Get ready to fall head over heels for a steak recipe that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor and a juicy, tender texture that’s downright irresistible. Picture this: a sizzling steak marinated in a vibrant blend of cilantro, lime, and spices, grilled to perfection, and ready to steal the show at your next dinner. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one on repeat. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or just craving a seriously good steak for a weeknight dinner, this recipe’s got your back. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Flank Steak
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or just on its own with a side of veggies.
Budget-Friendly: Flank steak is a great cut that’s usually more affordable than pricier steaks, but when marinated right, it tastes just as luxurious.
Quick and Easy: The marinade comes together in minutes and the steak cooks up fast, making it perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the marinade with extra spices or swap in lemon if you’re out of lime. It’s super flexible.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Flank Steak
Here’s the magic of this steak it’s made with just a handful of bold ingredients, but together they create an explosion of flavor you won’t forget:
Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous, and the heart of the marinade. It brings a bright, earthy flavor that makes the steak sing.
Lime Juice: Adds the perfect tangy kick that tenderizes the meat and brings all the flavors to life.
Olive Oil: Helps infuse the steak with moisture and richness while allowing the other ingredients to stick.
Garlic: That deep, savory punch that takes the marinade from good to unforgettable.
Cumin: A warm, smoky spice that layers in an extra dimension of flavor.
Chili Powder: For just a hint of heat that gives the steak a little edge without overpowering it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out every bit of flavor.
Flank Steak: Lean, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all that marinade goodness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear and locks in all those juicy flavors.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or a zip-top bag, combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it smells absolutely mouthwatering.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: If using a grill pan, lightly oil it to prevent sticking. If grilling outdoors, make sure your grates are clean and oiled.
Assemble the Dish: Add the flank steak to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you have the time) to really let those flavors soak in.
Cook to Perfection: Grill the steak for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time depending on your desired doneness. Look for those gorgeous grill marks!
Finishing Touches: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps all those savory juices redistribute for the most tender bite.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve it up warm with your favorite sides. Get ready for serious applause!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Flank Steak
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve it over a bed of fluffy cilantro lime rice, tuck it into warm tortillas for tacos, slice it over a fresh green salad, or pair it with roasted veggies for a wholesome, hearty meal. Don’t forget a dollop of guacamole or a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra magic!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Always slice flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is non-negotiable — it locks in the juices!
- If you love a bit more spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- No grill? No problem. A hot cast-iron skillet works beautifully too.
- Double the marinade and set some aside (before adding the raw meat) to drizzle over the cooked steak for an extra flavor boost.
- Use fresh lime juice, not the bottled kind — it makes a huge difference!
- Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
- Marinate overnight if you can; it only gets better.
- Save leftovers for a killer steak sandwich the next day.
- Don’t skip the resting period; it really does make the meat juicier and more flavorful!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes, skirt steak or hanger steak would work beautifully if you can’t find flank steak.
2. How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, 4–8 hours is ideal.
3. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! A cast-iron skillet or a grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly.
4. Should I rinse the marinade off before cooking?
Nope! Just let the excess drip off, but you want that delicious coating on the steak as it cooks.
5. How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer. 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
6. Can I freeze marinated flank steak?
Yes! Freeze it right in the marinade and thaw it when ready to cook.
7. What sides go best with this steak?
Rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp green salad are all fantastic options.
8. How should I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
9. Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh is best here for maximum flavor, but in a pinch, you can use dried — just use less.
10. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder, but it’s definitely not overwhelmingly spicy.
Conclusion
There you have it, a mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Flank Steak that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe brings the perfect mix of zesty, juicy, and downright delicious to your table. Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Cilantro Lime Flank Steak
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A juicy and flavorful flank steak marinated with fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and honey.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Serve immediately with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the steak overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- Great to serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg