The Ultimate Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak Recipe: A Total Flavor Bomb!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow grilling enthusiasts! Are you ready to transform a humble flank steak into an absolute explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds singing? Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share my Ultimate Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe – a dish where a magical Chinese five spice and hoisin marinade works its wonders, turning a simple grilled steak into something truly extraordinary.

Imagine tender, juicy slices of perfectly grilled flank steak, boasting a beautiful char and infused with an aromatic, savory-sweet, and slightly exotic blend of spices. This isn’t just grilled steak; it’s a flavor bomb flank steak recipe for bbq nights, easy weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to impress without a ton of fuss. The secret lies in our incredibly delicious and easy chinese five spice flank steak marinade that sinks deep into the meat.

My journey to this Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe was inspired by a love for those bold, complex Asian flavors and the desire for a go-to grilled steak that was anything but boring. This best grilled hoisin flank steak recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a unique taste experience that’s both sophisticated and wonderfully approachable. We’ll cover how to grill tender flank steak asian style, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked every time.

So, if you’re looking for a quick weeknight grilled flank steak with salad that will elevate your grilling game and become an instant favorite, you’re in for a treat. Let’s fire up those grills and create some serious deliciousness with this amazing Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe!

Why This Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak Recipe is Unforgettable

If “total flavor bomb” isn’t enough to convince you, here’s why this Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe is a cut above the rest:

• Explosive Flavor Profile: The Chinese five spice and hoisin marinade creates an incredible depth of sweet, savory, aromatic, and umami notes. This is the heart of our Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe.
• Incredibly Tender & Juicy: Scoring the flank steak and the magic of the marinade ensure a wonderfully tender result, even from a leaner cut.
• Beautiful Char & Appearance: Grilling imparts a delicious smokiness and creates a visually appealing crust on the steak.
• Surprisingly Easy Marinade: The marinade comes together quickly with readily available ingredients, making this an easy chinese five spice flank steak marinade.
• Perfect for Grilling Season (and Beyond!): While ideal for outdoor BBQs, this can also be cooked on an indoor grill pan.
• Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own, with rice, in tacos, or atop a fresh Asian-inspired salad. This is a great quick weeknight grilled flank steak with salad.
• Impresses Guests: This steak looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, making it perfect for entertaining.

Gather Your Flavor-Boosting Ingredients

Let’s get our aromatic and savory components ready for this show-stopping Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe.

For the Five Spice-Hoisin Marinade & Flank Steak:

• Flank Steak: 1.5 – 2 lbs, about 1-inch thick.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: ¼ cup.
• Hoisin Sauce: ¼ cup.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons.
• Sesame Oil (Toasted): 1 tablespoon.
• Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): 1 tablespoon, packed (or honey/maple syrup).
• Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
• Chinese Five Spice Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons. This is the star spice!
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ – ½ teaspoon, for a hint of heat.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For oiling the grill grates.

For Garnish & Serving (Optional):

• Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
• Sliced Green Onions
• Asian Chopped Salad (see notes for a simple version) or Coconut Fried Rice

From Marinade to Masterpiece: Your Step-by-Step Grilling Guide

Let’s create this incredible Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe!

Step 1: Prepare & Marinate the Flank Steak

1. Score the Steak: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top and bottom surfaces of the steak in a diamond pattern (about ¼-inch deep). This helps the marinade penetrate deeper and tenderizes the meat. This is a key technique for how to grill tender flank steak asian style.
2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five spice powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Marinate: Place the scored flank steak in the bowl or bag with the marinade. Ensure the steak is fully coated. If using a bowl, turn to coat. If using a bag, press out excess air and seal.
   Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-8 hours, or even overnight for maximum flavor penetration. Turn the steak occasionally if marinating in a bowl. This is essential for the best grilled hoisin flank steak recipe.

Step 2: Grill the Five Spice Flank Steak to Perfection

1. Prepare Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Remove Steak from Marinade: Remove the flank steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade. Pat the steak lightly with paper towels – you want some marinade still clinging for flavor, but not so much that it causes excessive flare-ups.
3. Grill the Steak: Place the marinated flank steak directly on the hot, oiled grill grates.
   • For medium-rare (recommended for flank steak, internal temp of 130-135°F): Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side.
   • For medium (135-140°F): Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side.
     The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your grill. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Avoid overcooking flank steak, as it can become tough.
4. Rest the Steak (Crucial!): Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the grilled flank steak to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much juicier, more tender steak. Do NOT skip this step for your Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe.

Step 3: Slice and Serve Your Flavor Bomb

1. Slice Against the Grain: After resting, identify the direction of the muscle fibers (the grain) in the flank steak. Using a sharp carving knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain, holding your knife at a slight angle. Slicing against the grain is essential for tenderness.
2. Serve: Arrange the sliced Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe on a platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and/or sliced green onions, if desired.
   Serve immediately with your chosen sides, like an Asian Chopped Salad or Coconut Fried Rice. This flavor bomb flank steak recipe for bbq is ready to impress!

Wise Tips for the Best Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak

Achieve grilling greatness with these tips for your Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe:

• Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring creates more surface area for the marinade to work its magic and helps prevent the steak from curling up on the grill.
• Marinate for Flavor: Allow at least 2 hours for marinating, but 4-8 hours (or overnight) is even better for this Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe.
• Hot Grill, Clean Grates: A hot grill ensures a good sear, and clean, oiled grates prevent sticking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to cook your flank steak to the perfect desired doneness.
• Rest, Rest, Rest: Letting the steak rest for 10 minutes after grilling is non-negotiable for juicy, tender results.
• Slice Thinly Against the Grain: This is crucial for making flank steak tender and easy to eat.

Delicious Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe is fantastic, but here are ideas:

• Asian Chopped Salad: Serve alongside or on top of a crunchy salad with shredded Napa cabbage, carrots, edamame, bell peppers, and a sesame ginger dressing. This is a perfect quick weeknight grilled flank steak with salad.
• Lettuce Wraps: Slice the steak thinly and serve in crisp lettuce cups with rice noodles, pickled carrots, and extra hoisin or sriracha.
• Steak Tacos (Asian Fusion): Use the sliced steak in tortillas with a crunchy slaw and a spicy mayo.
• Stir-fry Addition: Add sliced leftover steak to a vegetable stir-fry at the end of cooking.
• Different Marinade Sweetener: Try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the marinade for a slightly different sweetness.
• Broil it: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook this under a preheated broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat, for a similar amount of time, flipping once. Watch carefully!

Storing & Reheating Leftover Grilled Flank Steak

Enjoying your delicious Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe later:

• Storage: Store leftover sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
  • Skillet (Recommended): Quickly sear slices in a lightly oiled hot skillet for just 30-60 seconds per side.
  • Oven: Wrap in foil with a splash of broth or water and warm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) until just heated through.
  • It’s also delicious cold or at room temperature in salads or sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak Recipe

Your top questions about this amazing grilled steak:

1. What is Chinese Five Spice Powder?
   It’s a traditional blend of spices typically including star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (cassia), Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It provides a unique warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet-savory flavor to dishes like this Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe.
2. Can I use a different cut of steak for this marinade?
   Yes, this marinade would also be delicious on skirt steak, hanger steak, or even sirloin flap meat. Adjust grilling times based on the thickness and cut.
3. How do I know when my flank steak is medium-rare without a thermometer?
   While a thermometer is best, you can use the touch test (medium-rare will feel soft but slightly springy, like the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb when your thumb and pointer finger touch). Visually, it will be very pink in the center. However, for consistent results with this Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe, a thermometer is highly recommended.
4. My flank steak turned out tough. What went wrong?
   Common culprits for tough flank steak are: not marinating long enough, overcooking it, or slicing it with the grain instead of against it. Scoring and slicing against the grain are crucial for tenderness.
5. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
   Hoisin sauce has a unique sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. While there’s no perfect substitute, in a pinch, you could try a mixture of more soy sauce, a bit more brown sugar/honey, a touch of molasses or ketchup, and perhaps a tiny bit of peanut butter for body, though the flavor profile of your Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe will change.

This Grilled Five Spice Flank Steak recipe is a true flavor adventure that transforms an affordable cut of beef into a spectacular meal. The easy chinese five spice flank steak marinade does all the heavy lifting, creating a flavor bomb flank steak recipe for bbq or any night you want something special. Learning how to grill tender flank steak asian style is a skill that will serve you well!

I am so excited for you to fire up your grill and try this best grilled hoisin flank steak recipe. It’s guaranteed to impress! If you make it, please come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. What did you serve it with? Happy grilling!