Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe
Introduction
This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a perfect combination of tangy, savory, and rich flavors. The marinade tenderizes the meat while the blue cheese topping adds a deliciously creamy and sharp finish. Ideal for a special dinner or weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar.
- Step 2: Score the top of the flank steak in 1-inch sections. Place the steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side, spooning marinade into the scored cuts to infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to high broil and position the rack near the top, making sure it won’t touch the meat.
- Step 4: Place the steak on a broiler pan, scored side up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for another 3 minutes.
- Step 5: While the steak broils, melt the butter and mix it with the panko bread crumbs. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready.
- Step 6: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces up. Press blue cheese into the scored sections and sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Step 8: Let the steak rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of crushed garlic to the marinade before soaking the steak.
- If you prefer a less intense blue cheese flavor, substitute with a milder cheese like feta or goat cheese.
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the steak.
Storage
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat and melting the cheese topping excessively. It’s best enjoyed freshly cooked but reheats well if handled carefully.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I marinate the flank steak overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will deepen the flavor and further tenderize the steak, but be sure not to exceed 24 hours as the acid in the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the meat too much.
What if I don’t have a broiler pan?
You can use a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead. This allows heat to circulate evenly under the steak while broiling, helping it cook properly and preventing sogginess.
PrintBalsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe
This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust features tender flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and topped with a rich, savory blue cheese and panko breadcrumb crust. Broiled to perfection, this dish offers a balance of bold flavors perfect for any special dinner or weekend meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak & Marinade
- 1.5–2 lbs flank steak
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)
Blue Cheese Crust
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- ½ tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar until fully combined to create the marinade base.
- Marinate Steak: Score the top of the flank steak in 1-inch sections to allow better penetration of flavors. Place the steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated, and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side. Spoon marinade into the scored sections during this time to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven to high broil and position the oven rack near the top, making sure it will not touch the meat during cooking for even broiling.
- Broil Steak Initially: Place the marinated flank steak on a broiler pan with the scored side facing up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes to begin cooking the steak.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: While the steak broils, melt the butter and combine it with panko bread crumbs in a bowl, stirring to incorporate the butter evenly. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready for topping.
- Apply Blue Cheese Crust: Flip the steak again so the scored side is up. Press the crumbled blue cheese into the scored lines, then sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top to form the crust.
- Broil to Finish: Broil the steak for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned to a golden, bubbly crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove steak from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain and serve warm for optimum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- Scoring the steak before marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more intense taste.
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer, more complex sweetness in the marinade.
- Position the oven rack correctly to avoid burning the steak while broiling.
- Letting the steak rest before slicing ensures juicier, more tender meat.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness.
Keywords: flank steak, blue cheese crust, balsamic marinade, broiled steak, savory steak recipe, easy steak dinner
