilled Flank Steak, expertly seasoned with a dynamic blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a surprising hint of cinnamon. Get ready to fire up your grill for an unforgettable meal that promises rich flavors and tender perfection!
There’s a special kind of joy in our household when a beautiful cut of steak makes its way home from the grocery store. For years, red meat wasn’t a regular feature on our dinner table, a habit perhaps inherited from my childhood. While I harbor no aversion to it, the natural inclination to cook or consume it frequently wasn’t always there. However, every so often, a craving strikes—a deep yearning for the robust, savory satisfaction that only a perfectly grilled flank steak can provide. And when that craving hits, it’s a sign for a truly delicious occasion.
Among the various cuts, flank steak holds a special place as my personal favorite. Its lean profile and exceptional ability to absorb flavors make it an ideal candidate for grilling. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that truly elevates this cut: Grilled Flank Steak with a distinctive Brown Sugar Rub. It’s incredibly flavorful, tender, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Are there any other flank steak enthusiasts out there who share my appreciation for this versatile cut?
The arrival of summer has been officially heralded in our home, bringing with it a palpable sense of relief and renewed energy. School finally wrapped up earlier this week, and I must confess, the quiet calm after the bustling storm of end-of-year projects, book reports, and school functions is incredibly welcome. May always feels like a whirlwind, and each year, I momentarily forget its intensity until I’m deep within its chaos, constantly asking, “Where is summer? When will this pace slow down?”
Well, summer has indeed arrived for us, bringing smiles and a relaxed atmosphere. My own smile is a little wider this week, not just because of the school break, but also because a significant home improvement project has finally concluded. When we moved into our new house about a year and a half ago, I compiled an ambitious list of renovations and improvements. The reality, of course, is that such endeavors require considerable time, effort, and resources, so I’ve been tackling them at a steady, manageable pace.
My main spring and early summer undertaking was to transform our outdoor living space into a functional and inviting area. We extended pavers to create beautiful new zones off our driveway and pool area, effectively crafting a lovely outdoor seating arrangement and a dedicated grilling station. For me, the grill has always been more than just a cooking appliance; it’s an extension of my kitchen, a place where culinary creativity truly flourishes. With our newly renovated outdoor sanctuary, my grill is once again in full swing, and I’m ready to embrace my inner grilling enthusiast! This season is undoubtedly my favorite time to grill, not solely because of the typically pleasant weather (though in Florida, that can be a bit of a humorous understatement!), but primarily due to the abundance of incredible seasonal produce. There’s nothing quite like the smoky sweetness of grilled vegetables complementing a perfectly cooked steak.
Here’s a glimpse into one of my newly cherished spaces—our vibrant new grilling area, complete with a thriving container herb garden, conveniently located just off our kitchen and family room:
Now, let’s bring our focus back to the star of the show: our incredible flank steak. One of my favorite aspects of grilling is the opportunity to experiment with custom spice rubs, tailoring flavors to perfectly complement the meat. For this flank steak recipe, I carefully crafted a rub by combining a touch of brown sugar with some of my most beloved spices: rich smoked paprika, robust ancho chili powder, and an unexpected, yet delightful, dash of cinnamon. The inclusion of cinnamon was a direct inspiration from my friend Liz, who masterfully incorporates it into her recipes, creating layers of warmth and complexity. Her culinary creativity encouraged me to be more adventurous in adding cinnamon to my own cooking, and I’m so glad I did! This particular steak rub proved to be absolutely phenomenal. It imparted a deeply flavorful crust and tenderized the meat beautifully, earning rave reviews from my entire family. I playfully hinted at a “secret ingredient,” and my husband, with his keen palate, correctly guessed the cinnamon. His reward? An extra serving of this delicious steak, well-deserved for his discerning taste!
Recipes Featuring the Rich Flavor of Smoked Paprika
Roasted Acorn Squash with Smoked Paprika
Greek Yogurt Egg Salad with Smoked Paprika
Roasted Red Potatoes with Smoked Paprika
This grilled flank steak is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any summer gathering. We particularly enjoyed it thinly sliced and nestled atop a vibrant Steak Salad with Grilled Peaches and Red Onion – the combination of savory steak, sweet peaches, and crisp greens is simply divine! For a lighter, yet equally satisfying accompaniment, consider serving this steak with a refreshing Caprese Rice Salad, featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Alternatively, an elegant Herbed Wild Rice Salad with Pine Nuts offers a delightful textural contrast and earthy notes that beautifully complement the robust flavor of the steak. Whichever pairing you choose, this grilled flank steak is guaranteed to be a highlight of your summer meal rotation, bringing gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Happy grilling and happy weekend to everyone!
Print Recipe
Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub
Author: Aggie Goodman
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Beef
Method: Grill
Ingredients
- 2 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Generous pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, ground cinnamon, coarse salt, and freshly ground pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to create a uniform rub.
- Place the flank steak on a large baking sheet or shallow dish. Generously apply the prepared spice mixture onto both sides of the steak, pressing gently to adhere the rub to the meat. Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors begin to meld.
- While the steak is resting, preheat your grill to medium heat (approximately 375-400°F or 190-205°C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot and ready, carefully place the seasoned flank steak directly on the grill rack. Close the lid and grill for 7-8 minutes. Then, flip the steak to the other side, close the lid again, and continue grilling for another 7-8 minutes. This timing is generally for medium-rare to medium doneness; adjust based on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak.
- Remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. It is crucial to let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
- The best way to slice flank steak for maximum tenderness is against the grain and at a slight angle. This breaks up the long muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender.
Notes
For precise grilling times and temperatures, especially if you’re aiming for a specific level of doneness, refer to this comprehensive grilling chart. Keep in mind that cook time can vary significantly based on your grill’s temperature, the steak’s thickness, and your personal preference for doneness. Additionally, mastering the technique of slicing against the grain is vital for ensuring tender cuts of meat from flank steak. If you need a visual guide or further explanation, this helpful article on how to slice meat against the grain provides excellent tips and clarity.
Explore More Delicious Beef Recipes
If you’re a fan of flavorful beef dishes, you’ll love these easy and healthy recipes:
London Broil with Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic Marinade
Easy Pepper Steak
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
For more grilling inspiration and chilled-out recipe ideas, be sure to check out my dedicated Grillin’ and Chillin’ Board on Pinterest.