When it comes to finding a flank steak substitute, there are quite a few options to choose from. Flank steak is a gourmet cut of meat. But if you can’t find it, similar ingredients can still make a great dish. Look at the details of some alternatives to flank steak below. Learn what makes them suitable for your recipe and how you can cook them.
Best Substitutes for Flank Steak
1. Beef Skirt
Beef skirt is the closest alternative to flank steak. This cut is from the cow’s diaphragm and is longer and thinner than flank steak. When you cook skirt steak, it is helpful to marinate it so the added acidity softens and breaks down the muscles before cooking. To achieve the most tender meat, you can fry or grill it.
2. Beef Fajita Strips
Beef fajita strips are famous in Mexican cuisine, but they can also substitute flank steak in a variety of recipes. Beef fajita strips are very thin and have a lot of fat, so they are ideal for a quick stir-fry. To get this type of cut, you do not have to go to a butcher. You can buy freshly packaged beef fajita strips from your local supermarket. They are also available frozen and pre-marinated.
3. Beef Hanger Steak
The beef hanger steak is another cut you can pick instead of flank steaks. This popular cut cooks to a meaty, juicy texture. It resembles a beef skirt rather than a flank steak. And it comes finely sliced and marbled with fats. It can be tough to find this cut, though. Also known as the butcher’s steak, if ever you will get a chance to buy this cut, it will be worth adding to your recipe.
4. Tri-Tip Steak
The tri-tip steak has a triangular shape and is finely marbled. It comes from the bottom of the sirloin. You may find it at the grocery store labeled as triangle steak. You can grill tri-tip steak, but remember to marinate it first. It is also great for braising and other slow-cooking dishes. It is a common cut for stews and chilis as well.
5. Top Round
Request a top round at the butcher’s counter. The top round is a big, thick steak sliced from the top of the cow’s back flank. You can use it in place of flank steak in recipes that call for slow cooking to break down the muscle. If you decide to cook the top round, use it for braising or in a London broil. Note that you should not grill or fry it because of its thickness; it will not be tender.
6. Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a healthy replacement for flank steaks. It is low fat, high protein, white meat. You can use it for stews, steaks, stir-fries, steamed with vegetables, and even grilled. It is also great for chicken fajitas and taco fillings if you are making Mexican cuisine. Always ensure you cook the chicken well because if you overcook it, it will become tough and dry.
7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another nutritious choice to substitute flank steaks. They have become widely regarded as an outstanding substitute for meat. You can enjoy a meaty umami flavor and a savory taste in your dish with properly seasoned and cooked mushrooms. You can opt for shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or brown button mushrooms for a meaty flavor in your dish. You can also indulge in fresh mushrooms by choosing what is in season.
8. Tofu
Try tofu in your recipes that call for flank steak. Tofu is a high-protein option made from soybeans. It absorbs a lot of flavors, so it will be delicious even if you are a meat-eater. All it takes is a good marinade and well-balanced seasoning.
9. Vegan Steaks
Are you looking for another vegan alternative? Vegan steaks can replace flank steaks in your recipes. These are ready-made and packaged in the same way as processed meat. This option is nutritious and does not include animal ingredients. Vegan steaks are ideal if you want to create a healthier eating habit.
In Conclusion
Now that you’ve discovered various flank steak substitutes, you can keep on enjoying your hearty meals! The options provided above will work best in your recipes depending on your personal preferences.
