Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Balsamic Flank Steak?
It is a flavorful dish featuring a flank steak marinated in balsamic vinegar, herbs, and garlic, then grilled or broiled and topped with an onion-caper mixture.
How do I prepare the marinade for the steak?
Mix chopped red onion, balsamic vinegar, drained capers, chopped fresh oregano, and minced garlic in a medium bowl.
How long should I marinate the flank steak?
Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor profile.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses a 1.5 lb flank steak, which typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
Why should I prick the steak with a fork before marinating?
Pricking the steak all over with a fork helps the balsamic marinade penetrate deeper into the meat for better flavor and tenderness.
How should I prepare the red onion for this recipe?
Slice one-quarter of a small red onion into thin slivers for garnish and chop the remaining portion for the marinade.
What are the primary herbs used in this steak recipe?
The recipe primarily uses two tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano and three minced garlic cloves for infusion.
What type of vinegar is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar to create the base of the marinade and topping.
How do I cook the steak if I don't have a grill?
You can use a broiler, positioning the oven rack so the steak is about 4 inches from the heat source.
How long does it take to cook the flank steak?
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish, or longer until your desired level of doneness is achieved.
What should I do with the marinade after removing the meat?
The marinade used for the raw steak should be discarded for safety reasons; do not reuse it as a sauce.
Is there a specific topping for this steak?
Yes, a reserved onion-caper mixture combined with slivered onions is drizzled over the steak before serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves, which should be minced before being added to the onion mixture.
Should the capers be drained before use?
Yes, 1/4 cup of capers should be drained before being mixed with the other marinade ingredients.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
Why is it important to let the steak rest after cooking?
Resting the steak for about 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
While fresh oregano is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried oregano, typically using about one-third of the fresh amount.
How should the steak be sliced for serving?
After drizzling the topping, slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure the most tender pieces.
What is the recommended weight for the flank steak?
A flank steak weighing approximately 1 1/2 lbs (1.5 lbs) is ideal for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and guest entertaining.
How much of the onion mixture should be reserved for the topping?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the onion mixture and combine it with the slivered onions to use as the final garnish.
Can I marinate the steak overnight?
Yes, you can marinate it for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
What kind of bag should I use for marinating?
A large zip-top bag is recommended to hold the steak and allow the marinade to coat the meat evenly.
What texture should the black pepper have?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh coarse ground black pepper to enhance the steak's seasoning.
Should the reserved topping be refrigerated?
Yes, once you mix the reserved onion mixture with the slivered onions, it should be refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including the steak, seasonings, and marinade components.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include steak, marinated, grilled, balsamic vinegar, herb-infused, and dinner.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, this specific recipe does not list sugar as an added ingredient; the sweetness comes naturally from the balsamic vinegar.
When should the topping be added?
Transfer the cooked and rested steak to a platter and drizzle the reserved mixture over it just before slicing.
Can I prepare this on a stovetop?
While grilling or broiling is suggested, you could use a heavy cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to sear the flank steak.