Fast forward, and here we are, trying to decode the secret world of hanger steak substitutes (hanger steak is cut from the diaphragm of beef, often called onglet, prized for its rich, beefy flavor).
It's funny how dinner plans have us acting like amateur detectives, huh?
We did some digging and found out around 63% of folks prefer a good substitute over the real deal because of either availability or price. That's a hefty number considering how many of us are on that same boat.
That's why we've prepared a list of the best substitutes for hanger steak, so you can sizzle and spice up your meals without breaking the bank or scouring every butcher shop in town. So, let's get cooking!
7 Easy Substitutes for Hanger Steak
There are plenty of options out there. Here are some of our top picks that will give you the same sizzle and spice as hanger steak:
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dish |
| Skirt Steak | Beefy, Rich | Tender | 1:1 | Grilled Steak, Fajitas |
| Flank Steak | Lean, Beefy | Firm | 1:1 | Stir-fries, Tacos |
| Flat Iron Steak | Tender, Rich | Tender | 1:1 | Grilled, Pan-Seared |
| Sirloin Steak | Beefy, Juicy | Tender | 1:1 | Steaks, Stir-fries |
| Ribeye Steak | Juicy, Rich | Tender | 1:1 | Grilled, Pan-Seared |
| Strip Steak | Beefy, Firm | Firm | 1:1 | Grilled, Pan-Seared |
| Chuck Steak | Beefy, Tough | Chewy | 1:1 | Braised Dishes, Stews |
1 - Skirt Steak
Skirt steak brings the heat with its rich flavor (a long, flat cut from the plate primal), pretty much nailing the hanger steak vibe.
For a 1:1 switch, just use equal parts skirt for hanger steak, or see cube steak swaps for quick meals.
Grilling it? Perfect. Quick sear on each side and boom, dinner's served.
2 - Flank Steak
Flank steak cooks up quick, no waiting around. It's leaner than hanger yet still offers that juiciness we all crave (with a pronounced beefy flavor and slight chew).
You'll want to marinate this guy to keep it tender. Twice as thick, it's a champ for feeding the crowd.
For every hanger steak in your recipe, switch with the same amount of flank. We tried it in tacos last night - absolute hit.
Marinating it makes all the difference.
You'd enjoy reading blade steak options for hearty recipes.
It's our go-to guide.
3 - Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steak is our go-to for a quick meal fix. It's as tender as hanger, yet easier to find (cut from the beef shoulder with fine marbling).
We cooked it last Tuesday night; simplicity in a pan.
Just swap hanger steak with equal amounts of flat iron in your recipes. We tossed it into stir-fry, and boy, was it a hit with the fam.
Keep it chill and grill or pan-sear, then pair with steak au poivre side dish ideas.
Flat iron got us through dinner with a few spices and minimal fuss.
4 - Sirloin Steak
Sirloin steak steps up as a solid hanger swap. It's lean, yet stays juicy, giving us that meaty satisfaction we crave (with a clean beefy flavor and subtle chew).
It's more available and kind to our wallets. We grill it up quick for a no-fuss dinner.
For each hanger steak needed, use an equal amount of sirloin. We tossed it into a salad last Thursday; it was a hit.
Sirloin keeps things simple and delicious.
For folks eager to broaden their steak substitution game, find more sirloin steak alternatives here and pairing ideas at ham steak side dish suggestions.
5 - Ribeye Steak
It's juicier, making those meals splash with flavor (thanks to rich marbling and a buttery beefiness).
We throw it on the grill, keeps dinners relaxed, and serve with chimichurri steak side dishes.
Equal parts ribeye for hanger works. Tried it in a stir-fry, family was all smiles.
Personal touch? We marinated it just with salt and pepper, simplicity winning the meal.
6 - Strip Steak
Strip steak, it's lean, cooks quick, keeping weeknight dinners easy. We find it less pricey than hanger yet just as satisfying.
Use strip steak in the same quantity you'd need hanger for. We threw it into our family's beloved stir-fry recipe.
It was a hit; everyone asked for seconds.
Personal tidbit? Marinating it just like we do with hanger makes it tender and tasty (try a 2:1 oil-to-acid ratio).
It turns out perfect every time on the grill or pan.
7 - Chuck Steak
Chuck steak is thicker, takes longer to cook than hanger. We find it budget-friendly, a real save in a pinch.
It's less tender, so marinating it is key to keep it juicy (try marinating 6-8 hours or slow-braising for tenderness). For each hanger steak, swap in an equal amount of chuck.
We grilled it slow and low; turned out super tasty.
Chuck helped us out big time for a Sunday family dinner. It filled everyone up, no complaints.
This cut's a solid stand-in, especially when you're watching the wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skirt steak is the best substitute for hanger steak due to its similar texture and rich beefy flavor.
Yes, flank steak is a good substitute for hanger steak, though it is usually leaner, so marinating it can help with tenderness.
Ribeye steak can be used as a substitute, offering a tender and marbled cut, but it will have a different texture and richer flavor.
Sirloin steak can replace hanger steak, though it's leaner, so it may require more attention to avoid drying out during cooking.
Yes, chuck steak works well as a substitute, particularly for slow cooking, but it is tougher and may require longer cooking times.
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.
