Ah, the sizzle of a juicy flank steak on the grill - it's a sound that can make any carnivore's mouth water. The bright, beefy flavor of this prized cut, coupled with its relatively lean profile, has cemented it as a favorite across dinner tables and barbecues worldwide (a long, flat cut from the cow's abdominal muscles).
However, there comes a time when you might find your recipe notes scribbled in the margins, "no flank steak, try something else.
In this meat lover's masterclass, we'll explore five flank steak substitutes that not only replace with a culinary flourish but also enhance with their unique profiles.
Key Takeaways:
- There are several delicious substitutes for flank steak, such as skirt steak, hanger steak, flat iron steak, sirloin flap, and London broil.
- Each substitute offers a unique flavor and texture that can enhance different dishes.
- Adjust cooking times and marinade amounts accordingly when substituting these cuts in recipes.
Why Substitute Flank Steak?
Before we dive into the substitutes, let's first explore why you might need to switch out your trusty flank steak. While this cut is undoubtedly versatile and delicious, it may not always be available at your local butcher or grocery store.
Moreover, its rising popularity has led to an increase in price, making it a less budget-friendly option for some.
Additionally, some palates may find flank steak's intense beefiness overpowering and prefer a milder flavor. Whatever the reason, these substitutes are here to save the day and improve your culinary game.
5 Substitutes for Flank Steak
1. Skirt Steak
At first glance, the skirt steak might seem like it's living in the shadow of the more popular flank, but don't be deceived by the rankings. With a strong, beefy flavor and a tender texture when cooked to medium-rare, skirt steak is an excellent choice for those who enjoy intense beef flavor with a slight chew.
Skirt steak has a rich, full-bodied beefiness that sings with garlic, chiles, and a touch of lime (a diaphragm cut with pronounced grain). It's a natural fit for fajitas and is on a first-name basis with chimichurri sauce.
When substituting in recipes, remember that skirt steak is thinner than flank, so it cooks faster. Adjust by reducing cooking times and temperatures slightly.
Use a 1:1 substitution ratio for most recipes, unless you're slicing for fajitas, in which case, you might need a bit more skirt steak to satisfy the crowd; for leaner, everyday swaps see sirloin steak options for everyday recipes.
2. Hanger Steak
Often referred to as the 'butcher's steak' due to its historic reservation for themselves, the hanger steak has transitioned into the culinary spotlight for its rich, beefy flavor and exceptional tenderness.
This cut has a pronounced beefy taste that excels in hearty dishes, and its distinct 'grain' is notably more porous, making it an ideal candidate for absorbing flavorful marinades (a hanging tender from the cow's plate, near the diaphragm). Its versatility in improving the depth of various recipes has made it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
Hanger steak should be cooked quickly over high heat - think under a broiler or on a hot grill. Like skirt steak, it's important to cut against the grain to ensure tenderness.
When substituting for flank, increase your marinade a bit to ensure the hanger's strong flavor is balanced; see hanger steak options for bold marinades.
3. Flat Iron Steak
If you're seeking a cut known for its tenderness, consider the flat iron steak. This culinary gem has excellent marbling that competes with even the juiciest cuts on the block (cut from the top blade in the beef chuck).
Striking the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor, the flat iron steak offers a strong beefy profile with a hint of buttery goodness, making it a versatile star in any kitchen.
Since flat iron steak is inherently more tender than flank, it doesn't require as much work in the marination department; for similar quick-cooking choices see cube steak options for fast dinners.
Due to its marbling, it is important to keep an eye on it while cooking, as the higher fat content can lead to flare-ups.
4. Sirloin Flap
Brought to you from the abdomen, the sirloin flap steak shares more than just location with the beloved flank (also called bavette, from the bottom sirloin). The sirloin flap, also known as the bavette steak, is heralded for its exceptional balance of flavor and texture.
This cut sports one of the most well-rounded flavors in the beef family. While it may have a slightly milder beefiness compared to its counterparts, its tender and juicy demeanor makes it a versatile choice that shines in numerous dishes, from hearty stews to sizzling stir-fries.
Use a sirloin flap in a 1:1 ratio to flank steak in recipes and cook to medium-rare. It needs to be cut against the grain, so slicing the meat correctly is essential to avoid chewiness.
5. London Broil
A cut's name and reputation are sometimes at odds, and such is the story of London Broil, which isn't a specific cut but refers to a method of preparation for top round or sirloin tip (typically using top round or sirloin tip from the round primal). However, its association with flank-esque preparations and profiles merits its inclusion.
Typically marinated and then broiled or grilled to medium-rare, London Broil offers a filling, satisfying beefiness and a chew that's very flank-like.
The London Broil method is forgiving, so a few minutes extra won't make much difference. Use a 1:1 substitution ratio for flank steak in recipes and cook to medium-rare for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary substitutes are skirt steak, hanger steak, flat iron steak, sirloin flap, and london broil. Each offers a unique taste profile while maintaining similar cooking methods.
Skirt steak is leaner with a more umami flavor compared to the juicier, flumy texture of flank steak, making it a great healthier alternative.
Hanger steak has a firmer texture and strong seasoning typical of cuts from sirloin, differing in flavor but similar in cooking technique.
Flat iron steak is leaner and fluffier inside; it can be substituted for flank steak when a lighter cut is preferred.
Sirloin flap has a more strong, savory flavor and texture that's slightly coarser compared to the tender, flavorful flank steak.
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Grill or grill pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 4 pound skirt steaks
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the chimichurri sauce:
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to high heat.
- Season both sides of the skirt steaks with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to make the chimichurri sauce.
- Place the skirt steaks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve with a generous amount of chimichurri sauce on top of each steak.
Notes
Nutrition
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
