What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s sometimes called London broil, though that name can also refer to a specific preparation method rather than just the cut itself.
Flank steak can be grilled or braised and served with vegetables or mashed potatoes.
How Long Does Flank Steak Last?
The shelf life of flank steak depends on a variety of factors, such as storage temperature and how the meat is prepared. Flank steak will last for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator or for 6 months in your freezer.
Flank steaks are often sold with a coating of seasoning or marinade applied to them, which can help extend their shelf life by preventing bacteria from growing on the surface.
However, if you don’t plan to use your flank steak right away after purchasing it then it’s important that you remove this coating before storing it in either your fridge or freezer so that no harmful bacteria gets trapped beneath its surface!
How to Store Flank Steak
Once you’ve purchased your flank steak, it’s important to store it properly. There are several ways to go about this:
- Wrap the meat in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. You can also vacuum seal your steak if you have a vacuum sealer available to you. This method is especially helpful if you plan on storing the meat for more than one day; it will help keep out any unwanted odors or flavors that may affect your flank steak’s taste over time.
- Store your wrapped flank steak at room temperature (around 70 degrees F) until ready to use–this is usually within three days of purchase but could be longer depending on how fresh the cut was when purchased and how long after purchase it was stored before using
How to Tell if Flank Steak is Bad
The best way to tell if flank steak has gone bad is by smell, color and texture.
If the meat smells off or has an unpleasant odor, it’s best not to eat it. If you detect a strong ammonia-like smell from your flank steak, discard it immediately as this may be a sign of spoilage.
If your flank steak looks brownish rather than red in color–or if its surface feels slimy then throw out the product immediately as well!
Flank steaks should always be bright red in color; any other hue means that something went wrong during production or storage and you should not consume this meat at all (even if you cook it thoroughly).
Tips for Keeping Flank Steak Fresh
- Don’t wash before storing.
- Place in coldest part of refrigerator.
- Freeze in airtight containers, then thaw in the refrigerator or microwave before cooking
How to Cook Flank Steak
To cook flank steak, you have a few options. You can marinate it, grill it or broil it. If you’re feeling adventurous, searing is another option for cooking flank steak that works well with this cut of meat.
Searing involves cooking the meat in a pan over high heat until browned on all sides before transferring to an oven-safe dish and finishing off in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius).
This method creates an incredibly tender piece of meat that’s perfect for slicing against the grain into thin slices or shredding into fajitas!
How to Slice Flank Steak
- Slice against the grain: This is the traditional way to slice flank steak, and it’s how most people serve their steaks at home. To do this, place your knife at an angle perpendicular to the muscle fibers (the lines that run through each piece of meat).
- Slice with the grain: If you want to make thin slices for sandwiches or tacos, try slicing with your knife parallel to those same lines instead of perpendicular.
- Thick or thin? The thickness of your cut will affect how long it lasts in terms of both storage time and cooking time so consider what kind of dish you’re making before deciding on an appropriate thickness!
How to Serve Flank Steak
Flank steak is an excellent choice for a dinner party. It’s easy to prepare and can be served with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
Flank steak is often sliced thin before serving, but if you’d like to keep the meat in larger pieces, there are several ways you can do so:
- Slice the flank steak across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices (this will make it easier for your guests to chew).
- Cut each slice into strips about 1 inch wide by 3 inches long. The resulting pieces will be about 2 inches square after being cut on both sides of their widths; these smaller squares are great for wrapping around pickles or olives!
Health Benefits of Flank Steak
Flank steak is a high-protein, low-fat cut of beef that’s also rich in iron and vitamin B. It’s a great option for those who want to increase their intake of these nutrients without consuming too much fat.
Flank steak contains about 25 grams of protein per three ounces (85 g), which makes it one of the highest-protein meats out there.
It also has just 2 grams of total fat less than half what you’ll find in chicken breast or ground turkey breast! Plus, flank steak contains about 1 milligram each day’s worth of iron and vitamin B12 per serving size (3 oz).
Conclusion
- Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the belly of the animal.
- It’s best to buy flank steak from a butcher or specialty grocery store, as it’s not always available in regular supermarkets.
- You can cook flank steak by grilling, broiling or pan-frying it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).