Grilled Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa
A smoky and tangy marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, served with a fresh and zesty charred corn salsa that celebrates bold summer flavors. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes blends flank steak, lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 ears corn on the cob
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 1, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Place the 1.5 lbs flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, massaging the meat to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). While the grill heats, shuck and clean 3 ears of corn. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off each ear into a medium bowl. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir to combine and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: Remove the flank steak from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness, turning once. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Slice the steak thinly against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Serve the grilled flank steak topped with a generous scoop of the charred corn salsa alongside for a vibrant and hearty meal.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
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 Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa 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 Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican grilling 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.