Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak
Tender flank steak marinated in tangy citrus and spices, grilled to smoky perfection inspired by Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs flank steak, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook longer for desired doneness.
- Step 4: Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Brazil-Style Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak?
Brazilian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
