Grilled Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Your Ultimate Summer Dinner
Experience the perfect blend of smoky heat, zesty lime, and cooling creaminess with this irresistible Grilled Chipotle Lime Flank Steak, perfectly complemented by a vibrant Creamy Avocado Salsa. This easy-to-make, SEO-friendly recipe is a must-try for your next summer grilling adventure, ideal for family dinners or entertaining a crowd.
As soon as the warm weather arrives, my grill becomes the centerpiece of my outdoor kitchen. While I’m a year-round grilling enthusiast, come rain, shine, or even a surprise snow flurry, there’s something truly special about summer grilling. The longer days and balmy evenings just call for firing up the barbecue, and this Grilled Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa is precisely the kind of dish that makes summer dining unforgettable.
This recipe offers a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful spin on your favorite grilled meat, designed to be both simple to prepare and spectacular to eat. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a lively backyard party, this flank steak recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The harmonious blend of spicy, bright, and tangy flavors makes it versatile enough to enjoy on its own, nestled in warm tortillas for tacos, or as the star of a hearty burrito bowl.
While I cherish grilling in all seasons, I must admit that the grill does heat up significantly faster in summer, which is a definite bonus in my book. This allows for quicker preparation, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beautiful weather and good company. Today, I’m excited to share a fresh take on classic flank steak, a cut of beef that’s both economical and packed with flavor, all without any extra fussy steps to make things complicated.
Why Flank Steak is Perfect for Grilling
Flank steak is an excellent choice for summer grilling because of its lean profile and robust flavor. While it can be tough if not prepared correctly, it readily absorbs marinades, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with incredible taste. When grilled quickly over high heat and sliced thinly against the grain, flank steak becomes remarkably tender and juicy, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. Its broad, flat shape also ensures even cooking, making it a reliable option for both novice and experienced grill masters.
More Grilling Inspiration: Other Delicious Steak Recipes
- Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak: For a bold and aromatic flavor profile.
- Balsamic Glazed Grilled Flank Steak: A sweet and savory delight.
- Soy Marinated Flank Steak: An umami-rich Asian-inspired option.
- Grilled Flank Steak Poblano Tacos: Perfect for a spicy taco night.
The result of this simple yet powerful recipe is a smoky, spicy, and incredibly succulent piece of meat that practically melts in your mouth. The intense flavors will have you reaching for more, while the subtle heat keeps things exciting without overpowering your palate entirely.
The Magic of the Chipotle Lime Marinade
The secret to this exceptional grilled steak lies in its super easy marinade. It’s a powerful concoction spiced with savory chipotle peppers and the rich adobo sauce they come packed in. This one-two punch of smoky heat and deep flavor penetrates the flank steak, ensuring every bite is bursting with zesty, savory goodness. The lime juice not only adds brightness but also acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the meat fibers for a more enjoyable texture. You’ll find yourself craving this unique flavor combination again and again.
Introducing the Creamy Avocado Salsa
To balance the robust flavors of the steak, we introduce the truly “creamy dreamy” Avocado Salsa. This versatile salsa has become a staple in my kitchen, complementing everything from tacos to tostadas. It’s even fantastic as a simple dip for chips when I’m in the mood for something a bit different than traditional guacamole.
The tangy flavor in the salsa comes from fresh tomatillos, which provide a delightful acidity that cuts through the richness of the avocado. A burst of herby freshness is added by vibrant cilantro, while a hint of mild heat from jalapeño ties all the flavors together. This refreshing salsa acts as the perfect cooling counterpoint to the hearty, spicy steak, creating a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
To achieve the best results with this Chipotle Lime Flank Steak, having the right equipment can make all the difference. While some items are optional, they can greatly enhance your grilling and food preparation experience.
- **Grill:** Of course, a good grill is essential! If you don’t already have one, or are looking to upgrade, I highly recommend investing in a Traeger grill. It’s my personal favorite and has truly revolutionized my grilling game.
- **Grilling Tongs:** Strong, sturdy tongs are crucial for handling hot meat. These Traeger tongs are incredibly robust and reliable.
- **Knives & Cutting Board:** A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential for preparing both the steak and the salsa ingredients. A dedicated carving knife will make slicing the grilled steak a breeze.
- **Blender/Food Processor:** For the silky smooth and creamy avocado salsa, a powerful blender like my favorite Vitamix is invaluable. Alternatively, a 9-Cup Food Processor also works wonderfully.
Crafting Your Chipotle Lime Flank Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa is surprisingly simple, broken down into three main stages: marinating, making the salsa, and grilling. Each step is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
1. Marinate The Steak for Ultimate Flavor
The marinade for this flank steak is incredibly straightforward. You simply combine all the marinade ingredients – oil, lime juice, rice vinegar, cilantro, adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, salt, and black pepper – into a large sealable bag with the steak. Give it a good massage to ensure the steak is evenly coated, then let it rest. This magical marinade works its wonders, infusing the meat with deep, savory, and spicy flavors while tenderizing it for a perfect bite. It’s truly that easy!
2. Prepare The Creamy Avocado Salsa
While the steak is marinating, you can quickly whip up the Creamy Avocado Salsa. The process couldn’t be simpler: just toss all the salsa ingredients – tomatillos, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and avocado – into your food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This bright and tangy salsa will be ready in minutes, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich steak.
3. Grill The Steak to Perfection
Finally, the moment of truth! Preheat your grill (or a grill pan if cooking indoors) to medium-high heat. Remove the flank steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the steak to your desired doneness. For flank steak, I highly recommend cooking it to medium-rare. This ensures the meat remains tender and juicy; cooking it any further can make it tough. Aim for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side to achieve that perfect medium-rare cook. Remember to let the steak rest for at least 10-15 minutes after grilling before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marinate the steak longer than 1 hour?
Absolutely! While an hour is sufficient to impart flavor, you can marinate this flank steak for longer, even overnight, if your schedule allows. The longer the steak bathes in the flavorful marinade, the more tender and deeply infused with taste it will become. For best results, aim for at least 2-4 hours, or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor development.
How do I serve this grilled flank steak?
The beauty of this Chipotle Lime Flank Steak is its versatility! I love to slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve the pieces with generous dollops of the Creamy Avocado Salsa. It’s absolutely divine served alongside an incredible bacon cilantro lime grilled corn salad, which adds another layer of summery flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a crispy potato side, these fried Mexican potatoes will add a satisfying punch of flavor and crunch.
Beyond serving it as a main course with sides, you can also chop up the grilled meat and incorporate it into tacos or burritos, using the homemade avocado salsa as a key topping. It’s also fantastic in quesadillas, fajita bowls, or as a topping for a vibrant salad. The possibilities are truly endless for enjoying all that savory goodness!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy perfectly grilled steak? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for a delicious appetizer to kick off this meal? Consider making a refreshing burrata caprese salad to complement the bold flavors of the main dish.
Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa
1 hour
10 minutes
10 minutes
1 hour
20 minutes
Equipment
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Wusthof 8″ Artisan Butcher Knife, Hollow Edge
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Vitamix Blender
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9-Cup Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Flank Steak
- 1 cup Oil
- juice from 4 Lime
- 1/2 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 cup Fresh Cilantro loosely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Adobo Sauce
- 4 Chipotle Peppers
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 3 Tomatillos
- 1 Jalapeño
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 Avocado halved and pitted
Instructions
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For the Steak: Add flank steak to a large sealable bag. Add oil, lime juice, rice vinegar, cilantro, adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, salt, and black pepper to the bag.
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Seal the bag and turn the steak to coat it evenly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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Heat your grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat.
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Remove steak from the marinade and grill until desired doneness. I recommend cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare.
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Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
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For the Avocado Salsa: While the steak is resting, add all ingredients for the avocado salsa (tomatillos, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, avocado) to a food processor or blender. Pulse until combined and smooth.
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Serve the grilled steak immediately with generous portions of creamy avocado salsa.
Summer, Mexican-Inspired
Grilling, Main Course