20-Minute Chili Lime Flank Steak That Melts Hearts Recipe
This 20-Minute Chili Lime Flank Steak is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, chili powder, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this steak cooks quickly and delivers a vibrant, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides for maximum flavor absorption.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results and deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. This ensures a good sear on the steak for a caramelized exterior.
- Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and place it on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side to reach medium-rare doneness. Adjust time slightly for preferred doneness.
- Rest the Meat: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, making the steak juicy and tender.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes or in tacos, salads, or bowls.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the steak overnight.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy taste.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Always slice flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is key to keeping it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked steak
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: flank steak, chili lime steak, easy steak recipe, quick marinade, grilled steak, healthy steak, weeknight dinner
