Can You Use Flank Steak for Beef Stew?

Beef stew is a hearty satisfying one-pot meal that is beloved by many. Traditionally beef stew is made with chuck roast or other stewing cuts that become tender and flavorful when braised for hours. However, flank steak can also be an excellent alternative for beef stew recipes.

What is Flank Steak?

Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that comes from the abdominal area of the cow. It is a long, flat steak with clear grain running through it. Flank steak has a distinct beefy flavor and slight chewiness due to the muscle fibers.

Compared to other cuts, flank steak is relatively inexpensive It was once solely used for grilling or fajitas. But nowadays, innovative home cooks have found flank steak works great in various dishes, including stews

Benefits of Using Flank Steak for Stew

Here are some of the advantages of using flank steak rather than traditional stewing beef:

• Quick cooking – Flank steak cooks faster than tough cuts like chuck or brisket. A flank steak stew can be ready in under an hour.

• Lean and flavorful – With less fat marbling, flank steak makes for a healthier but still tasty stew. The beefy flavor shines through.

• Cost effective – Flank steak is an affordable cut, making stew an budget-friendly one-pot meal.

• Easy to find – Flank steak is stocked at most grocery stores so finding it is easier than specialty stewing cuts.

• Portion control – Buying a whole flank steak allows you to cut uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Freezes well – Leftover raw flank steak holds up great when frozen for future stews.

How to Cook Flank Steak for Stew

Cooking flank steak requires some special considerations since it is leaner than typical stewing cuts. Follow these tips:

• Cut across the grain – This ensures tenderness after cooking. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.

• Brown the meat – Searing the pieces on both sides in batches adds great caramelized flavor.

• Cook at a simmer – Braising flank steak low and slow breaks down fibers into a tender texture.

• Add some fat – Braise flank steak in broth with a bit of oil or bacon fat for moisture.

• Use acidic liquids – Wine, vinegar, and tomatoes help tenderize flank steak while cooking.

• Check doneness – Flank cooks faster than other stew meats. Take it off heat at 195°F.

• Let it rest – Allowing the stew to sit for 10-15 minutes lets the juices redistribute.

Flank Steak Stew Recipes to Try

Here are some delicious beef stew recipes that use flank steak:

Quick Flank Steak and Potato Stew

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, cubed
• 2 lbs potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh thyme and rosemary

Wine Braised Flank Steak Stew

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, cut in 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
• 2 lb potatoes, cubed

Flank Steak Guinness Stew

• 1.5 lb flank steak cubed
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Guinness beer
• 14 oz beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb potatoes, cubed
• 1 lb carrots, sliced

Tips for the Best Flank Steak Stew

• Choose high-quality flank steak for the best flavor and texture

• Cut the meat across the grain into uniform bite-size pieces

• Pat the meat dry before searing to maximize browning

• Use a combination of broth, wine or beer, and tomato product for a rich braising liquid

• Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots and mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking

• Season well with salt, pepper and herbs like thyme, rosemary and bay leaf

• Let the stew rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes before serving

So next time you crave beef stew, give flank steak a try in place of traditional stewing beef. With its quick cooking time and robust flavor, flank steak makes for a delicious weeknight-friendly stew the whole family will love.