What is a good flank steak substitute?

If you’re doing a BBQ using sirloin as your flank steak substitute, then you should go with a top sirloin cut. This cut is considerably denser than other flank steak substitutes.

What cut of meat has long striations similar to flank steak?

There are two cuts of meat that have the long striations of muscle similar to flank. They are hanger and skirt steaks. Comparing skirt steak to flank steak, skirt is longer and thinner. It comes from the diaphragm muscles, and it is the most popular cut for the Mexican favorites, Carne Asada and Fajitas.

What is flank steak?

The name gives it away. Flank steak comes from the flank of the steer below the loin and sirloin. (click here to learn more about these other cuts of beef .) It sits in the abdominal area of the animal near the bottom. It helps the cow to twist and walk, so the muscle works A LOT. It is tough, lean and has long thick muscle fibers.

What is another name for flank steak?

Other names for flank steak include London broil and skirt steak, which is actually a different cut (more on that in a moment). This cut of steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the animal, right behind its chest. As you’d expect from that muscle-y area, the meat can be somewhat chewier than other steaks.

What is a cheaper alternative to flank steak?

Budget-friendly hanger steak serves as both a substitute for flank steak and a substitute for skirt steak. Also located on the underside of a cow, hanger steak is cut from the area near the loin. Hanger steak is similar to both flank and skirt steaks in that it benefits from marinating and also takes well to grilling.

What is flank steak called in the grocery store?

London BroilOne of the most common names for flank steak is London Broil. You’ll sometimes see it written that way in the grocery store or on a menu. However, stores also use top round as “London Broil” so you need to know what it looks like to be sure you’re buying the right cut. When in doubt, ask the person at the meat counter.

Is Chuck Steak same as flank?

Chuck roast is not the same as flank steak. Chuck roast derives from the shoulder of the cow, whereas flank comes from the underside of the cow. Flank steak is long and flat, whereas chuck roast is thick and rounded. Chuck roast is known for being tough, so it is often slow cooked or barbecued.

Is flank steak the same as sirloin tip?

Flank steak and flap steak are interchangeable in many recipes, according to Gourmet Sleuth. A flap steak is a thin, somewhat lean cut of meat that, like flank steak, comes from the belly of the cow. (Another note: Flap meat cut into cubes instead of steaks is called sirloin tip.)

Is Flat Iron Steak the same as flank steak?

It’s not. Flat iron is cut from a chuck roast — the neck and shoulder of the animal. Flank steak is from the lower back or hindquarter of the animal. Sometimes you will find flat iron labeled chuck steak or top blade steak.

Is flank steak the same as tri-tip?

Most people know it and love it, but it’s an enormous cut with a looser grain and much more marbling. In contrast, flank steak comes from the lower abdomen. Although it’s very lean it isn’t as tender as tri-tip, so it benefits from marinating and shouldn’t be overcooked.

Can I substitute skirt steak for flank steak?

Skirt and flank steaks are especially tough, so it’s especially important to cut against the grain of the meat. 4. They’re used for similar dishes. Since both pieces of meat contain a similar beef flavor, they can be used interchangeably (such as with steak fajitas, London broil, steak salad, or carne asada tacos).

1. Skirt Steak

Even though It’s not quite as lean, skirt steak is a common stand-in for flank steak, according to eHow. It comes from the plate of the cow, which, as Texas Monthly says, is located in the center of the steer just below the ribeye.

2. Top Round

If you’ve ever seen a steak labeled London broil at the grocery store, you were probably looking at either a flank steak or a top round cut (via eHow ). That’s because London broil isn’t a specific cut of meat. Instead, it’s a broad term that applies to a whole family of steaks; namely, cuts that are usually lean and often tough.

3. Hanger Steak

Another good substitute for flank steak is hanger steak. This style is usually cut thin, like flank steak, but it has a higher fat content making it just a little bit more tender. According to eHow, hanger steak comes from the underside of the cow, near the loin.

4. Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-tip steak is another suitable and affordable swap for flank steak. The triangular, boneless cut of beef comes from the bottom (aka the tip) of the sirloin. Also known as triangle steak, according to eHow, tri-tip steak has the benefit of an easily trimmable fatty edge — though, for the best flavor, do the cutting after cooking.

5. Flat Iron Steak

Gourmet Sleuth suggests switching in flat iron steak — a top blade cut — for flank steak when you need a good substitute. According to Food Fire Friends, top blade steaks come from the chuck primal, or shoulder, of the cow. Taking it a step further, a flat iron steak is a specific cut of blade steak.

6. Flap Steak

Flank steak and flap steak are interchangeable in many recipes, according to Gourmet Sleuth. A flap steak is a thin, somewhat lean cut of meat that, like flank steak, comes from the belly of the cow.

7. Top Sirloin

Weber Grill Review gives a nod to sirloin steak as a suitable substitute for flank steak, but reminds its audience there are two kinds of sirloin — top sirloin and bottom sirloin. It’s recommended to choose top sirloin when you’re replacing flank steak. According to Chef’s Resources, top sirloin is found just beneath the tenderloin.

Skirt Steak

Many amateur cooks use the terms skirt steak and flank steak interchangeably. However, the two are different cuts of meat. They’re similar in shape and skirt steak tends to have an even beefier flavor, by comparison.

Bavette Steak

The Bavette steak is another great and affordable alternative to flank steak or skirt steak. It’s much more tender and benefits a lot from high-heat grilling. It’s also a cut of meat that absorbs marinades much better due to its structure.

Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steak comes from beef chuck. Chuck steaks are known for having more connective tissue and considerably more collagen than other cuts of beef. Although chuck steaks are tender when slow cooked, they’re not ideal for grilling. More often than not, chuck is turned into ground beef. So you’re likely to find it in your burgers.

Honorable Mention – Sirloin Steak

Sirloin is another interesting substitute. This cut comes from the hip and has quite a chew to it. The meat is also much leaner than flank steak but still packs plenty of flavor.

1. Skirt Steak

Lots of people confuse flank steak for skirt steak. They look similar because the two cuts of meat are long and lean, but they’re two different cuts of meat.

2. Hanger Steak

Hanger steak or butcher’s steak is rather hard to find, but it works as a tasty substitute for flank steak. This meat hangs from the diaphragm along the lower belly and is packed with rich and intense flavors. Because this muscle does little work, this piece of meat is super tender and highly prized.

3. Top Round Steak

Unlike the flank steak, the top round steak comes from the well-exercised muscles of the leg of the cow. This meat cut contains no or very little fat, but it’s packed with delicious flavors.

4. Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-Tip steak comes from a small cut from the sirloin. It’s triangular, boneless, and has good marbling. It’s also an affordable option if you’re trying to find a substitute for flank steak.

5. Sirloin Tip Side Steak

Despite the similarity in the name, sirloin tip side steak is not the same as tri-tip steak, although it can also work as a substitute for flank steak. Both meat cuts are part of the sirloin, but the sirloin tip comes from the top half, while the other cut comes from the top bottom.

6. Flat Iron Steak

Also known as butler’s steak, flat iron steak is another meat cut from the shoulder of the animal. It’s not as lean as flank steak because it contains a membrane that makes it a little tougher. Flat iron steak is a little bit more challenging to find and slightly more expensive than flank steak.

7. Ground Beef

Although you can’t grill ground beef, you can use it to prepare burgers, fill tacos, or cook delicious beef chili. Ground beef is made of leftover trimmings of different roasts and steaks, so it can be a versatile option that works for several recipes.

What is Flank Steak? Where does it Come From?

The name gives it away. Flank steak comes from the flank of the steer below the loin and sirloin. (click here to learn more about these other cuts of beef .)

Buying Flank Steak

The meat tends to be a deeper red color than other steaks like a N.Y. Strip or Ribeye steak. It will have long strands of muscle fiber running the entire length of the meat.

Where to Buy Flank Steak Online

Crowd cow stocks three different varieties of flank steak for you to choose from: Pasture-raised and 100% grass-fed, which are both hormone and antibiotic-free, and a Wagyu cross from the Mishima reserve. These flank steaks come in at between 1 and 1.5lb in weight.

Its Versatility

There are two opposite cooking choices with flank. You either cook it hot and fast, or long and slow by braising.

The Best Dishes for Flank Steak

Marinated grilled flank is the main course like any steak except you’ll want to serve it thinly sliced instead of one whole piece.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve not tried flank steak before, please do give it a go. Variety is the spice of life as they say, so move away from your ribeyes and sirloins now and then and venture into these lesser used cuts, I promise you will like them!

1. Skirt Steak

It’s one of the most popular replacement for beef shank and flank steak. Even though skirt steak is not that lean, it can be equally delicious. If you are grilling, boiling, or cooking the meat at high heat, you should try this substitute.

2. Hanger Steak

Hanger steak looks identical to flank steak, but it got higher fat content. You will find it much softer and juicier due to excess fat. You should try this substitute if your recipe requires marinades. Be careful while grilling this cut because two minutes are enough to maintain its juicy flavor.

3. Top Round

You can replace flank steak with top round or inside round if cooking roasted beef. It is soft and lean and that’s why it’s an ideal flank steak substitute. You can buy this beef cut at an affordable price.

4. Tri-Tip Steak

This beef cut got that name due to its triangular shape. It is an affordable flank steak substitute in stir fry and readily available at the butcher shop. This boneless steak is known for its fantastic flavor, which was first produced in Santa Maria, California.

5. Flat Iron Steak

Popularly known as blade steak, the flat iron is cut from the shoulders or chuck primal of the cow.

6. Flap Steak

Professional chefs often substitute flank steak with flap steak. Since it is pretty affordable, beef lovers prefer it over other cuts. It is pretty juicy and versatile. This cut comes from the belly region of the cow, and flank steak is also from the same area.

7. Top Sirloin

You will get two kinds of sirloin cuts at the butcher shop. Top sirloin is a perfect choice when your recipe requires flank steak, and it is not available. This beef cut is from the tenderloin, and it’s much softer than bottom sirloin.

What is flank steak?

To sum it up, flank steak is a thin and long piece of meat, that is usually cheaper, and is sometimes trimmed off to use for beef mince. It is one of the healthiest cuts of beef, because it is taken from the cow’s abdominal muscles.

The Top 7 Substitutes

Skirt steak is one of the most popular alternatives for flank steak, and it holds similar properties. Skirt steak is not as lean as flank steak, and it comes from the plate of the cow which is just below the ribeye.

Honorable mention

If you are vegetarian, meaty textured mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello would be a good alternative to using flank steaks. They have a tougher, meaty texture compared to general field or wild mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

The more fat content a cut of beef has, the more tender it will be. Flank steak is not the most tender meat, but is known for its cut and flavor. Skirt steak is similar to flank steak, and is more tender because it is taken from the ribeye area.