- November 16, 2020
- 30 Minute Meals
Easy Grilled Adobo Marinated Flank Steak
This grilled adobo marinated flank steak is bold, smoky, and packed with deep chile flavor from chipotle peppers in adobo. Quickly grilled over high heat and finished with compound butter, it delivers tender, juicy slices perfect for tacos, bowls, or platters.
Flank steak is one of the best cuts for grilling when treated correctly. It’s lean, full of beefy flavor, and responds beautifully to bold marinades and high-heat cooking.
This grilled adobo marinated flank steak uses chipotle peppers in adobo to build smoky heat and depth, then finishes with a quick sear for juicy, tender results when sliced properly.
What Is Adobo Marinated Flank Steak?
Adobo marinated flank steak is flank steak seasoned with a chile-forward marinade made from chipotle peppers in adobo, citrus, oil, and salt. The marinade adds both heat and acidity, which helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Because flank steak is thin and fibrous, it’s ideal for quick, hot grilling and benefits greatly from slicing against the grain after cooking.
Why This Grilled Flank Steak Works
Flank steak has long muscle fibers that stay tender when cooked hot and fast and sliced thin. The adobo marinade coats the meat evenly, delivering bold flavor without overpowering the beef.
High-heat grilling creates a quick crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy, and resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute before slicing.
Flank Steak Marinade
The base of this recipe is to use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I follow the base for most marinades, which need to include acidity, fat, and flavor. Here’s what you need:
- 1, 4.5 oz. can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
- 1 Lime, Juice (for the acidity)
- Olive Oil (helps as an added fat and for grilling)
- Salt and Pepper
This marinade is so simple, and I prefer to keep it this way because the adobo and chipotle pepper mixture is the true standout. These peppers are spicy and smoky and balance out nicely with some simple seasoning and lime juice.
To keep it easy, I use my small bullet blender to combine everything until it’s smooth and only slightly thinner than a paste. You can use an immersion blender or food processor as well to do this.
Grill Temperature and Cooking Method
Preheat the grill to high heat and oil the grates if needed.
Flank steak should be cooked over direct heat only. The goal is a fast sear that locks in juices without overcooking the interior.
How Long to Grill Flank Steak
Grill the flank steak for about 1½ to 2 minutes per side, flipping when it releases easily from the grates.
Flip the steak a total of four times to build even grill marks and control doneness. Pull the steak from the grill at 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, allowing it to rest up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting and Slicing Flank Steak
Once grilled, remove the steak from the heat and lightly tent with foil.
Rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers and ensure tender bites.
How to Serve Grilled Adobo Flank Steak
Serve the sliced steak warm with roasted sweet peppers, corn tortillas, or your favorite sides.
This steak works beautifully for tacos, fajitas, bowls, or as a centerpiece protein on a platter. Finish with chipotle compound butter on top while the steak rests for added richness.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Leftover flank steak stores well and stays flavorful.
Store sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently or serve cold in salads or wraps.
The steak can be marinated up to one day ahead for easy prep.
Expert Tips for Grilled Flank Steak
- Compound butter adds richness without masking flavor
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness
- Use high heat for quick searing
- Do not overcook the flank steak; it becomes tough
- Let the steak rest before slicing
- Keep the marinade bold but balanced
More Recipes To Try
Grilled Adobo Marinated Flank Steak
Ingredients
- 3 lb. Flank Steak
- 4.5 oz. Can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Remove flank steak from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a blender, combine chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, olive oil, and sea salt. Blend until smooth.
- Place steak in a shallow dish and coat evenly with marinade.
- Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill to high heat and oil grates if needed.
- Grill steak over direct heat for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, flipping when it releases easily, for a total of four flips.
- Remove steak at 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare.
- Rest for 10 minutes, topping with compound butter if using.
- Slice thinly against the grain and serve.
Video
Notes
- Flank steak should be cooked hot and fast
- Resting is essential for juicy slices
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness