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Chipotle-Style Grilled Flank Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Angela
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 10m
  • Total Time: 0h 55m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Chipotle-Style Steak recipe features a tender and flavorful flank steak marinated in a smoky, spicy chipotle adobo sauce blend. Grilled to perfection, the steak delivers a rich smoky flavor with a hint of heat, enhanced by fresh lime juice and aromatic spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or served as a main dish, this recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a southwestern-inspired grilled steak.


Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

  • 1 pound flank steak
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped


Instructions

  1. Preheat Grill: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for searing the steak.
  2. Prepare Steak: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the marinade adhere and promote better browning.
  3. Trim Fat: Place the steak on a cutting board and trim any excess fat from the edges for even cooking and better texture.
  4. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder until fully combined.
  5. Marinate Steak: Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over, and coat the steak evenly. Cover or seal, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  6. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
  7. Grill Steak: Place the steak on the preheated grill or grill pan and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking time according to preference, avoiding pressing down on the steak to retain juices.
  8. Rest Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
  9. Slice Steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the sliced steak for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately as a main dish or in tacos and burritos.

Notes

  • Marinating the steak longer, up to 2 hours, will enhance the flavor further but avoid exceeding 4 hours to maintain texture.
  • For thicker cuts of steak, adjust grill time to ensure proper doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
  • If using an outdoor grill, oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
  • The recipe works well with other steak cuts like skirt or hanger steak.