Unlock an explosion of flavor with this incredible P.F. Chang’s inspired Asian Flank Steak recipe, perfected for your home kitchen. Imagine succulent strips of tender flank steak, marinated overnight in a savory, sweet, and tangy blend, then seared to perfection. This dish isn’t just easy to make; it’s a culinary journey that promises restaurant-quality taste in every bite. Paired beautifully with your favorite sides like a simple fried rice or crisp Brussels sprouts, this Asian Flank Steak is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Mastering the Asian Flank Steak: A Deep Dive into Flavor
Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that, when prepared correctly, offers a delightful texture and absorbs marinades exceptionally well. Its long, flat shape and visible grain make it ideal for slicing against the grain, which is crucial for maximum tenderness. This particular recipe draws inspiration from the beloved flavors of P.F. Chang’s, bringing that signature sweet and savory profile right to your dining table.
The secret to this steak’s incredible taste lies in its powerful marinade. By allowing the flank steak to soak up this amazing mixture overnight, the fibers of the meat are tenderized, and every inch is infused with a complex blend of Asian-inspired spices and sauces. The result is a steak that is not only tender but bursting with an umami-rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
The Heart of the Flavor: Marinade Ingredients
Crafting the perfect marinade is key to this recipe’s success. Each ingredient plays a vital role in tenderizing the meat and building a robust flavor profile that mirrors those found in your favorite Asian restaurants. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for this irresistible marinade:
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of any good Asian marinade, soy sauce provides a deep umami base and necessary saltiness. Opt for a low-sodium version if you’re mindful of salt intake.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Don’t let the Italian origin fool you! Balsamic vinegar adds a unique tangy sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the overall flavor. It’s a surprising but fantastic addition to this Asian-inspired blend.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for carrying flavors into the meat, vegetable oil also helps to keep the steak moist during cooking and ensures a beautiful sear.
- Honey: This natural sweetener balances the savory and tangy elements of the marinade, contributing to the beautiful caramelization of the steak when cooked.
- Garlic Cloves (Minced): Fresh garlic is indispensable for its pungent, aromatic qualities, infusing the steak with a warm and savory kick.
- Ginger (Minced): Bright, zesty, and slightly peppery, fresh ginger provides that quintessential Asian flavor, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing note.
- Scallions (Thinly Sliced): Offering a mild oniony flavor and a fresh green aroma, scallions add both taste and a lovely visual appeal to the marinade and finished dish.
- Flank Steak: The star of the show! Choose a flank steak that is 1.5 to 2 pounds, ensuring it’s relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Tools for Success: Essential Kitchen Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing this recipe effortlessly. Here are a couple of items we highly recommend:
Large Mixing Bowl: We are big fans of a sturdy glass batter bowl, especially one with a handle. It makes mixing your marinade ingredients a breeze and keeps the bowl steady on your counter, preventing spills and messes. Look for one with a pour spout for easy transfer if you’re using it for other tasks.
Gallon-sized Resealable Plastic Bag: Ideal for marinating, these bags ensure maximum contact between the meat and the marinade, while also making cleanup incredibly simple. Just make sure it seals completely to prevent any leaks.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for mincing garlic and ginger, slicing scallions, and most importantly, for cutting the cooked flank steak against the grain into beautiful, tender strips.
Meat Thermometer: While not strictly necessary for experienced cooks, a good meat thermometer is invaluable for ensuring your steak reaches your desired doneness without overcooking. Flank steak cooks quickly, so precision helps.
Unlocking Flavor: The Marination Process
The marinating step is where the magic truly happens, transforming a simple cut of beef into an incredibly flavorful experience. Follow these tips to ensure your flank steak soaks up every drop of that delicious marinade:
- Secure Marinating: Always place your steak in a sealable baggie, then put that baggie inside a bowl or a deep dish. This double-layer protection prevents any accidental spills in your fridge, keeping everything clean and hygienic.
- Even Coating: After adding the steak to the marinade bag, gently massage and swish the marinade around. Ensure that all sides of the flank steak are fully coated. This maximizes flavor absorption and tenderization across the entire cut.
- Time is Key: While the minimum recommended marinating time for this recipe is 10 hours, for the most intense flavor and tender texture, we highly recommend marinating for a full 24 hours. This extended period allows the acids and enzymes in the marinade to work their magic, breaking down tough fibers and infusing the meat with deep, complex flavors. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the meat can start to break down too much and become mushy.
- Refrigeration is a Must: Always keep your marinating steak in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.
Grilling, Pan-Searing, Broiling: Achieving Perfect Doneness
Once your flank steak is perfectly marinated, it’s time to cook it. Flank steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium for optimal tenderness and flavor. Here are a few popular methods for cooking your Asian Flank Steak:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 130-135°F / 54-57°C), or 6-8 minutes per side for medium (internal temperature 135-140°F / 57-60°C). Adjust times based on steak thickness and grill heat.
- Pan-Searing (Stovetop): Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed oil). Once shimmering, add the steak and sear for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 7-9 minutes per side for medium.
- Broiling: Place your oven rack 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat the broiler. Place the steak on a broiler pan and broil for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches your desired doneness.
Resting the Steak: Regardless of your cooking method, always let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Slicing Against the Grain: When ready to serve, thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew. Look for the distinct lines on the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
Perfect Pairings for Your Asian Flank Steak
This versatile Asian Flank Steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
- Simple Fried Rice: A classic combination! The savory rice perfectly complements the rich flavors of the steak.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, roast Brussels sprouts until crispy and tender, perhaps with a touch of the leftover marinade or a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Steamed White or Brown Rice: A simple, neutral base allows the steak’s flavor to shine.
- Noodles: Tossed with a light soy-sesame dressing or simply served plain, noodles make for a satisfying accompaniment.
- Steamed Asian Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or carrots lightly steamed and seasoned offer a fresh and healthy side.
- Asian Salad: A crisp salad with a ginger-sesame dressing can add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Recipe for Asian Flank Steak
Asian Flank Steak
15 minutes
1 day
1 day 15 minutes
3
725kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Tablespoon Honey
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tablespoon ginger minced
- 3 scallions thinly sliced
Steak
- 1 ½ – 2 pound flank steak
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, honey, garlic, ginger and scallions in a large resealable plastic bag. Gently swirl the ingredients around until they are well combined.
- Place the flank steak in the marinade bag, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 10-24 hours.
- Remove the steak from the bag and discard any leftover marinade. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Cook the steak using your preferred method (grilling, pan-searing, or broiling) to your desired doneness. Refer to the “Cooking the Steak to Perfection” section above for detailed instructions.
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist steak. Thinly slice against the grain before serving.
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 234
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Why You’ll Love This Asian Flank Steak Recipe
This P.F. Chang’s inspired Asian Flank Steak recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with thoughtful preparation, can yield extraordinary results. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The marinade is truly the star, delivering a complex profile that is savory, subtly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s a flavor bomb that will delight your taste buds.
- Effortless Preparation: While it requires some marinating time, the active prep work is minimal. Just whisk the marinade, add the steak, and let the refrigerator do most of the heavy lifting.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it with classic fried rice, healthy steamed vegetables, or a crisp Asian salad, this steak adapts beautifully to many accompaniments.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Inspired by a popular restaurant dish, this recipe is a surefire hit with family and friends. It feels gourmet but is achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Economical Choice: Flank steak is often a more budget-friendly cut compared to others, making this a delicious yet economical way to enjoy a fantastic beef dish.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas to Explore
If you enjoyed this Asian Flank Steak, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with new and exciting recipes designed to make your meal planning easier and more delicious. Be sure to check out some of our other popular dinner recipes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Crock Pot Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Crock Pot Shrimp and Grits
- Dorito Chicken Casserole
- Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Do you love discovering new recipes? We have an extensive collection that caters to every craving! Explore our copycat recipes to recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home, indulge in our delightful dessert recipes, and simplify your meal prep with our convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
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Recipe originally shared on November 4, 2013, and thoroughly updated for improved flavor, clarity, and SEO in September 2020.