Grilled Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa
Flank steak marinated in zesty lime and garlic, grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a fresh charred corn salsa bursting with flavor. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends flank steak, (about 2 limes) 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 400 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
- 1/4 cup (about 2 limes) lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 ears, husked corn on the cob
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for salsa)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While heating, char 3 ears of husked corn directly over the flame or on the grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until blackened in spots. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix the charred corn kernels with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt to taste and toss gently.
- Step 5: Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Step 6: Serve sliced steak topped with the fresh charred corn salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Lime-Marinated 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 Lime-Marinated 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 Lime-Marinated 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 Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican 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.
