If you’re looking for the top substitutes for flank steak, you’re in luck! Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef, but it can be hard to find in some areas or expensive when you do.
Fortunately, plenty of other meats and proteins can provide a similar flavor and texture as flank steak.
Each substitution provides something unique, so look through them to see what they can bring to your meal.
In our blog post, we’ll explore the best substitutes for flank steak that you can use in various recipes.
Read on to find out more about these delicious alternatives!
1. Top Round Steak
Top Round steak is first on our list of substitutes for flank steak when it comes to texture, flavor, and consistency.
It is a lean beef cut with a pleasant texture and mild beefy flavor. It can be grilled, pan-fried, or slow-cooked to get the perfect flavor and texture.
The key to getting the most out of top-round steak as a Substitute for flank steak is to marinate it properly to break down some of the tougher fibers and tenderize the meat.
This will ensure that you get a juicy and flavorful steak that is perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Ensure not to overcook it, as it can become tough if cooked too long.
Top-round steak is a great choice when looking for substitutes for flank steak because it’s a lean cut of beef that is both tasty and budget-friendly.
It also doesn’t require as much prep time as other cuts of steak, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners.
And with proper marinating, you can get a juicy and tender steak that rivals flank steak without spending as much money or time in preparation.
So the next time you’re looking for a delicious steak dinner, consider top-round steak as the best substitute for flank steak.
2. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is also on our list of substitutes for flank steak due to its similar texture and flavor profile. Skirt steak comes from the cow’s diaphragm, making it a more flavorful beef cut.
When cooked correctly, skirt steak can be tender and juicy like flank steak, though it’s slightly thicker, so it may take longer to cook.
It can be marinated just like flank steak and should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from drying.
Skirt steak is usually less expensive than flank steak, so it’s an excellent option for those on a budget.
When cooking skirt steak, it’s essential to pay attention to the cooking time as it can quickly become rigid and chewy if overcooked.
To avoid this, cook it for no more than three minutes per side and slice thinly against the grain before serving.
Skirt steak is an excellent option for recipes that call for flank steaks, such as tacos, burritos, and fajitas.
It can also be used in stir-fries or grilled with some seasoning. Skirt steak is an excellent substitute for flank steak that can add flavor and flair to your dishes.
3. Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is a cut of beef taken from the plate primal of a cow. It is also known as butcher’s steak because butchers used to keep it for themselves since it is so flavourful.
Hanger steak has great flavor, is quite tender, and is an excellent substitute for flank steak.
It is most commonly grilled or pan-fried and should be cooked from rare to medium to preserve moisture and tenderness.
It should be thinly sliced against the grain when served and is best marinated or seasoned before cooking to bring out the full flavor. Hanger steak can be found at most supermarkets and specialty butchers.
4. Tri-Tip Steak
Tri-tip steak is a perfect substitute for flank steak, providing an excellent cut of meat full of flavor.
It has the same qualities as flank steak in that it’s a lean cut of meat that tends to be slightly tricky but incredibly flavorful.
Unlike a flank steak, tri-tip steaks come from the bottom sirloin, making them more affordable and easier to find than flank steaks.
The flavor is similar to flank steak but has a bit more depth due to the fatty marbling throughout the steak.
The tri-tip steak is best cooked medium rare, as it can become tough if cooked too long. When prepared properly, the tri-tip steak is juicy and flavorful with a hint of smokiness.
To prepare the tri-tip steak as a substitute for flank steak, it should be seasoned with salt and pepper and then grilled or pan-seared to a medium rare.
Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure that the steak remains tender and juicy.
Serve the tri-tip steak in tacos, burritos, salads, or sandwiches like flank steak.
It’s also delicious and served with grilled vegetables or a light sauce. Enjoy your tri-tip steak as the best substitutes for flank steak!
5. Top Sirloin Steak
Top sirloin steak is one of the best substitutes for flank steak that you can find. This cut of steak is similar in flavor and texture to flank steak, but it has less fat and a firmer texture.
Top sirloin steak is usually leaner than flank steak, so it’s easier to cook and doesn’t require as much time on the grill. It also contains more protein per serving than flank steak.
This cut of steak has a great beefy flavor that can be enhanced with marinades or sauces.
The only downside to top sirloin is that it can be more challenging than other cuts of steak, so it requires careful preparation and cooking. If cooked correctly, however, it can make a delicious and flavorful meal.
6. Flat-Iron Steak
Flat-iron steak is a great substitute for flank steak in any recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor but less fat and tenderness.
The steak is usually sliced across the grain before being cooked, which helps to keep it tender and flavorful.
Flat-iron steak can be used in any recipe that calls for flank steak and can be cooked on the grill or in a pan. It also works well when marinated and can be used in stir-fries, sandwiches, or as a main dish.
When shopping for flat-iron steak, look for steaks that are at least an inch thick and have some fat marbling.
It’s important to remember that the steak will shrink when cooked, so you want to buy a steak slightly larger than what you need.
To maximize flavor and tenderness, allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking and season it generously with salt and pepper.
For optimal results, cook the steak to medium-rare or medium doneness and let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing.
7. Flap Steak
Flap steak is a flat cut of beef taken from the bottom sirloin and is known to be juicy and flavorful.
Because it has a lot of marbling, it is ideal for use as a substitute for flank steak in dishes like fajitas, stir-fries, or tacos.
It should be cooked quickly over high heat since it is relatively thin and will dry out quickly. Be sure to slice it against the grain so that it remains tender.
Flap steak can sometimes be hard to find in stores, but if you’re looking for the best substitutes for flank steak, it’s worth seeking out.
It may be labeled as flap meat, bavette steak, or sirloin tip steak. If you find it, you’ll be rewarded with a tender cut of beef that’s full of flavor and sure to please.
8. Ground Beef
Ground beef is also on our list of substitutes for flank steak in dishes like burgers, tacos, and chili.
It’s much cheaper than flank steak and can be used in dishes that don’t require the tenderness of the flank steak.
The downside is that ground beef isn’t as flavorful as flank steak and tends to dry out more quickly, so it’s important to season it well and cook it correctly.
Ground beef is also fatter than flank steak, so it’s important to choose leaner cuts when substituting for flank steak.
When using ground beef as substitutes for flank steak, it’s best to brown it first and then add it to recipes that don’t require extended cooking time. This will help keep the beef moist and ensure it doesn’t dry out.
9. Tofu
Tofu is an excellent substitute for flank steak. It has a mild flavor that can be easily changed by adding different herbs, spices, or marinades.
Tofu is also very versatile, as it can be used in stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, and more.
When preparing tofu as a substitute for flank steak, it is important to press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture and help the tofu brown.
You can also cut the tofu into cubes or slices to resemble the texture of steak. For added flavor, you can marinate the tofu in a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before cooking. Serve with your favorite vegetables and grains for a complete meal.
Tofu is an excellent option for those looking for substitutes for flank steak traditional meats.
It is low in fat and contains protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Tofu is also an excellent source of iron, magnesium, and zinc, all essential nutrients for good health.
Additionally, it is free from cholesterol and saturated fats making it a healthier choice than many other proteins.
For vegetarians and vegans, tofu can be a great way to get the same texture and taste as beef without consuming animal products.
10. Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is one of the most popular substitutes for flank steak, as it is a lean, affordable, and easy-to-prepare option. It is excellent for grilling, searing, roasting, and stir-frying.
Due to its leanness, it can quickly dry out if overcooked, so pay close attention when cooking it to ensure that it comes out tender and juicy. Marinades are highly recommended to add flavor and keep it from drying out.
Chicken breast is packed with protein and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Skinless chicken breast is the way to go for a lower calorie and fat content.
11. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent alternative for flank steak, especially for those looking for a vegan option.
Portobello mushrooms are full of protein and have a meaty texture, making them perfect for grilling or sautéing.
Portobello mushrooms can be cooked the same way as flank steak, with similar results.
They can be marinated in oil, garlic, and herbs and grilled perfectly for a savory main course. Serve them with a side of grilled vegetables for an unforgettable meal.
12. Tuna Fillet
While many people believe fish to be at the opposite end of the protein range as red meat. The appropriate kind and preparation can result in similar aromas and textures.
Cook a thick tuna filet in a pan, scorching it on all sides until it has a crisp exterior. If you leave the center pink, you’ll be able to cut small slices similar to flank steak.
Of course, fish has a more delicate feel than red meat, so don’t anticipate a perfect match. This is a fantastic flank steak substitute for tacos or any cuisine where the flavor is the star.
13. Cauliflower
Lastly, many people appreciate flank steak because of the flavors it acquires on the grill.
If you’re looking for traditional char stripes, remember that most vegetables can provide a similar effect.
Cauliflower can be used as substitutes for flank steak because it can be readily grilled in wide slices.
Marinades, like mushrooms, are everything here. There are numerous possibilities, but starting with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce will aid in developing those essential umami qualities.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for substitutes for flank steak, look no further! Our blog post has provided the best options for replacing flank steak in your recipes.
Whether you’re looking for a leaner option or something with a similar texture and flavor, these substitutes for flank steak are sure to do the trick.
Read on to discover our top picks as substitutes for flank steak.
