Looking for the best flank steak substitute? Choose a cut of beef with similar flavor and texture, especially ones that you marinate and grill. Here’s a list of the best way to substitute flank steak in your recipes.
You can use these substitutes in our favorite weeknight meals like Instant Pot Mongolian Beef and Carne Asada Tacos.
Understanding the basic cuts of beef is the best place to start. Packagers break down the 9 primal cuts of the cow twice before they reach the grocery stores.
There is no other cut of beef from the flank primal except for the flank steak.
Other names for flank steak include London broil and skirt steak, which is actually a different cut (more on that in a moment). This cut of steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the animal, right behind its chest. As you’d expect from that muscle-y area, the meat can be somewhat chewier than other steaks.
5 Best Flank Steak Substitutes
The best flank steak substitutes are ones that are lean, similar in size, hold up to a marinade, and cook quickly over high heat. These are all the main characteristics of flank steak and things to keep in mind when choosing a good substitute.
Skirt steak is an excellent choice instead of flank steak because it’s similar in size and makeup. It’s a long, thin, and flavorful cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. It contains a lot of marbling (fat) despite it being relatively tough and fibrous. Like flank steak, marinate skirt steak first then sear it over high heat to create a crusty outside and tender, juicy center.
Mexican and South American dishes like beef fajitas, carne asada, and tacos often call for skirt steak. It’s also a popular choice for stir-fries and salads, where its strong flavor can hold up to other bold ingredients.
Hanger steak is a very tender and flavorful cut of beef that works well in place of flank steak. It’s a bit thicker than flank steak and may require a slightly longer cooking time, but it’s a great choice for grilling or pan-searing. It’s a little more difficult to find, so you may need to get it from butcher shops instead of the grocery store.
The flat iron steak comes from the shoulder of the cow and is another great option. It’s a thin, rectangular cut of meat with a pronounced grain that runs across the meat. It’s rich flavor and tender texture makes it ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Flat iron steak gets its name from its shape, which resembles an old-fashioned flat iron. Flat iron steak is sometimes called “top blade steak” or “patio steak.”
Tri-tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin region of the cow. Its triangular shape is why you may see it called triangle steak in stores. It’s relatively lean and flavorful but also has a slightly coarser texture.
You can be grill, broil, or roast tri-tip steak. Like flank steak, it benefits from marinating to add flavor and tenderness, which makes it an excellent substitute.
What is Flank Steak?
The flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow, which is a long, flat cut of meat with a pronounced grain that runs across it. It’s popular because it’s flavorful, relatively lean, and cooks quickly.
Flank steak doesn’t contain much fat (aka marbling), and because it’s lean it benefits from a marinade to infuse flavor and break down some of the muscle fibers. This is why you’ll often see flank steak recipes call for a marinade and a quick cook time over high heat.
When it comes to a flank steak alternative, it’s important to keep these characteristics in mind, especially if you’re following a specific recipe. Dishes like fajitas, stir-fries, and salads use flank steak.
Important tips when working with flank steak: it has an ample amount of connective tissue, so it’s important to know how to cut flank steak (hint: against the grain) or it will be very tough and chewy. Don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temp of beef.
Do you know where the FLANK STEAK comes from?!?!?
FAQ
What is flank steak called at the grocery store?
What is the best substitute for flank steak?
What meat is the same as flank steak?
Is top round the same as flank steak?
Is London broil the same as flank steak?
There are a handful of other names for flank steak, one of the most common being London Broil. You’ll sometimes see it written that way in the grocery store or on a menu. However, stores also use top round as “London Broil” so you need to know what it looks like to be sure you’re buying the right cut.
Where does flank steak come from?
As the name might suggest, flank steak comes from the flank of a cow, just below the loin and sirloin. The flank sits near the bottom of the abdominal area of the cow, and helps the cow to walk and move. The area around a flank steak is surrounded by quite a bit of fat, but the flank steak itself is lean.
What is another name for flank steak?
Alternative names for flank steak include London Broil, Flank Steak Fillet, Jiffy Steak, Bavette steak (in French), and Arrachera (in Spanish). Flank steak has a rich, beefy flavor and a grainy, fibrous texture. It is best cooked to medium-rare or medium and sliced thinly against the grain.
Is flank steak the same as Flap steak?
Flank steak and flap steak are interchangeable in many recipes, according to Gourmet Sleuth. A flap steak is a thin, somewhat lean cut of meat that, like flank steak, comes from the belly of the cow. (Another note: Flap meat cut into cubes instead of steaks is called sirloin tip.)