Looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive meal? The Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe is your answer, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant dish perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests. This recipe brings a burst of bright, zesty flavors to your table with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients for Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe
- 1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe
Get ready for an incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying meal with this Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe. In under 30 minutes from start to finish (including marinating time!), you’ll have tender, juicy flank steak bursting with bright citrus and warming spices. The ease of preparation makes it a perfect candidate for a quick weeknight dinner, without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag, whisk together the fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the spices are well combined with the liquids.
Marinate the Flank Steak: Place the flank steak in the bowl with the marinade or add it to the zip-top bag. Massage the marinade into the steak to ensure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the steak’s texture.
Preheat Your Grill or Pan: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If cooking indoors, heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Remove Steak from Marinade: Remove the flank steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Sear the Flank Steak:
- Grilling: Place the marinated flank steak on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer; 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
- Pan-Searing: Place the marinated flank steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness. You should achieve a nice brown crust.
Rest the Steak: Once cooked, transfer the flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist steak.
Slice and Serve: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This helps to ensure maximum tenderness. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of zest.
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe because it delivers an explosion of vibrant, zesty flavors that will excite your taste buds. The star of the show is the perfectly grilled or seared flank steak, enhanced by a bright chili lime marinade that brings a delightful tang and a hint of spice, making it a fantastic alternative to basic grilled chicken or a less flavorful steak preparation. Making this at home is remarkably cost-effective, offering restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag.
The simple yet impactful combination of fresh lime, warm chili powder, and aromatic garlic creates a marinade that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with rice, salads, or your favorite grilled vegetables, making it a go-to for any occasion. Don’t wait to bring this burst of sunshine to your dinner table – try this Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Allow cooked and sliced Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak to cool completely before storing. Place the steak in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked flank steak. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen flank steak will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: For the best results, reheat sliced flank steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or a little olive oil. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until heated through to avoid drying out the meat.
- Oven: You can reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave: While the quickest method, microwave reheating can sometimes make flank steak tough. If using, reheat in short, 30-second intervals at a lower power setting, checking frequently.
Final Thoughts
The Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. Give this easy-to-follow recipe a try; it’s guaranteed to become a new weeknight favorite. Happy cooking!
Zesty Chili Lime Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag, whisk together the fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the spices are well combined with the liquids.1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Place the flank steak in the bowl with the marinade or add it to the zip-top bag. Massage the marinade into the steak to ensure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the steak’s texture.1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If cooking indoors, heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Remove the flank steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- Grilling: Place the marinated flank steak on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer; 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- Pan-Searing: Place the marinated flank steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness. You should achieve a nice brown crust.1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- Once cooked, transfer the flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist steak.1.5 – 2 lb flank steak
- Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This helps to ensure maximum tenderness. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of zest.fresh cilantro, lime wedges