Introduction

This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for any special occasion or a satisfying weeknight meal. The tangy balsamic marinade tenderizes the steak, while the rich blue cheese crust adds a deliciously creamy finish.

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” sections. Place the steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side, spooning marinade into the scored sections to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to high broil and position the rack near the top, but not touching the meat.
Step 4: Place the steak on a broiler pan with the scored side facing up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for another 3 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the butter and mix it with the panko bread crumbs. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready for the next step.
Step 6: Flip the steak so the scored side is facing up again. Press the blue cheese into the scored sections and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Step 7: Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 8: Remove the steak and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the steak longer, up to a few hours, for deeper flavor and more tenderness.
Substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta for a different flavor profile.
For a crunchier crust, broil longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at low temperature to preserve the crust and avoid overcooking the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

While flank steak works best for this recipe due to its texture and ability to absorb marinade, you can use skirt steak or hanger steak as alternatives if flank is unavailable.

How do I ensure the steak stays tender?

Scoring the steak and marinating it helps tenderize the meat. Also, be sure to slice thinly against the grain after resting to keep each bite tender.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a hearty dinner. The flank steak is marinated in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette infused with green onions and brown sugar, then broiled to a perfect medium rare. A rich blue cheese crust with crispy panko breadcrumbs tops the steak for a delightful contrast of textures and bold flavors. Resting the steak before slicing ensures juicy, tender bites every time.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
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)

Blue 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 the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, chopped green onions, and brown sugar until well combined.
Marinate the Steak: Score the top surface of the flank steak into 1-inch sections. Place the steak in the prepared marinade and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side, frequently spooning marinade into the scored cuts to infuse flavor deeply.
Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and position the rack near the top of the oven, ensuring it will not touch the meat during cooking.
Initial Broiling: Place the flank steak on a broiler pan with the scored side facing up. Broil the steak for 3 minutes, then flip it over and broil the other side for an additional 3 minutes to achieve an initial sear.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the panko bread crumbs. Set aside while preparing the cheese topping.
Add Cheese and Crust: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces upward. Press the crumbled blue cheese into the scored sections, then generously sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumb mixture over the top.
Final Broil: Broil the steak for another 5 minutes, or until the blue cheese melts and the breadcrumb crust becomes golden brown and slightly crisp.
Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Marinating the steak on both sides ensures deep flavor infusion, scoring helps the marinade penetrate better and holds the blue cheese in place.
Position the oven rack carefully to avoid burning the cheese or bread crumbs under the broiler.
Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor in the marinade.
Letting the steak rest before slicing helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Keywords: flank steak, balsamic marinade, blue cheese crust, broiled steak, easy steak recipe, savory steak, dinner recipe