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Delicious Alternatives: 5 BEST Flank Steak Substitutes

Have you ever wondered what flank steak is? This popular cut of beef is flank steak.

It’s a long, flat piece of meat from the cow’s lower abdominal area.

The flank steak is lean and has a lot of tough connective tissue.

For this reason, it’s important to cook a flank steak correctly so it’s properly tenderized.

Flank steak is full of flavor and perfect for grilling, slicing into thin strips for fajitas, or dicing into small cubes for kabobs.

Keep reading to learn how to cook flank steak perfectly every time and the best substitutes for flank steak if you can’t find it at your local grocery store.

What is Flank Steak?

what is flank steak

Flank steak is a popular cut of beef that comes from the lower abdominal muscles of the cow.

It is a long, flat steak with a tough texture and moderate fat.

Because of its tough texture, flank steak is best suited for recipes requiring short cooking times at high temperatures.

This will help to tenderize the meat and prevent it from drying out.

When cooking flank steak, it is important to use a sharp knife to cut against the grain.

This will help to further break down the tough fibers in the meat and make it more tender.

For the best flavor, flank steak should be cooked on a grill or in a cast-iron pan.

When grilling, cook the steak for three to four minutes per side over medium-high heat.

For pan-searing, cook the steak for four to five minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Allow the steak to rest for three to five minutes before cutting it.

This will help lock in the juices and prevent the meat from drying.

When properly cooked, the flank steak will be pink in the center with slightly charred edges.

Enjoy your flank steak with your favorite sides, or use it as an ingredient in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Flank Steak

For many of us, flank steak is the go-to choice when grilling.

It’s flavorful, relatively lean, and reasonably priced.

But sometimes you just can’t find it at the store (or you don’t want to spend the money).

So what are the best substitutes for flank steak?

Here are our top 5 picks:

1 – Beef Skirt

beef skirt

Beef skirt steak is a type of meat that comes from the cow’s diaphragm muscle.

This muscle is located between the rib cage and the flank, making it a leaner and more tender steak than flank steak.

When cooked properly, skirt steak is full of flavor and can be enjoyed in various dishes.

The best way to cook beef skirt steak is to grill it over medium-high heat or to sear it in a hot pan and then finish it in the oven.

Skirt steak can also be cooked in a slow cooker or braised until tender.

When cooked to perfection, skirt steak has a rich, bold flavor that is delicious on its own or paired with other ingredients.

Skirt steak is an excellent choice for tacos, fajitas, and stir-fries and can also be used in place of flank steak in any recipe.

2 – Hanger Steak

hanger steak

Hanger steak is a lesser-known cut of beef that is incredibly flavorful and tender.

This type of steak comes from the diaphragm of a cow and is also sometimes referred to as the “butcher’s steak” because it was traditionally given to the butcher instead of being sold.

Hanger steak has a similar taste to flank steak but is slightly more robust and has a bit more fat.

This extra fat helps to keep the steak juicy and flavorful, making it a great option for a special occasion meal.

When cooked properly, hanger steak is an incredibly delicious and impressive dish that will impress your guests.

3 – Tri-Tip Steak

tritip steak

Tri-tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin.

This cut is well-known for its flavor and juiciness, making it a popular choice for grilling and roasting.

Tri-tip steak is often compared to flank steak, another beef cut from the bottom sirloin.

While both cuts are flavorful and juicy, tri-tip steak has a stronger flavor due to its higher fat content.

Additionally, tri-tip steak is typically more tender than flank steak.

As a result, tri-tip steak is often considered the better choice for those looking for a delicious and juicy steak.

4 – Flat Iron Steak

flat iron steak

When it comes to steak, there are many different options to choose from.

But if you’re looking for something that’s both juicy and flavorful, then you can’t go wrong with a flat iron steak.

Also known as top blade steak, this cut comes from the chuck primal, located near the cow’s shoulder.

Unlike other steaks, the flat iron steak has very little fat, making it a leaner option.

However, what it lacks in fat content, it makes up for in flavor.

The steak is also relatively thin, so it cooks quickly and evenly.

When cooked properly, a flat iron steak will have a tender and juicy texture, making it a real treat for taste buds.

5 – Top Round

top round

Top round steak is a lean cut of beef that is typically sold as a roast.

It has a rich, beefy flavor and a firm texture.

Compared to flank steak, top-round steak is slightly tougher and less flavorful.

However, it is also less expensive.

When cooked correctly, top-round steak can be just as juicy and tender as flank steak.

The key is to cook it slowly over low heat.

This method will help to break down the tough muscles and give the steak a chance to absorb all of the delicious flavors from the marinade or seasoning.

With a little patience, you can enjoy a delicious and affordable top-round steak that is sure to please your taste buds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a beef flank steak is a great option for those looking for a lean, flavorful piece of meat.

However, it can be expensive and tough to find.

If you can’t find flank steak or don’t want to spend the money, there are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well in your recipe.

Just be sure to cook the meat properly, so it is tender and juicy.

You can’t go wrong with these five flank steak substitutes.

So, the next time you want to make a delicious meal, try one of these options and enjoy.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Flank Steak

Searching for the ideal flank steak substitute? Your quest ends here! Explore our curated list of the 5 best alternatives that seamlessly step in for flank steak, ensuring a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Beef Skirt
  • Hanger Steak
  • Tri-Tip Steak
  • Flat Iron Steak
  • Top Round

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword substitutes for flank steak
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