Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe

Fire up your grill this weekend for this incredible Grilled Flank Steak, generously seasoned with a mouth-watering blend of brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a surprising hint of cinnamon. This recipe promises a burst of flavor that will make any meal special!

There’s a special kind of joy that fills our home when I bring home a beautiful cut of steak from the grocery store. While red meat isn’t a frequent feature in my cooking rotation—a habit perhaps stemming from my childhood where it wasn’t often on the table—every now and then, a craving strikes for a perfectly grilled flank steak. And when it does, it’s an occasion worth celebrating, especially for my husband!

Flank steak holds a special place in my culinary heart. It’s incredibly lean, wonderfully versatile, and truly shines when kissed by the open flames of a grill. The way it readily absorbs marinades and rubs, transforming into a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed experience, is simply unparalleled. Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite preparations: this incredible Grilled Flank Steak featuring a unique Brown Sugar Rub. Are there any other flank steak enthusiasts out there who understand this deep appreciation for a perfectly cooked, lean cut?

Why Flank Steak is a Griller’s Best Friend for Flavor and Tenderness

For those new to grilling or looking for an economical yet supremely delicious cut of beef, flank steak is an exceptional choice. It’s a lean cut of meat, typically sourced from the abdominal muscles of the cow, known for its distinct, long muscle fibers (the “grain”). This inherent leanness means it cooks relatively quickly, and its flat, wide shape offers a generous surface area, making it absolutely ideal for soaking up rich, flavorful rubs and marinades. When prepared correctly—specifically when grilled to a perfect medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain—it transforms into an incredibly tender and flavorful piece of meat that can easily rival more expensive cuts. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from vibrant steak salads and sizzling fajitas to hearty sandwiches, making it a truly adaptable protein for any occasion, especially casual summer entertaining.

The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Crafting Our Signature Brown Sugar Rub

The true magic of this grilled flank steak lies in its exceptional spice rub. I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with flavor combinations, and for this particular recipe, I’ve perfected a blend that offers a delightful and complex balance of sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy notes. At its heart is brown sugar, which not only imparts a touch of sweetness but also plays a crucial role in creating that beautiful, slightly caramelized crust that makes grilled meats so incredibly irresistible. This sweetness is then perfectly complemented by the robust warmth of ancho chili powder and the deep, earthy smokiness of smoked paprika. Many traditional rubs might stop there, but for this recipe, I took a page from my friend Liz, who masterfully incorporates cinnamon into her savory dishes.

Adding just a half teaspoon of cinnamon elevates this rub to an entirely new level, introducing an unexpected complexity and aromatic depth that will undoubtedly have everyone at your table guessing the “secret ingredient.” This simple yet powerful rub transforms a humble flank steak into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. It’s incredibly easy to prepare: simply combine all the dry ingredients—brown sugar, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, cinnamon, coarse salt, and fresh ground pepper—in a small bowl. Then, generously rub this mixture onto both sides of the flank steak. A short rest of just 5-10 minutes allows the robust flavors to begin permeating the meat, setting the stage for an unforgettable grilling session. The result is a wonderfully seasoned, incredibly juicy flank steak that my entire family absolutely adored. My husband, ever the keen taster, even guessed the cinnamon, earning him an extra serving! It’s truly a testament to how harmoniously these unique spices work together to create a memorable meal.

Embracing Summer Vibes and the Joy of Outdoor Grilling

Here in our household, summer has officially begun, and with it comes a palpable sense of relief and excitement! The last month of school felt like a whirlwind of projects, book reports, and endless school functions – a familiar May frenzy that always leaves me longing for the easy, breezy days of summer. So, to say we’re all smiles is an understatement. This particular week feels especially good because, not only did school wrap up, but a major house project I’ve been meticulously planning and working on for months finally reached completion.

When we moved into our new home a year and a half ago, I had a mental list of a million things I wanted to transform and improve. Reality, of course, dictates that such ambitious transformations require both significant time and financial resources, so I’ve been happily pacing myself. My big spring/summer endeavor was to revitalize our entire outdoor living space, making it both beautiful and highly functional. We invested in elegant pavers, adding them to couple of areas off our driveway and extending to our pool area. This thoughtful addition effectively transformed the space into a stunning outdoor seating oasis and, crucially, a dedicated, expansive grilling zone. I’ve always viewed my grill as an essential extension of my kitchen—a place where culinary magic happens outdoors, away from the indoor heat. With this fantastic new space, my grill is officially back in prime position, and I’m ready to embrace my inner grilling machine! This truly is my favorite time of year for outdoor cooking, not just for the often-pleasant weather (though in Florida, sometimes it’s anything but “ideal grilling weather,” haha!) but for the sheer abundance of incredible, fresh seasonal produce. Nothing beats the smoky, tender flavor of perfectly grilled vegetables as a side dish.

Take a peek at one of my new favorite happy spots: our brand-new grilling area, complete with a thriving herb container garden, conveniently located just off our kitchen and family room. It’s a space meticulously designed for enjoyment, relaxation, and, of course, the creation of countless delicious meals.

Expert Tips for Grilling Flank Steak to Tender Perfection

Achieving a perfectly tender and juicy grilled flank steak is simpler than you might think, but a few key steps can make all the difference, ensuring your efforts result in a truly memorable meal. First and foremost, ensure your grill is properly preheated to a medium-high heat. A hot grill creates a beautiful, flavorful sear on the outside of the steak, which helps to lock in the precious juices within. Flank steak cooks relatively quickly due to its inherent thinness, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on it throughout the grilling process. For a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak (which is often highly recommended for optimal tenderness and flavor for this cut), aim for approximately 7-8 minutes per side. However, these are general guidelines, and the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your specific cut of steak and the precise temperature of your grill. For absolute precision, a reliable meat thermometer is always your best friend.

Once your flank steak reaches your desired level of doneness, the most crucial next step is to let it rest. Transfer the cooked steak from the hot grill to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest undisturbed for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you even think about slicing into it. This resting period is critical because it allows the juices, which have been drawn to the center of the steak during the high-heat cooking process, to redistribute themselves evenly throughout the entire piece of meat. The result of this patience is a much juicier, more flavorful, and significantly more tender slice. Finally, and perhaps most importantly for flank steak, always slice it thinly against the grain and at a slight angle. The “grain” refers to the visible direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. Slicing against these fibers effectively shortens them, which in turn makes the steak incredibly tender and far easier to chew. Neglecting this simple but vital step can unfortunately turn even the most perfectly cooked flank steak into a tough, chewy experience. By following these expert tips, you’ll be confidently grilling flank steak like a seasoned pro in no time, consistently delivering tender and delicious results!

Recipes Using Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is a star ingredient in our flank steak rub, but its versatility extends far beyond! If you love its smoky depth, try these other fantastic recipes:

Roasted Acorn Squash with Smoked Paprika

Greek Yogurt Egg Salad with Smoked Paprika

Roasted Red Potatoes with Smoked Paprika

Inspiring Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Grilled Flank Steak

This versatile Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub is undeniably delicious on its own, served hot off the grill, but it truly shines and elevates any meal when thoughtfully incorporated into a larger spread. We particularly loved it sliced thinly and served atop a vibrant, fresh Steak Salad with Grilled Peaches and Red Onion – a truly perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that unequivocally screams “summer!” The warm steak contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens and juicy peaches, creating a delightful texture and taste sensation.

For a different, equally refreshing side, consider pairing your grilled steak with a light and herbaceous Caprese Rice Salad, offering bright notes of basil, tomato, and fresh mozzarella that complement the rich beef without overpowering it. Alternatively, for a more substantial and earthy accompaniment, a Herbed Wild Rice Salad with Pine Nuts would be an excellent choice, providing a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor profile. Other fantastic and simple options include a generous platter of grilled asparagus spears, smoky roasted sweet potatoes, or even just a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The pairing possibilities for this delicious brown sugar rub flank steak are truly endless, making it a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying main course for any summer gathering, weeknight family dinner, or special occasion!

Happy weekend, everyone! I sincerely hope you get to enjoy some fantastic grilling sessions and share delicious food with your loved ones. Don’t forget to give this amazing Brown Sugar Rub Flank Steak a try—it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your summer recipe repertoire!

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Like beef? Try these easy healthy beef recipes:

If you’re a fan of beef and looking for more delicious and wholesome meal ideas, these recipes are sure to inspire your next dinner:

London Broil with Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic Marinade

Easy Pepper Steak

Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

 

For more grilling inspiration and chilling ideas, be sure to check out my Grillin’ and Chillin’ Board on Pinterest: