How to Tell When Grilled Flank Steak is Done

Flank steak is a great cut of meat for grilling. It’s relatively inexpensive and, when cooked properly, it can be quite tender.

However, grilled flank steak can also be tough and chewy if not cooked correctly. That’s why it’s important to know how to tell when your grilled flank steak is done.

In this post, I will go over everything you need to know to successfully grill flank steak.

Best ways to tell if grilled flank steak is done

Grilling is a great steak cooking method that really brings out the flavor of the meat when it is done correctly but it can be tricky to tell when it’s done.

Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect flank steak every time.

1. Check the temperature

To determine the doneness of your flank steak, it is important to check the internal temperature.

To get the steak to rare to medium-rare, make sure the internal temperature does not go beyond 125°F to 130°F.

The best way to check the temperature is by using an instant-read thermometer.

2. Check texture with your fingertips

To check if your flank steak is done, you can use your fingers to feel how firm it is. If it’s very soft, then the steak isn’t yet done; cook for another few minutes.

If it feels like it is pretty firm then you should be ok to remove it from the grill.

3. Look at the grill marks

Look for grill marks to help you determine if your flank steak is done. When the steak is cooking, watch for dark browning and charring on the surface.

If the color has changed about 1/4″ up the side, the flank steak is ready to be flipped. Cook an additional 3 minutes on the second side.

How cooking temperatures affect the steak

Grilling flank steak at different temperatures can have an effect on its texture and taste. Keeping the grill lid closed during cooking will help maintain the temperature.

Cooking over high heat for a short period of time will achieve the optimal texture and taste in the steak, with a medium rare temperature being ideal.

Cooking at temperatures that are too high or too low can cause the steak to be overly chewy or too tough.

I have a post that can tell you how long you should let a steak rest before cooking, as well as how to keep steak warm, that might be helpful.

How Long to Grill Flank Steak

To ensure that your steak is tender and full of flavor, it’s important to get the timing right.

It takes about 8-10 minutes to grill a flank steak on a gas grill. To ensure a tender, juicy steak, you should preheat your grill to high heat (at least 450° F) and let it heat up for about 15 minutes.

Then, set a timer for 1 minute and sear the steak for 1 minute on each side. After that, turn the heat down to medium and flip the steak halfway through.

For medium-rare doneness, cook for 4-5 minutes per side. If you want to use a meat thermometer, the steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135° F.

Finally, let the steak rest before slicing it against the grain and serving.

Do you ever ask yourself why is my steak chewy? Learn more in this post to prevent chewy steaks!

How can I get a good sear on grilled flank steak?

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
2. Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels, then season it.
3. Place the steak directly over the heat and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Resist the urge to move or flip the steak. You want to get a good sear on one side.
4. Flip the steak over and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Turn the heat down to medium heat and continue cooking until your desired doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Cutting Flank Steak

To cut flank steak, place the grilled steak on a cutting board and cut it against the grain at a 45-degree angle. Go slowly and use a sharp knife for the best results.

To ensure that you are cutting through the tough parts, slice the steak into thin strips. Once all of the steaks are cut, you can enjoy them as is, or you can use the slices for whatever recipe you have in mind.

One of my favorite steak recipes is my steak quesadilla, I highly recommend you give it a try!

Conclusion

With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at grilling flank steak that is perfectly cooked every time. Just remember to use the touch test, look for grill marks, and check the internal temperature of the steak. And if you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of grilling for less time rather than more.