Pork flank steak is an underrated and often overlooked cut of pork that can be absolutely delicious when cooked properly. This lean and flavorful cut comes from the belly of the pig near the pork loin. While it’s not as tender as some other pork cuts pork flank steak has a wonderful texture and flavor when prepared using the right techniques.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook tender, juicy pork flank steak at home You’ll learn how to choose the best flank steak, how to prepare and season it, and step-by-step cooking instructions for pan searing, oven roasting, grilling, and more. Let’s dive in!
Selecting and Preparing Pork Flank Steak
When purchasing pork flank steak, look for pieces that are evenly sized in thickness, around 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Avoid steaks that have large fat deposits or thick layers of connective tissue, as these won’t cook evenly. Also pass on steaks with lots of marbling, as flank steak shouldn’t have much interior fat.
Before cooking, trim off any excess exterior fat or silver skin from the pork flank steak. Then use a sharp knife to lightly score both sides of the steak in a diamond pattern. This helps the meat better absorb any seasoning or marinades. It also allows the steak to cook more evenly.
To maximize tenderness, consider brining or marinating the pork flank steak beforehand. A simple brine of salt, sugar and water helps season the meat and makes it juicier. An acidic marinade with ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce or wine will tenderize the steak. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
How to Cook Pork Flank Steak 5 Ways
There are several excellent cooking methods for flank steak that result in tender and flavorful meat. Here are 5 of my favorite preparation tips:
1. Pan Sear and Oven Finish
This technique uses stovetop high heat to develop a flavorful sear, then gentle oven heat to finish cooking.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the pork steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- When the oil is hot, add the steak. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until well browned.
- Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and roast for 10-15 minutes until medium or medium rare doneness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain to serve.
2. Oven Roast
Roasting is one of the easiest pork flank steak cooking methods. Use a rimmed baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Place the seasoned steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness, flipping halfway through.
- As with all cooking methods, let rest before slicing and serving.
3. Grill
If you want to add delicious charred flavor grilling is a great option. Use medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Move it to indirect heat and close the lid if it needs more time to cook through.
- Aim for medium rare by pulling it off the grill around 135°F internal temp.
4. Braise or Stew
While flank steak is tasty on its own, it also stands up wonderfully to braising or stewing.
- Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the cubes well on all sides in batches in a hot skillet with oil.
- Transfer to a Dutch oven or soup pot along with broth and aromatics.
- Simmer gently until meat is fall-apart tender, 1-2 hours.
5. Sous Vide
For the most tender, juicy pork flank steak, sous vide is ideal.
- Season steak then seal in a vacuum-sealed pouch.
- Cook in a precision water bath at 140°F for 1-2 hours until pasteurized.
- Quickly sear both sides in a hot skillet or on the grill before serving.
Tips for Cooking Pork Flank Steak
Follow these tips no matter which cooking method you choose for delicious, tender pork flank steak:
- Don’t overcook. Pork dries out quickly. For tender meat, cook to no more than medium or 140-145°F internal temp.
- Slice against the grain. Flank steak has long muscle fibers. Slicing crosswise cuts through them for more tenderness.
- Let it rest. As with any meat, resting for at least 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they don’t leak out when cutting.
- Add a sauce. Pork pairs wonderfully with bold glazes and pan sauces. Try chimichurri, cherry barbecue sauce, or an herb-Dijon pan sauce.
- Use a meat mallet. If your steak is extra thick or tough, lightly pounding it before cooking can help tenderize.
Serving and Leftover Ideas
Pork flank steak is versatile for serving. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Slice thinly and add to salads, sandwiches, tacos or ramen bowls.
- Dice or shred into stir fries, fried rice, soups, or pasta dishes.
- Pair with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes or cauliflower.
- Stuff into empanadas or sandwiches with cheese, peppers and chimichurri.
- Use leftover braised or stewed pork in burritos, enchiladas or tamales.
Cooked pork flank steak will keep refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving again. Slice and freeze leftovers for up to 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between pork flank steak and pork loin?
Pork loin comes from higher up on the pig’s back and is much more tender. Flank steak is lower on the belly and has more fat and connective tissue so requires special handling.
Can you grill pork flank steak?
Yes, grilling over direct heat is a quick and flavorful way to cook flank steak. Just watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.
Is pork flank steak tough?
It can be if overcooked or sliced incorrectly. Proper preparation and cooking, plus slicing thinly against the grain, keeps it tender.
What’s the best way to cook pork flank steak?
There’s no single best method. Pan searing then oven roasting, or grilling over medium-high heat work well. Low and slow braising also produces great results.
What temperature should pork flank steak be cooked to?
For the most tender meat, cook until medium or medium rare doneness, around 135 to 145°F internal temperature. Going above 150°F will quickly make it dry.
With the right preparation and cooking technique, inexpensive pork flank steak can truly shine. Try pan searing, oven roasting, grilling or braising flank steak using the tips in this article for tender, juicy results. What’s your go-to method for cooking pork flank steak?