How To Slice Flank Steak

Steaks are a universal favorite, thanks to their simply delightful taste. 

So, the moment I think of making some tasty meal for the day, trying out a new kind of steak always pops up in my mind besides other options. On one such occasion, when I was making arrangements for a small party at home, I wondered which steak I could include on the menu. 

It was then that my husband suggested trying out flank steak. I was slightly skeptical about the suggestion initially since I had never tasted or tried making it before. But seeing how enthusiastic my husband was, I decided to go ahead and bought some from the local market. 

Thankfully, the steaks were in great condition, but the problem was that I had no idea how to slice and cook them! Thus began my research on how to slice flank steak, and surprisingly enough, I managed to stun all my friends with the perfectly grilled flank steak.

Hi! I’m Stacy, and today I’m here to clear all your confusion regarding slicing flank steaks. So, without further ado, let’s dive in...

How To Slice Flank Steak

For cooking any dish out of a flank steak, be it a smoky grilled steak or a quick stir-fry, you’ll have to follow the same way of slicing it. 

But before I begin with the method, here’s a piece of information you need to be aware of, especially if you are relatively new to slicing meats. The grain of the meat is an important thing to consider when you’re slicing it. It is actually the muscle fiber in the meat and is evident in the form of lines running from one side of the steak to another. 

Note that you’ll always have to slice the steak against the grain to cut the muscle fibers short. This will make it tender enough to be enjoyed as part of any meal. 

Also, you’ll need a sharp knife for the purpose. I suggest using a knife designed for cutting steaks since I’ve got the best results with the one I have.

Now, here’s the rundown on how to go about it. 

Step 1: Remove the Membrane

In some cases, the steak may come with a thin membrane or silverskin covering one side that needs to be removed before cooking. And that would, of course, be difficult after you slice it, so you should always do it beforehand. Just slip the knife under a corner of the membrane to make a tab that you can hold on to. 

Then run the knife blade under the membrane while holding the tab with the other hand. Finally, slide the blade across the top so that the membrane is separated. 

Step 2: Separating The Fat

Like most other meat varieties, flank steaks also come with a substantial amount of fat that you need to separate. This usually occurs in the form of large slabs on the sides, so cut them off neatly to ensure that the steak is perfectly fit for cooking. 

Step 3: Note The Direction Of The Fibers

After you’re done separating the membrane, examine the flank steak carefully to find out the direction of the muscle fibers. Then hold the knife perpendicular to the fibers. Typically, this implies you’ll have to cut the meat widthwise and not lengthwise. 

Step 4: Slice The Steak

Once you’ve lined up the knife, cut the steak across the two ends. Note here that to make the perfect meal, it’s best to cut flank steaks into thin bite-sized slices since they are naturally grainy. 

A necessary precaution to take during this step is never to apply excessive force while using the knife, as that could damage the meat and make the cut uneven. I had faced this issue quite a few times initially, which is why I’m extra cautious with this step nowadays. Also, make sure you use kitchen tongs or a carving fork to keep the steak in place while you slice it. 

Some Important Factors

Apart from slicing the steak, you need to consider two other essential factors if you’re looking to make meals using flank steaks. So, let’s take a brief look at each of them. 

1. Choosing The Right Flank Steak

When you’re buying flank steaks, it’s a must to choose one which has a uniform thickness. This will ensure the entire steak is well-cooked rather than just the ends. As for the color of the meat, it should be red and not grey in some portions as that indicates staleness. 

You must also check that the steak isn’t overly moist and is cold to the touch. And lastly, the package must be devoid of any tears or holes as that would reduce the freshness of the meat. 

2. Cooking A Flank Steak

While looking up how I could cook flank steaks, I was glad to find that a variety of flavors could complement their rich and meaty taste. After all, experimenting with different flavors is something I enjoy all the time. 

For cooking excellent meals out of flank steaks, you can use cumin, garlic, sesame oil, chilly peppers, soy, rosemary, and several other flavors. 

Note that the marinades for the meat should include vegetable or olive oil along with vinegar, citrus juice, or wine. Last but not least, make sure that you cook the steak over low to medium flame to prevent it from becoming tasteless and tough.

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