Vietnamese Grilled Flank Steak Marinade

Flank steak is a lean cut of meat made popular in recent years by its use in Mexican cuisine, (namely fajitas) but we still prefer some of the more traditional ways to cook flank steak using an Asian or citrus based marinade.

Flank steak tends to be tougher than other cuts of beef such as loin or rib steak, therefore using marinades for preparing flank steak will tenderize the meat and add a great flavor.

A few years ago a good friend sent us this amazing flank steak marinade recipe that does take a bit of prep time, but once you try it we are certain you will agree was well worth the effort.

Vietnamese Grilled Flank Steak

Ingredients:

Vietnamese Marinade
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/2 tblsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tblsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
1/4 tsp whole allspice berries
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 1/2 tblsp fish sauce
juice of one lime
grated zest of 1/2 lime
1/2 tblsp Hoisin sauce
1/2 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1/2 tblsp brown sugar
3 sprigs Thai basil, torn into pieces and chopped for garnish (Thai basil can be found in Asian grocery stores, but you can use regular basil as a substitute)
3 sprigs fresh coriander, chopped for garnish
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steak
1 x 24 oz flank steak

Mayonnaise
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tblsp chopped fresh coriander
pinch grated fresh ginger
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Vietnamese Marinade
1. Combine marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
2. Place flank steak into marinade.
3. Seal bag and refrigerate for 24 hours before grilling.

Steak
1. Remove steak from marinade.
2. Just before serving, preheat grill on high.
3. Season flank steak with salt and pepper and some chopped Thai basil and coriander.
4. Grill on high heat for about 8 minutes per side for medium rare, or cook to desired doneness.
using an instant read thermometer.
5. Remove and cover with foil for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into 1/8-inch thick slices (should make about 36 slices)

Mayonnaise
1. Mix all mayonnaise ingredients together.
2. Serve the slices of flank steak with mayonnaise drizzled on top.

Enjoy!

For more great recipes, visit www.amateur-chef.net