Name: Paleo Grilled Flank Steak
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1460 min
Ingredients: 2 small limes (or 1/4 cup fresh lime juice); 2 tbsp avocado oil; 2 tbsp coconut aminos; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 5 large cloves garlic; 2.5 lbs flank steak

This Grilled Flank Steak recipe uses an easy marinade to make a flavorful and delicious meal. With garlic and lime juice as the main ingredients, the flank steak is marinated overnight then grilled to perfection – perfect for tacos, fajitas, burritos, or just eaten plain. Includes step by step instructions and photos for how to make this gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant dinner.

This it it. If you like tender, juicy, flavorful flank steak, then you really have to look no further than this carne asada marinade. I could honestly eat this steak for the rest of my life, it’s that good.

The marinade is really easy to make, and all you have to do is let the flank steak sit in it overnight, then grill it up in less than 15 minutes. Use it for tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls (we love this recipe), or just eat it with some veggies.

Did I mention it’s not only gluten free, but also paleo and Whole30 compliant? Healthy, easy, AND delicious – you really can’t ask for much more. Read on to see how to make this amazing flank steak for your dinner.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak

STEP 1: MAKE THE MARINADE

Use a small sharp knife and cutting board to cut the limes in half. In a large liquid measuring cup, juice each lime half until you have about 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. Measure out the avocado oil, coconut aminos, ground cumin, ground coriander, and kosher salt with measuring spoons and empty into the measuring cup.

Peel the skin off the garlic cloves and use a garlic press to squeeze the pressed garlic into the measuring cup with the rest of the marinade. Stir the marinade together with a small whisk or other utensil.

STEP 2: LET THE STEAK MARINATE

Take the flank steak out of its wrapping and place it in a large sealable plastic bag (or other container where it can lie flat). Pour the marinade over the steak and seal the bag closed, then massage the marinade into the steak until its well covered. Place in the fridge overnight.

STEP 3: GRILL THE STEAK

When ready to grill, take the steak out of the fridge roughly 30 minutes before placing on the grill. Set the grill to 400 degrees F and when it’s reached temperature, place the steak on the grill with a pair of tongs. Grill the steak for 6 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the steak (we use a Thermapen to do this), pulling it off the grill when it’s 5 to 10 degrees under your desired temperature. For reference use the following temperatures:

130 degrees F for medium rare
140 degrees F for medium
150 degrees F for medium well
160 degrees F for well done

Once the steak is done cooking, place it on a large cutting bard and let it rest for 10 minutes. After it rests, cut it into slices using a large sharp knife. Cut it across the grain (perpendicular to the lines in the steak that run lengthwise). Serve immediately.

You may have a couple of questions about grilled flank steak (or carne asada) – let’s get to those now.

WHAT IS CARNE ASADA?

Carne asada translates to “grilled meat”. It is a Mexican dish that usually involves marinating a steak and then grilling or searing it. You can get more background on carne asada on the Wikipedia page.

WHAT CUT OF MEAT IS CARNE ASADA?

Typically carne asada is skirt steak, but there can be many types of meat used. In this recipe, flank steak is used.

IS FLANK STEAK EXPENSIVE?

Flank steak is moderately priced – cheaper than tender cuts like filet mignon, but more expensive than really tough cuts like chuck roast.

HOW DO YOU COOK FLANK STEAK SO IT’S NOT TOUGH?

Flank steak is a tough cut of meat. You’ll want to either use a marinade to help tenderize the meat (which is what this recipe does), or you could try braising it in liquid.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN FLANK STEAK IS DONE?

Because flank steak is a tougher cut of meat, you don’t want to over cook it and risk drying it out. I recommend cooking it until the internal temperature reaches no higher than 145 degrees F, keeping in mind that the internal temp will continue rising a couple degrees after it comes off the grill. This is where a meat thermometer is necessary – we’ve had a Thermapen for years and I highly recommend it.

COOKING TIPS

Don’t forget to take your flank steak out of the fridge to warm for 30 minutes before you fire up the grill. If your steak is still too cool when you grill it, it will cook unevenly and be overly done on the outside and cool and raw on the inside.
Be sure to wash your hands after touching the raw steak! Raw meat can make you sick and you will contaminate any surface you touch before washing your hands.
When cutting the steak, make sure and cut against the grain. Meaning, you want to cut perpendicular to the lines in the steak that run lengthwise. Since flank steak is a tougher piece of meat, cutting against the grain will make it easier to eat.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Try a different cut of steak! Skirt steak would work well, though is thinner so won’t need to cook it as long.
Mix up how you’re going to serve it! We love to eat it plain, but this recipe works well in fajitas, in tacos, in burrito bowls (like this steak burrito bowl), or really any dish with Mexican flavors.
You can either cut the steak into 1/4 inch strips or shave it into very thin slices, whatever your preference is!

PIN THIS GRILLED FLANK STEAK FOR LATER!

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MORE GRILLING IDEAS, CHECK THESE OUT!

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Whole30, Paleo, GF)
Greek Lamb Skewers (Whole30, Paleo, GF)
Asian Steak Marinade (GF)
Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs (Whole30, Paleo, GF)
Grilled Dijon Chicken (Whole30, Paleo, GF)
Dry Rubbed Steak (GF)

OR IF YOU NEED SOME EASY GLUTEN FREE & WHOLE30 DINNER IDEAS, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE!

If you make this Carne Asada (or any other recipe) then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below!

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RECIPE FOR GRILLED FLANK STEAK