Best Flank Steak Marinade

This easy flank steak marinade uses garlic, lime, and cumin to lock in bold flavor and tenderize the meat. It’s perfect for tossing on the grill!

Marinated Flank Steak

This simple flank steak marinade is an easy way to infuse a ton of flavor into a thinner cut of beef. It helps to ensure a tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bite that tastes amazing.

All it takes to make a grilled flank steak is a combination of oil, lime juice, fresh garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and a marinating time of just 30 minutes! We love to use this for flank steak tacos, but you could use the marinade for skirt steak tacos, too.

Why I Love to Marinate Flank Steak

• Tender and flavorful: The marinade penetrates the surface of the meat infusing it with flavor while also tenderizing it. It’s also great for caramelizing a crust on the steak while it’s searing on the grill!
• Versatile: Try easy steak marinade or switch it up to a teriyaki steak marinade, or my easy steak fajita marinade.

Ingredient Notes

See full printable recipe below.

• Flank steak: This marinade makes enough to coat a 1-pound boneless piece. You can easily double or triple the amount of marinade if needed.
• Olive oil: Helps keep the meat nice and moist while keeping the acidity mellowed out. If you don’t have olive oil you can use vegetable oil.
• Lime: We use both the juice and zest of the lime for a fresh vibrant flavor. The acid is what helps break down the muscle fibers. If you don’t have lime, use lemon juice instead, or 1-2 Tablespoons of vinegar.
• Garlic: Tips on how to mince garlic are useful.
• Cumin: An earthy warm spice commonly used in Latin and Indian cuisine. 
• Salt & pepper: Kosher salt to ensure you’re not oversalting while drawing out the moisture and black pepper to balance it out.

How to Make a Flank Steak Marinade

1. Combine marinade ingredients and whisk them together in a large bowl. Add the flank steak and submerge it into the mixture, making sure to coat the entire surface of the meat. 
2. Allow it to marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature if you plan on using it right away. If not, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover it in plastic wrap if you’re worried about the smell in your fridge. Bring it back to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Transfer the meat to a preheated grill and cook until the steak has reached your desired level of doneness. I like mine medium-rare with a caramelized crust, which takes about 6 minutes per side. 
4. Rest the meat before cutting it into thin slices. Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain. Serve as desired.

Temperature Guide for Grilled Flank Steak

Depending on the thickness of your meat and how you like yours, here’s a quick guide to internal temperatures:

• Medium Rare (130°-140°F) 
• Medium (140°-150°F) 
• Medium Well (150°-160°F)
• Well (Over 160°F)

This guide works for grilling directly on the grate, using a grill pan, a large cast-iron skillet on the stove top, or using the oven to broil your steak. In the end, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to achieve perfect results!

Marinade Flavor Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
• A dollop of Dijon mustard can add a kick! 
• Flavored vinegar like red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can change the flavor profile from the lime to something a little different.
• Worcestershire sauce or low sodium soy sauce can add umami flavor if that’s what you like. 
• Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Onion powder is great too.
• Fresh ginger can also pack a punch! 
• Paprika pairs well with cumin for extra flavor and a bit of smokiness. 
• Herbs like oregano, rosemary always pair well with beef. Fresh cilantro makes this carne asada marinade the best!

Make Ahead 

Prep the marinade up to 3 days in advance by combining the ingredients and storing it in a mason jar or covered bowl. Do not marinate the meat that long, no more than 24 hours. 

I prefer to prep the meat in the morning, have it marinate all day, and then grill it that same evening. 

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