Grilling season is in full swing, and I can’t think of a more mouthwatering summer dish than Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad. It’s the kind of meal that transports me right back to my childhood, when my dad would fire up the grill and have the whole neighborhood over for a backyard barbecue.
I can still smell the smoky char of the steak and hear the sizzle as it hit the grates. And the sweet, caramelized corn – it was like nature’s candy, perfectly balanced by the tangy vinaigrette. We’d all gather around the picnic table, laughing and swapping stories while we devoured plate after plate. Those were the days, you know?
Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad has a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s become my signature dish, the one I turn to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something truly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to grilling recipe too.
Table of Contents
Why This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
The key to this Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad recipe is in the simple, yet elevated flavors. The marinade infuses the steak with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, while the charred corn salad adds a burst of freshness and crunch. Plus, the whole thing comes together in just about an hour, making it the ultimate summer weeknight meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad recipe is a breeze to make, coming together in just 55 minutes. You’ll need a grill or grill pan, a sharp knife, and a few mixing bowls. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preparing the marinade for the flank steak. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the flank steak, making sure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
2- While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Shuck the corn and brush the cobs lightly with olive oil.
3- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
4- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped parsley, cilantro, scallions, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and set aside.
5- When the steak is ready, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Grill the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
6- Transfer the grilled flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it alongside the charred corn salad. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than an hour, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Resist the urge to move the steak too much while it’s on the grill – let it develop a nice char before flipping.
- Be sure to slice the steak against the grain for the most tender and juicy bites.
- Taste the charred corn salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed – you may want a bit more vinegar or salt.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad is the ultimate summer meal, but it also works well for any casual gathering or backyard barbecue. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
For beverages, I love pairing it with a refreshing craft beer or a light, fruity red wine. And don’t forget to top it all off with a slice of cool, creamy watermelon for dessert – the perfect way to end a perfect meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, simply slice it and warm it up in a skillet or the microwave. The corn salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
For make-ahead convenience, you can marinate the steak up to a day in advance. The charred corn salad can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
Creative Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Variations
While this Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad recipe is already a summer showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the flank steak for skirt steak or hanger steak for a different texture. You can also grill the corn in the husks for a more rustic look and flavor.
For a seasonal twist, add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or roasted red peppers to the corn salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different herb blends or a sprinkle of crumbled feta or queso fresco.
Making Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad Diet-Friendly
This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad recipe is already quite healthy, but there are a few ways to make it even more diet-friendly. For a low-carb version, you can skip the corn and instead use grilled zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
To make it gluten-free, simply omit any breadcrumbs or other gluten-containing ingredients. And for a vegan or vegetarian option, you can substitute the flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based protein of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of steak instead of flank steak?
A: Absolutely! Flank steak is the classic choice, but you can also use skirt steak, hanger steak, or flat iron steak with great results.
Q: How long should I grill the flank steak?
A: For medium-rare doneness, grill the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the cut. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Q: Can I make the charred corn salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, the charred corn salad can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on appetite and whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side.
Q: What can I do if the steak is a bit tough?
A: If the grilled flank steak turns out a bit tough, you can try slicing it against the grain into thinner strips. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender.
Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy grilled flank steak paired with a vibrant charred corn salad makes for the ultimate summer cookout dish. This quick and easy recipe is packed with fresh flavors and a zesty vinaigrette.
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak
– 4 ears of corn, husks removed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1- Begin by preparing the marinade for the flank steak. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the flank steak, making sure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
2- While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Shuck the corn and brush the cobs lightly with olive oil.
3- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
4- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped parsley, cilantro, scallions, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and set aside.
5- When the steak is ready, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Grill the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
6- Transfer the grilled flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it alongside the charred corn salad. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the flank steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling.
– Switch up the veggies in the salad based on what’s in season.
– Leftovers make a great lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 35
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something about Grilled Flank Steak With Charred Corn Salad that takes me back to those happy, carefree summer days. The smoky, juicy steak paired with the sweet, crunchy corn salad is a flavor combination that can’t be beaten.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and that it becomes a new staple in your summer grilling repertoire. Let me know what you think in the comments – I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Enjoy!
