It was a balmy summer evening when I fired up the grill and knew exactly what I was craving – a juicy, perfectly charred Grilled Flank Steak paired with a vibrant Charred Corn Salad. This has become my go-to grilling recipe that never fails to impress. There’s just something about the smoky, caramelized steak and the sweet, crunchy corn that makes my taste buds dance with joy.
I remember the first time I made this Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad for a backyard barbecue with friends. I had been experimenting with different marinades and techniques, and I was so excited to share my creation. As soon as that first juicy bite hit my tongue, I knew I had a winner. The look on my friends’ faces as they savored every morsel was priceless – they were hooked, just like I was.
Since then, I’ve perfected the art of Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad, and it’s become a staple in my culinary repertoire. Whether I’m hosting a fancy dinner party or just whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this dish never fails to deliver.
Why This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
The secret to this Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The steak is marinated in a blend of bold seasonings, which caramelizes on the grill to create a mouthwatering crust. Meanwhile, the charred corn salad adds a sweet, smoky, and crunchy contrast that complements the steak beautifully.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flank steak: This cut of beef is lean, tender, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect choice for grilling.
- Corn: Fresh, in-season corn is the star of the salad, adding a natural sweetness and crisp texture.
- Lime juice: A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the salad and helps to balance the richness of the steak.
- Cilantro: This fragrant herb adds a fresh, herbal note that ties the whole dish together.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with a pungent, savory flavor.
- Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the steak a delightful smoky-spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, and you’ll need a grill, a large skillet, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Begin by marinating the flank steak in a mixture of garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, as this will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
2- While the steak is marinating, prepare the corn salad. Cut the kernels off the cobs and toss them in a hot, lightly oiled skillet. Let the corn char and caramelize, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.
3- Remove the charred corn from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add diced red onion, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and set the salad aside.
4- Preheat your grill to high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the marinated flank steak on the grates and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5- Let the Grilled Flank Steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
6- Serve the Grilled Flank Steak immediately, accompanied by the Charred Corn Salad. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, to prevent the texture from becoming too soft.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – leave plenty of space between the steaks for even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the corn to prevent it from burning; you want a nice, even char.
- Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Adjust the seasoning in the salad to your taste, adding more lime juice, cilantro, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or garlic-herb bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. For drinks, a crisp white wine, a refreshing summer beer, or a zesty margarita would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, simply slice it and warm it in a skillet over medium heat. The corn salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
For meal prepping, you can marinate the steak and prepare the corn salad up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the steak and assemble the dish.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
Creative Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the flank steak for skirt steak or hanger steak for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the marinade, such as a Tex-Mex blend or an Asian-inspired mixture.
For a seasonal twist, try grilling peach or pineapple slices and adding them to the corn salad for a touch of sweetness. Or, swap out the corn for roasted sweet potato or zucchini cubes.
Making Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Diet-Friendly
To make this dish gluten-free, simply omit any soy sauce or teriyaki-based marinades and use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can skip the corn and replace it with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles in the salad.
And for a vegan or vegetarian option, substitute the flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of steak besides flank steak?
A: Absolutely! Flank steak is the recommended cut, but you can also use skirt steak, hanger steak, or even flat iron steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may vary in thickness.
Q: How long should I marinate the steak?
A: For best results, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat without making the texture too soft.
Q: Can I make the corn salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the corn salad up to a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. For medium, shoot for 140-145°F.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: No problem! You can also pan-sear the flank steak in a hot, well-oiled skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy grilled flank steak paired with a vibrant charred corn salad – a quick and easy summer meal bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak
– 4 ears of corn, husks removed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to high heat.
2. – Season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. – Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, until cooked to your desired doneness. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. – Grill the corn until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes total.
5. – Cut the corn kernels off the cob and place in a bowl.
6. – Add the diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. – Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
8. – Slice the grilled flank steak against the grain and serve immediately with the charred corn salad.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the flank steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad is a true summertime showstopper that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors, perfect textures, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the ultimate taste of the season. Bon appetit!
