Grilled Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy flank steak marinated in citrus and black pepper, grilled to smoky perfection and served with charred scallions for a fresh, savory finish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds flank steak, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and 1.5 tsp salt to form the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare (135°F internal temperature), turning once.
  4. Step 4: While steak cooks, place 6 whole scallions directly on the grill grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred and softened.
  5. Step 5: Remove steak and scallions from the grill and let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve slices topped with charred scallions for a bright, smoky contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions?

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 pounds flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions?

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 Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions 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 Citrus-Pepper Flank Steak with Charred Scallions?

American bbq & smoked 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.