How long should you cook flank steak on the grill?

Flank steak is a thin, lean cut, so it cooks fast. For best results: Medium-rare: Grill for 4–5 minutes per side over high heat. Medium: Grill for about 6–7 minutes per side . Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature— 130–135°F for medium-rare , and 140–145°F for medium . Overcooking can make it tough, even with a great marinade like jalapeño and lime.

How long can you marinate flank steak with lime juice?

Because lime juice is acidic, it can start to break down the meat if left too long. Ideally, marinate your grilled jalapeno lime flank steak for 2 to 12 hours . Minimum: 2 hours to allow flavor absorption. Maximum: 24 hours. Beyond that, the texture may become mushy. If you’re using a lime-heavy marinade, stick to the sweet spot of 8–12 hours for bold flavor without sacrificing texture.

Does flank steak get tender the longer you cook it?

Actually, no. Unlike slow-cooking cuts like brisket, flank steak becomes tougher the longer it cooks. It’s best grilled quickly over high heat to lock in moisture. To keep your grilled jalapeno lime flank steak tender: Cook to medium-rare or medium . Always slice against the grain . Let it rest before slicing .

Should I cut flank steak before grilling?

No—don’t cut flank steak before grilling. Grill it whole to retain juices, then slice it thinly against the grain after it’s cooked and rested. If you're making tacos or wraps, grilling the whole piece and slicing after ensures every bite stays tender and juicy.

Grilled Jalapeno Lime Flank Steak – The Best 20-Min Recipe Ever

Description

Grilled jalapeno lime flank steak is bold, juicy, and bursting with smoky, spicy citrus flavor. This quick 20-minute recipe is perfect for summer grilling or weeknight dinners. A zesty jalapeño-lime marinade makes the flank steak tender and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5–2 lbs flank steak
2–3 fresh jalapeños, sliced
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Trim & Score Steak: Trim excess fat and lightly score both sides of the flank steak.
Make Marinade: In a food processor or bowl, combine jalapeños, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Marinate: Place the steak and marinade in a sealed bag or container. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, up to 12 hours.
Grill: Preheat grill to high. Remove steak from marinade and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare.
Rest: Transfer steak to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes.
Slice & Serve: Slice against the grain into thin strips. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or in tacos.

Notes

For a sweeter variation, add 1 tablespoon honey to the marinade.
Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor.
This recipe is also great for meal prep—flank steak stores and reheats well.

Great with cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, or in wraps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~6 oz)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: grilled jalapeno lime flank steak, steak recipe, citrus marinade, grilled flank steak