Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a culinary delight that brings together the rich flavors of juicy flank steak and creamy blue cheese, all wrapped in a tangy balsamic marinade. This mouthwatering recipe not only provides an explosion of flavors in each bite but also creates an exceptional dining experience perfect for any occasion. The combination of tart balsamic vinegar and aromatic green onions creates a marinade that infuses the meat with incredible flavor. Its tempting aroma wafting through your kitchen is bound to whet your appetite. Preparing this dish is easy and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Follow this step-by-step recipe to impress your loved ones with this hearty staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare yourself for an incredibly rewarding dining experience with this flavorful dish. Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust stands out for several reasons:

1. Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll master the art of marinating and broiling beef!

2. Easy Prep: The marinade does most of the work, allowing you to focus on the flavorful aftermath.

3. Crowd-Pleaser: This steak is a guaranteed hit, appealing to a variety of tastes with its rich contrast of flavors.

4. Quick Cooking: Within less than an hour, you can serve up a stunning main dish, perfect for busy weeknights.

5. Comforting: Whether for a special occasion or just a family meal, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:

• Flank Steak (1.5–2 lbs): This tender cut of beef is known for its juicy flavor, ideal for marinating.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese (1 cup): The creamy tang of blue cheese adds richness and depth to this dish.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (2 tbsp): For a crunchy topping that complements the steak wonderfully.
• Butter (1/2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly.
• Olive Oil (1/2 cup): Provides a luscious base for the marinade that locks in moisture.
• Balsamic Vinegar (1/2 cup): This tangy vinegar is essential for flavoring the meat with a zesty kick.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the tanginess of the vinegar with a hint of sweetness.
• Green Onions (2, roughly chopped): A fresh and aromatic addition, offering crunch and a mild onion flavor.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the marinade.
• Cracked Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right amount of heat and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Combine ½ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of cracked black pepper, and 2 tbsp of brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped green onions and whisk everything together until well-blended. This marinade is not only aromatic but serves as a delightful introduction to the flavor journey that awaits!

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Lightly score one side of your flank steak in 1-inch sections. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat for maximum flavor. Place the steak in the marinade and let it soak for 30–45 minutes, turning once or twice to ensure even flavoring. Make sure to spoon the marinade into the scored cuts for even more flavor penetration.

Step 3: Broil the Steak

Preheat your oven broiler on high. Place the marinated steak (scored side up) on a broiler pan to catch any drippings. Broil the steak for 3 minutes on each side, allowing it to develop a lovely char.

Step 4: Add the Crust

In a small bowl, mix ½ tbsp of melted butter with 2 tbsp of panko bread crumbs until well combined. Press the crumbled blue cheese into the scored cuts of the steak, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done, let the steak rest for about 10–15 minutes. This step is critical, allowing the juices to redistribute within the steak, keeping it moist. After resting, slice thinly against the grain and serve on a platter. This stunning dish will be the centerpiece of your meal!

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, let the steak marinate for up to 8 hours; this makes the flavors even more intense.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green onions and high-quality olive oil can really enhance the dish.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Wrap any leftover steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its juiciness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is fantastic served alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a zesty salad. For an upscale feel, pair with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade. This dish is ideal for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners.

Nutritional Information

This delicious dish offers an impressive flavor profile with moderate calories. A serving (approximately 4 oz) contains roughly 310 calories, 20g of protein, and 25g of fat. While focusing on a main dish, ensure a balance with colorful sides, as you can easily include nutrient-dense vegetables.

Storing Tips & Variations

• Storing Leftovers: Wrap any unused steak tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place in a heavy-duty freezer bag. This way, it can last up to three months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, avoiding dry meat.
• Variations: For a twist, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta. You could also play with different marinades such as teriyaki or garlic-herb for varied flavor profiles.

Conclusion

We hope you give Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust a try. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but the delicious blend of flavors is sure to bring joy to your dining table. Your friends and family will be begging for seconds! We’d love for you to share your experiences and any personal touches you add to make this dish your own.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin if that’s what you have on hand.

2. How long can I marinate the steak?

For the best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it marinate overnight in the fridge for more intense flavors.

3. Can I grill the steak instead of broiling?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak on both sides for about 3–5 minutes until desired doneness.

4. Is there a substitute for blue cheese?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to use goat cheese or crumbled feta for a different, yet equally delicious, flavor twist.

5. What is the best way to slice flank steak?

Always slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. This helps break up the muscle fibers, making each bite more enjoyable.

Print Recipe

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust

This dish features juicy flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic sauce and topped with a creamy blue cheese crust, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time45 minutes mins

Cook Time8 minutes mins

Total Time53 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Balsamic Marinade, Blue Cheese, Flank Steak, Grilled Steak, Quick Dinner

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil Provides a luscious base for the marinade.
• 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar Essential for flavoring the meat.
• 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper Adds depth of flavor.
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Balances the tanginess of the vinegar.
• 2 pieces Green Onions, roughly chopped A fresh and aromatic addition.

For the Steak

• 1.5–2 lbs Flank Steak Tender cut of beef ideal for marinating.

For the Crust

• 1 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese Adds richness to the dish.
• 2 tbsp Panko Bread Crumbs For a crunchy topping.
• 1/2 tbsp Butter, melted Helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly.

Instructions

Make the Marinade

• Combine ½ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of cracked black pepper, and 2 tbsp of brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
• Add the chopped green onions and whisk everything together until well-blended.

Marinate the Steak

• Lightly score one side of your flank steak in 1-inch sections.
• Place the steak in the marinade for 30–45 minutes, turning occasionally.

Broil the Steak

• Preheat your oven broiler on high.
• Place the marinated steak on a broiler pan and broil for 3 minutes on each side.

Add the Crust

• Mix ½ tbsp of melted butter with 2 tbsp of panko bread crumbs.
• Press the crumbled blue cheese into the scored cuts of the steak.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top and broil for an additional 5 minutes.

Rest and Serve

• Let the steak rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
• Slice thinly against the grain and serve on a platter.

Notes

For maximum flavor, let the steak marinate for up to 8 hours. Use fresh ingredients and store leftovers properly to maintain juiciness.