Grilled Whiskey-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa
Tender flank steak marinated in whiskey and spices, grilled to smoky perfection, served with a vibrant charred corn and tomato salsa. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes blends pounds flank steak, whiskey, 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 350 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 pounds flank steak
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 ears corn on the cob
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup whiskey, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp salt until sugar dissolves; place 1.5 pounds flank steak in a resealable bag and pour marinade over, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side until medium rare, then transfer to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: While steak rests, char 2 ears of corn on the grill, turning every 2 minutes for about 8 minutes total until kernels are blackened in spots; let cool, then cut kernels off cobs into a bowl.
- Step 4: To the bowl with corn, add 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 small diced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; toss gently and set aside.
- Step 5: Slice rested steak thinly against the grain and serve topped with the charred corn salsa for a smoky, fresh contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Whiskey-Marinated 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 Whiskey-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 Whiskey-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 Whiskey-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 Whiskey-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
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.
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