Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality steak that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Chipotle Herb Flank Steak recipe is not only incredibly easy and fast to prepare, but it’s also bursting with vibrant, smoky, and herbaceous flavors that will make any weeknight feel like a special occasion. Forget takeout – your new go-to steak dinner is here.
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Flank steak is a fantastic cut of beef for quick cooking, known for its rich flavor and ability to absorb marinades beautifully. Its lean profile makes it a healthier choice, and its relatively thin structure means it cooks up in minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. If you love flank steak as much as we do, be sure to explore more of our favorite recipes:
- Try this Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak for a tangy and savory twist.
- Experience the bold tastes of Asia with this Korean Flank Steak.
- Discover a versatile Flank Steak Marinade that pairs wonderfully with quinoa and fresh vegetables.
The Inspiration: A Family Favorite Reimagined
This recipe was originally shared on April 22, 2009, and has since become a cherished family favorite. I recently revisited and updated this dish, driven by my daughter’s newfound love for steak. The result? An even bigger hit! While the Chipotle-Herb Butter proved to be a bit too spicy for the younger palates, my daughter, Abbi, enthusiastically devoured more than her share, showing just how irresistible this steak is. It’s a testament to timeless flavors, and a reminder that some recipes are simply too good to be forgotten – and definitely worthy of a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Life can be incredibly hectic, especially when juggling family responsibilities. I often find myself wishing for the boundless energy of a three-year-old, especially after a particularly busy day. Just recently, I spent a few hours looking after my sister’s energetic twin boys. Picking them up from school, I was immediately struck by their incredible zest for life – a stark contrast to the calm routine of caring for my own almost-three-month-old. By the evening, I was pleasantly exhausted, filled with newfound admiration for my sister’s daily marathon!
Despite the energy drain, one thing remains constant: the need for a satisfying, wholesome meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. And that’s precisely where this Chipotle Herb Flank Steak shines. It’s a culinary lifesaver that comes together in about 30 minutes, offering a perfect balance of deliciousness, health, and undeniable ease. It truly checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
PRO TIP: This steak is absolutely phenomenal when served with a side of bright and zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. The cool, citrusy notes of the rice perfectly complement the smoky heat of the chipotle butter, creating a harmonious and unforgettable meal. Be sure to check out the recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice HERE.
Why Choose Flank Steak for Your Weeknight Dinner?
Flank steak, a cut from the abdominal muscles of the cow, is celebrated for several reasons, making it an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful meal. Its lean nature means it’s relatively low in fat, and its distinct grain provides a wonderfully chewy texture when sliced correctly. The beauty of flank steak lies in its versatility and how well it takes to marinades and bold flavors, like those found in our chipotle herb butter.
Unlike thicker cuts, flank steak cooks rapidly, often achieving a perfect medium-rare doneness in just minutes. This speed is a huge advantage for busy weeknights when you want to minimize time spent in the kitchen without sacrificing quality or taste. It’s also generally more budget-friendly than other premium steaks, offering great value for a family meal.
Mastering the Art of Flank Steak: Tips for Tenderness and Flavor
To ensure your flank steak is always tender and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:
- Slice Against the Grain: This is the golden rule for flank steak. The muscle fibers run visibly in one direction. Slicing perpendicular to these fibers shortens them, resulting in a much more tender bite.
- Don’t Overcook: Flank steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooking can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare before resting.
- Rest Your Meat: After cooking, always let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more tender steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Flank steak benefits from quick cooking over high heat, whether on a grill pan, outdoor grill, or cast-iron skillet. This creates a beautiful crust while keeping the interior juicy.
The Star of the Show: Chipotle Herb Butter
What truly elevates this flank steak is the incredible Chipotle Herb Butter. This simple yet profound addition transforms an already delicious steak into an extraordinary culinary experience. The chipotle in adobo sauce brings a deep, smoky heat that is both robust and inviting, while the fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the butter and beef. Fresh cilantro introduces a vibrant, herbaceous aroma and flavor that ties all the elements together beautifully.
This butter isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor infusion. As it melts over the warm, sliced steak, it bathes each piece in a glorious medley of spicy, smoky, tangy, and fresh notes. It’s an explosion of taste that will have everyone reaching for seconds. And the best part? It comes together in mere minutes, making it an effortless yet impactful component of your meal.
Variations and Customizations for Your Chipotle Herb Butter
Feel free to get creative with your herb butter! While the core chipotle, lime, and cilantro combination is perfect, you can experiment with:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle and adobo sauce to your liking. For less heat, use half a chipotle. For more, add a second.
- Herb Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley, oregano, or a mix of herbs. Mint can also add a surprising freshness.
- Garlic Infusion: Add a finely minced clove of garlic to the butter mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes of the chipotle, adding even more depth.
- Honey or Maple: For a hint of sweetness to balance the spice, a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup can work wonders.
More 30-Minute Dinner Recipes for Your Busy Schedule
If you’re constantly seeking quick, delicious meals that fit into a packed schedule, these 30-minute dinner recipes are sure to become new favorites:
- Artichoke Chicken with Roasted Potatoes: A flavorful chicken dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple.
- Shrimp Tostadas: Light, fresh, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Tuscan Pasta with Sausage: A hearty and comforting pasta dish that’s on the table in no time.
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Chipotle Flank Steak
Deborah Harroun
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
4
servings
Main Dish
Mexican
Pin
Ingredients
-
1 to 1 1/2 lbs flank steak -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil -
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper -
1/4 cup butter softened -
1 chipotle in adobo seeds removed, minced -
1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce -
Juice of 1 lime -
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- Heat a grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet on the stove over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until very hot.
- Brush half of the vegetable oil evenly over one side of the flank steak. Generously season the oiled side with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned, oiled side down onto the hot grill pan. Brush the remaining oil on the other side of the steak and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, allowing a beautiful crust to form and visible grill marks to appear.
- Carefully transfer the steak to the preheated oven. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (for medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F / 54-57°C).
- Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the steak incredibly tender and moist. Remember to slice against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- While the steak is cooking and resting, prepare the flavorful chipotle herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced chipotle in adobo (seeds removed), 1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, and finely chopped cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Just before serving, warm the butter mixture. You can do this by microwaving it for about 20 seconds, or until it’s just melted and pourable. Drizzle the warm, aromatic chipotle herb butter generously over the sliced flank steak. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
/4 of steak
,
Calories:
364
kcal
(18%)
,
Carbohydrates:
1
g
,
Protein:
30
g
(60%)
,
Fat:
27
g
(42%)
,
Saturated Fat:
13
g
(81%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
7
g
,
Trans Fat:
0
g
,
Cholesterol:
124
mg
(41%)
,
Sodium:
403
mg
(18%)
,
Fiber:
0
g
,
Sugar:
0
g
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