How to Grill Flank Steak | Timing, Temperature & Recipes

Grilled flank steak sliced against the grain on a cutting board

The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Flank Steak: Techniques, Timing & Tips

If you’ve ever wondered how to grill flank steak perfectly—tender, flavorful, and cooked just right—this is the guide for you. Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut that’s ideal for the grill, but it can turn chewy if you don’t handle it correctly. In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk through the best way to grill flank steak, how long to cook it, how to slice it, and how to make it the star of your next backyard BBQ.

Why Choose Flank Steak for Grilling?

Flank steak is a favorite among grillers for a reason. It’s affordable, relatively lean, and soaks up marinades like a sponge. When prepared properly, it’s tender and bursting with flavor. Grilled flank steak is a great protein for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and standalone entrées. If you’re asking, can you grill flank steak? The answer is a definitive yes—this cut was made for fire.

How to Prep Flank Steak for the Grill

Start by trimming excess silver skin and fat. Then score the surface with shallow cuts—this helps marinades penetrate better and keeps the meat from curling on the grill. Let the steak come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking.

How to Marinate and Season Flank Steak

Because flank steak is lean, it benefits from a bold marinade. Popular combos include soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and herbs. For dry rubs, choose spice blends with chili powder, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar. Let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours—or up to 24 hours for deep flavor. Check out our favorite rubs and seasonings for flank steak HERE.

How to Grill a Flank Steak on a Gas Grill

Preheat your gas grill to high heat (450–500°F). Clean and oil the grates. Place the steak over direct heat and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium). Wondering how to grill a flank steak on a gas grill? Quick sear, rest, slice—done.

How Long to Grill Flank Steak

If you’re asking how long to grill a flank steak or how long to cook flank steak on grill, the answer depends on your desired doneness. Here’s a quick guide:

Doneness	Internal Temp	Total Grill Time
Rare	120–125°F	3–4 min/side
Medium Rare	130–135°F	4–5 min/side
Medium	140–145°F	5–6 min/side
Well Done	150°F+	6+ min/side

Flank steak—how long to grill? Most commonly, grill 4–5 minutes per side for medium rare.

How to Grill Flank Steak Medium Rare

How long to grill flank steak for medium rare? About 4–5 minutes per side over direct high heat. Medium rare flank steak should reach an internal temperature of 130–135°F. Once done, remove from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.

How to BBQ a Flank Steak

If you're wondering how to BBQ a flank steak, the method is similar to grilling: Preheat the grill to high heat, sear both sides, then move to indirect heat if needed. The best way to grill flank steak for BBQ flavor is over lump charcoal or wood chunks for that extra smoke. Wondering how long to BBQ flank steak? Stick to the 8–10 minute total rule for medium rare, and use a thermometer to be sure.

How to Slice Flank Steak for Maximum Tenderness

After grilling, always slice flank steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. Hold your knife at a slight diagonal angle and cut thin slices—this makes a huge difference in texture.

Grill Flank Steak Recipe Ideas

Classic Grilled Flank Steak: Marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and lime. Serve with chimichurri sauce.
BBQ Flank Steak Tacos: Slice grilled steak and serve in tortillas with pickled onions and avocado.
Flank Steak Salad: Toss steak slices with arugula, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic glaze.

Need a flank steak recipe grill lovers will adore? These hits bring flavor to every cookout.

Pro Grilling Tips

Always preheat your grill to high heat.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
Rest the steak before slicing to retain juices.
How to grill flank steak on gas grill? High heat, short time, direct fire.
How long should I grill flank steak? 8–10 minutes total for medium rare.

FAQs

How long does it take to grill a flank steak?

Typically, 8 to 10 minutes total depending on doneness and grill heat.

Can you grill flank steak?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most grill-friendly cuts you can find.

How to grill flank steak medium rare?

Grill 4–5 minutes per side until it reaches 130–135°F internally.

How long to barbecue flank steak?

Same as grilling—about 8 to 10 minutes total over high heat.

How do you grill flank steak?

Marinate, sear over high heat, rest, and slice against the grain.

Conclusion

Flank steak is one of the easiest and most rewarding cuts to grill. Whether you’re cooking on gas, charcoal, or even a pellet smoker, the process is straightforward: marinate, sear, rest, and slice. Once you learn how to grill a flank steak and how long to grill flank steak for your preferred doneness, it’ll become a staple in your grilling routine. With the right seasoning, temperature control, and slicing technique, you’ll transform a humble cut into a dinner worth repeating.

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