Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired culinary adventure! This Grilled Flank Steak with Cilantro Lime Butter is not just a recipe—it's a flavor symphony that promises to elevate your grilling game from mundane to magnificent. Imagine tender, perfectly seared steak infused with zesty lime and herbaceous cilantro, topped with a luxurious, melting butter that will make your guests think you've trained in a five-star restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the flank steak in the marinade, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- While the steak marinates, prepare the cilantro lime butter. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with finely chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Shape into a log using plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer (130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Remove steak from grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- Top the sliced steak with a generous pat of the prepared cilantro lime butter, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm meat.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 15-20 minutes allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Grill Temperature Matters: High heat (450-500°F) is crucial for achieving that perfect sear and beautiful grill marks.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the steak rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy.
- Slice Against the Grain: This technique breaks down muscle fibers, making your steak more tender and easier to chew.
- Butter Tip: Prepare the cilantro lime butter ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and make it easier to slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
