Sesame Flank Steak
A flavorful Asian-inspired flank steak marinated in sesame, soy, ginger, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pound flank steak ⓘ
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a heavy frying pan, stir sesame seeds over low heat until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Crush the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or food processor.
- In a bowl, mix green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed sesame seeds.
- Place the flank steak in a 9 x 13-inch dish and pour the sesame mixture over the top.
- Cover and chill, turning occasionally, for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cook the steak over hot coals, turning once, for 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Slice the steak thinly across the grain to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider using toasted sesame oil instead of regular. If you don't have flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin can be great substitutes. To enhance tenderness, marinate the steak longer, up to 24 hours. Always slice against the grain for the best texture. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Noodle Kugel, a good side dish with fish or chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame flank steak sliced thinly on a platter, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds. It pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa, and a fresh cucumber salad adds a nice crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with Cabbage-Beef Rolls or other beef recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sesame flank steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or broth to keep them moist, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Flank Steak contains roughly 826 calories, with 8g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while flank steak is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary based on the cut's thickness.
How can I adjust the spice level of the marinade?
To increase the spice level, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the Worcestershire sauce.
Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds?
Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, making the dish more aromatic and tasty. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step, but the flavor may be less pronounced.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).