When it comes to grilling, few cuts of meat are as versatile and delicious as flap steak. With its rich flavor and tender texture, flap steak is a grill master’s dream come true. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the world of BBQ, these 20 mouthwatering flap steak recipes will take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
From classic combinations like garlic butter and red wine reduction, to international inspirations like Asian marinated and Mexican-style tacos, there’s something for everyone on this list. And with flavors ranging from spicy fajitas to creamy horseradish sauce, you’re sure to find at least one recipe that becomes your new go-to.
So fire up the grill, gather your favorite toppings and sauces, and get ready to indulge in a summer of flavor-filled meals with these 20 delicious flap steak recipes. In our next article, we’ll dive into the first half of this list, featuring everything from simple marinades to more complex dishes.
Garlic Butter Flap Steak
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with the tenderness of flap steak. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Season the flank steak with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the steak to a baking sheet and top with garlic butter mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Flap Steak with Chimichurri
This recipe combines the tender and flavorful flap steak with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce, making for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flap steak
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil to make chimichurri sauce.
3. Season flap steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Grill flap steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
6. Serve sliced flank steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Flap Steak Tacos with Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this recipe that combines the tender and juicy flap steak with a tangy and creamy lime crema. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime Crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Lime Crema:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season flap steak with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled flap steak, Lime Crema, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Asian Marinated Flap Steak
A flavorful twist on a classic steak recipe, this Asian-inspired marinade adds sweet and savory notes to tender flap steak.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak (flap steak)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Add the flap steak to the marinade, making sure it’s coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Flap Steak and Vegetable Skewers
This recipe combines the tender flavor of flap steak with a variety of colorful vegetables, all perfectly grilled on skewers. It’s an easy and impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large pieces
– 1 onion, cut into large chunks
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: any other vegetables of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread steak, bell peppers, onion, garlic, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Flap Steak Fajitas
A flavorful twist on traditional fajitas, this recipe combines the bold flavors of spicy flap steak with sautéed onions and bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak (flap steak)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder and cumin. Rub mixture onto both sides of the flap steak.
3. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness. Let rest before slicing into thin strips.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add garlic and sliced steak to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble fajitas by placing sliced steak and vegetables onto tortillas, then adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Flap Steak with Red Wine Reduction
Experience the rich flavors of a classic dish with this simple recipe that combines tender flap steak with a deep, fruity red wine reduction. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 flank steak (about 1 pound)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flap steak with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. While the steak is cooking, prepare the red wine reduction. In a small saucepan, combine red wine, butter, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve the pan-seared flap steak with the red wine reduction spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Herb-Crusted Flap Steak
Elevate your steak game with this flavorful herb-crusted flap steak recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs and crispy crust adds depth and excitement to this tender cut.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Season the flap steak with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the steak, then sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the top and bottom.
5. Place the steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flap Steak Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This hearty salad combines the tenderness of flap steak with the tanginess of balsamic dressing, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With its simple preparation and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the flap steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
5. Drizzle balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Slice the grilled flap steak into thin strips and place on top of the salad.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Flap Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
Savor the flavor of a classic Flap Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions!
Ingredients:
– 1 flank steak (about 1 pound)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and/or other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, caramelize onions by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until deep golden brown and caramelized.
6. Assemble sandwiches by slicing grilled steak against the grain, placing on buns with caramelized onions and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes (including prep time)
Flap Steak Stir-Fry with Noodles
This recipe combines the tender flavors of flap steak with the comfort of noodles, all in a quick and easy stir-fry. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup soba noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the flap steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Add the mixed bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until tender.
7. Stir in soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine cooked noodles with the stir-fry mixture; garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Flap Steak with Blue Cheese Butter
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful recipe that combines tender flap steak with a creamy blue cheese butter.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, blue cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Season the flap steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Cook the flap steak in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the steak to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Spread blue cheese butter evenly over the cooked flank steak.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Flap Steak and Mushroom Stroganoff
This hearty dish combines tender flap steak with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles for a comforting meal. With minimal prep time and cooking, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to plate and keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens.
5. Serve cooked steak over egg noodles with mushroom sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Flap Steak Kebabs with Pineapple
Add a tropical twist to your barbecue routine with this sweet and savory recipe for Flap Steak Kebabs with Pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flap steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the flap steak cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Thread 2-3 pieces of pineapple onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Alternate adding marinated flank steak cubes and pineapple chunks to each skewer, ending with a piece of pineapple.
6. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the steak reaches desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Flap Steak with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Experience the rich flavors of a tender flap steak paired with creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Flap Steak:
– 1.5 lbs flap steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into cloves
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flap steak with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
3. Roast the garlic cloves at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, roasted garlic, heavy cream or milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Slice the cooked flap steak against the grain. Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Flap Steak and Sweet Potato Hash
Elevate your brunch game with this flavorful and textured dish, featuring tender flap steak and crispy sweet potato hash.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak (also known as skirt steak)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, season flap steak with smoked paprika (if using) and cook to desired doneness (medium-rare recommended). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
5. Serve sliced flap steak atop roasted sweet potato hash.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Flap Steak with Chimichurri Rice
Elevate your steak game with this Argentine-inspired recipe that combines tender flap steak with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce served over flavorful rice.
Ingredients:
For the Flap Steak:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichurri Rice:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season the flap steak with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Mix in chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
4. Slice the grilled flap steak against the grain and serve over chimichurri rice.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling the steak: 8-10 minutes
– Cooking the rice: 15-20 minutes
Flap Steak and Avocado Wrap
Elevate your lunch game with this flavorful and nutritious wrap recipe. Flap steak’s tender texture pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce, and zesty lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup lime crema (see below)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro
Lime Crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season flap steak with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the lime crema by mixing all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by slicing grilled flap steak into thin strips, spreading avocado on a tortilla, adding lettuce, and topping with flap steak.
6. Drizzle lime crema and add any desired toppings before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Flap Steak with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Elevate your grilled steak game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of flap steak with a tangy and creamy horseradish sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flap steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season flap steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Grill flap steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. While the steak is cooking, combine heavy cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
5. Remove steak from grill and let rest for 2 minutes.
6. Serve with Creamy Horseradish Sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flap Steak and Pepper Jack Quesadillas
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas! This recipe combines tender flap steak with the spicy kick of pepper jack cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flap steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the flap steak into thin strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Let cool.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and cilantro in olive oil until fragrant.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with sliced flap steak.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and melted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to grill like a pro! This article presents 20 mouth-watering flap steak recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic combinations like garlic butter and chimichurri, to international flavors like Asian marinated and Mexican-inspired tacos, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty salad, a flavorful sandwich, or a spicy stir-fry, these recipes will guide you through every step of the cooking process. So fire up your grill and get ready to indulge in the rich flavor and tender texture of flap steak!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
