Indulge your taste buds with the sumptuous flavors of Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust! This rich and savory dish offers an exquisite culinary experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a family dinner. Imagine tender flank steak marinated in a luscious mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then score it to absorb all the yummy flavors before grilling to perfection. And the crowning jewel? A decadent topping of bubbling blue cheese and crispy breadcrumbs that will surely impress your friends and family. What could be more satisfying than a home-cooked meal that tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant?
Not only does this dish make a fantastic centerpiece for a meal, but it is also relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the time spent with your loved ones rather than being chained to the kitchen. Moreover, flank steak is an affordable yet flavorful cut of beef, and when combined with the flavorful marinade, it becomes tender and juicy. This recipe is sure to elevate your home cooking game!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust
This dish is an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures that you will love. Here are a few reasons why:
- Rich Flavor: The balsamic vinegar creates a harmonious blend with the blue cheese, delivering a punch of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing basic pantry staples and fresh produce makes this recipe accessible.
- Perfectly Tender Steak: Marinating the flank steak ensures it comes out juicy and tender, making every bite enjoyable.
- Impressive Presentation: The bubbling blue cheese crust is visually appealing, making it an ideal dish for entertaining.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 90 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time, you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Start by organizing your workspace; make sure you have a clean cutting board and counter to work on. Gather the following items: a 9×13 baking dish for the marinade, a broiler pan or baking sheet with a rack to broil the steak, a whisk for mixing ingredients, and a sharp knife for slicing the steak after cooking.
It’s also worthwhile to have a meat thermometer handy. While this recipe gives guidance on cooking times, a thermometer will help ensure your steak is cooked perfectly to your desired doneness. Lastly, make sure your oven rack is in the right position, as it should be near the top to effectively broil the steak without touching the heating element.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust:
- 1.5–2 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, chopped green onions, and brown sugar. This tangy marinade will tenderize the steak and infuse it with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Score the top of the flank steak with shallow cuts, about 1 inch apart. This scoring technique not only helps the marinade penetrate better but also allows the flavors to develop more intensely during cooking. After scoring, place the steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for 30 to 45 minutes, flipping it halfway through and spooning some of the marinade into the cuts for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Once your steak has marinated, preheat your oven to high broil. Position the rack at the top, taking care to keep the meat at a safe distance from the heating element to prevent burning.
Step 4: Broil the Steak
Transfer the marinated flank steak to a broiler pan, placing it scored side up. Broil this side for about 3 minutes. When the time is up, carefully flip the steak and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes. This will help develop a beautiful charred flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Crust Mixture
While your steak is broiling, melt the butter in a small bowl, then combine it with the panko breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy topping that will add texture to the dish. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready alongside the breadcrumb mixture so that you can add it promptly after broiling.
Step 6: Add Blue Cheese and Bread Crumbs
After the initial broiling, flip the steak again to face the scored side up. Press the crumbled blue cheese into the cuts, allowing it to seep in as it cooks. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top to form a delicious crust.
Step 7: Final Broil
Broil the steak for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn, as each oven’s broiling temperature may vary.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once broiling is complete, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain, serve warm, and watch everyone enjoy your gourmet creation!
Variations
If you’d like to customize your Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust, consider these delicious variations:
- Protein: Swap flank steak for another cut of beef, like skirt steak or sirloin, depending on availability.
- Vegetables: Add grilled veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, as a side dish for a colorful presentation.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices in your marinade, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the steak is at room temperature before marinating for better flavor absorption.
- Use fresh, high-quality blue cheese for the best flavor.
- Resting the steak is crucial for a juicy end result; never skip this step.
- This recipe can be grilled outdoors instead of broiling for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your plate with these serving suggestions:
- Serve the steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Accompany with a nice red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors.
Tips
- For optimal marination, prepare the steak in advance; marinate overnight if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; aim for medium-rare (135°F) for the best texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like gorgonzola or feta if blue cheese is not your preference.
- To create a side sauce, reduce extra marinade in a saucepan while the steak rests for a flavorful drizzle.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 41g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for this recipe?
Flank steak is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use skirt steak or sirloin.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
Utilize a meat thermometer; for medium-rare, it should read 135°F. Adjust cooking time for your desired doneness.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance, making the meal prep even easier.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t to your taste, try gorgonzola or even a mild feta cheese for a different twist.
Conclusion
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is an extraordinary dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen. With its enticing aroma, rich taste, and beautiful presentation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to share your variations or experiences in the comments below. Your cooking journey doesn’t have to stop here! Explore the options, try this recipe, and let your culinary creativity shine. Happy cooking!
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Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is an extraordinary dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)
Instructions
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, chopped green onions, and brown sugar. This tangy marinade will tenderize the steak and infuse it with incredible flavor.
- Score the top of the flank steak with shallow cuts, about 1 inch apart. This scoring technique not only helps the marinade penetrate better but also allows the flavors to develop more intensely during cooking. After scoring, place the steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for 30 to 45 minutes, flipping it halfway through and spooning some of the marinade into the cuts for maximum flavor absorption.
- Once your steak has marinated, preheat your oven to high broil. Position the rack at the top, taking care to keep the meat at a safe distance from the heating element to prevent burning.
- Transfer the marinated flank steak to a broiler pan, placing it scored side up. Broil this side for about 3 minutes. When the time is up, carefully flip the steak and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes. This will help develop a beautiful charred flavor.
- While your steak is broiling, melt the butter in a small bowl, then combine it with the panko breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy topping that will add texture to the dish. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready alongside the breadcrumb mixture so that you can add it promptly after broiling.
- After the initial broiling, flip the steak again to face the scored side up. Press the crumbled blue cheese into the cuts, allowing it to seep in as it cooks. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top to form a delicious crust.
- Broil the steak for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn, as each oven’s broiling temperature may vary.
- Once broiling is complete, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain, serve warm, and watch everyone enjoy your gourmet creation!
Notes
Ensure the steak is at room temperature before marinating for better flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 41 g