Grilled Flank Steak with Jerk Marinade
serves 2-4
Flank steak is one of the . . . grassy-est cuts of meat on the animal. That rich beef flavor can stand up to, and benefits from a strong marinade. With lime juice, habanero, molasses, allspice and ginger, this Jerk recipe fits the bill.
2 limes, zested and juiced
2 habanero peppers, stemmed
2 tablespoons molasses (or brown sugar)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1-3 pound flank steak
prep: 10 minutes
total: 1 hour
grill
grill brush
small bowl
tongs
digital instant-read meat thermometer
2. If using a gas grill, preheat one side to high. Clean the grill with a grill brush. Oil the grill by holding a folded wad of paper towel with tongs, dipping it in vegetable oil, and brushing the oil (sparingly -- it's flammable) onto the grill grate.
3. Remove the steak from the marinade. Put it directly on the high heat side of the grill and leave it alone until it develops a rich brown crust, 3-5 minutes. (Exactly how long will depend on the temperature of your grill.) Turn the steak and brown it 3-5 minutes on the other side.
4. Check the internal temperature of the steak -- you should take it off the grill when it reaches 135F for medium-rare.
5. If it's not done, move it to the low-heat side and close the grill. Be sure to check the temperature early and often and take it off the grill when it reaches 135F.
6. When it's done, take the steak off the grill and cover it loosely with aluminum foil for 5 minutes or so. Cut the steak into long slices at an angle, against the grain.
