Introduction

This balsamic marinated flank steak topped with a rich blue cheese crust is a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and smoky flavors. Quick to prepare and bursting with character, it makes an impressive dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1.5–2 lbs flank steak
1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
½ tablespoon butter
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)

Instructions

Step 1: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar to create the marinade.
Step 2: Score the top of the flank steak in 1-inch sections. Place the steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side, spooning marinade into the scores to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to high broil and position the rack near the top, ensuring it won’t touch the meat.
Step 4: Place the steak on a broiler pan with the scored side up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the butter and mix it with the panko bread crumbs. Prepare the blue cheese by crumbling it and setting it aside.
Step 6: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces up. Press the blue cheese firmly into the scores, then sprinkle the buttered panko mixture evenly over the top.
Step 7: Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and has browned slightly.
Step 8: Remove the steak and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, substitute feta cheese or goat cheese instead of blue cheese.
Marinate the steak longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor absorption.
If you don’t have a broiler pan, use a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow even heat circulation.
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the steak.

Storage

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve the flavor and texture, avoiding overcooking the blue cheese crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skirt steak or sirloin, but flank steak works best for its texture and ability to absorb marinade flavors.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?

Broiling times in this recipe aim for medium-rare to medium. For more precision, use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe

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4.8 from 97 reviews

This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture, then broiled to perfection with a rich and savory blue cheese and panko crust. Ideal for a special dinner or entertaining, this recipe combines bold flavors and a crispy cheese topping for an irresistible main course.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

1.5–2 lbs flank steak
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)

Cheese Crust

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
½ tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, chopped green onions, and brown sugar until well combined.
Score and marinate the steak: Score the top of the flank steak with 1-inch sections to allow the marinade to penetrate. Place the steak in the marinade, making sure to spoon some of the marinade into the scored areas. Let the steak sit for 30–45 minutes per side to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the broiler: Set the oven rack near the top position, ensuring it will not touch the meat. Preheat the oven to high broil.
Broil the steak initially: Place the flank steak on a broiler pan, scored side facing up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip the steak and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: Melt the butter and combine it with the panko bread crumbs. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready to use.
Add the cheese crust: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces up. Press the blue cheese firmly into the scored sections and then sprinkle the buttered panko crumbs evenly over the top.
Final broiling: Return the steak to the broiler and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the blue cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Rest and serve: Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Scoring the flank steak helps the marinade penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor.
Use a broiler pan to allow even heat circulation and to prevent the steak from sitting in drippings.
Allowing the meat to rest before slicing ensures juiciness and tenderness.
Panko crumbs provide a light, crispy texture to complement the creamy blue cheese.
Adjust broiling time depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness.

Keywords: Balsamic flank steak, blue cheese crust, broiled steak, marinated steak, panko crust, easy steak recipe