Taco-Rubbed Flank Steak

By
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/3/22
Taco-Rubbed Flank Steak

The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 4 servings

This recipe for taco-rubbed flank steak gets the stamp of approval from the American Heart Association. Traditional Mexican taco seasonings are rubbed into flank steak, which is then grilled or broiled.

It's no wonder the American Heart Association features flank steak in this recipe. Flank steak has very little fat, but it is one of the tougher cuts of beef. But there are ways to get around this. Marinating helps to tenderize the meat and impart great flavor. It's important not to overcook flank steak when grilling or broiling. The third proviso is to slice across the grain to minimize the chewy factor inherent in this cut of meat.

Mexican rice and beans make a great low-fat side dish but, be advised, they are definitely not low in carbohydrates. If carbs are on your food-avoidance list, a small side salad should do nicely.

Recipe reprinted with permission from "American Heart Association Meals in Minutes" (Clarkson Potter/Publishers).

Ingredients

For the Rub

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the Steak:

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 2 pounds flank steak, trimmed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Taco-Rubbed Flank Steak ingredients

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  2. Heat grill on high or heat broiler on high. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried crumbled oregano, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

    steak rub in a bowl

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  3. Squeeze juice of 1 medium lime over flank steak and rub juice into the meat.

    steak rubbed in oil

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  4. Completely coat the steak with the rub mixture.

    steak rubbed in spices

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  5. Grill steak or broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until desired doneness (about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare to 15 minutes per side for well-done).

    Taco-Rubbed Flank Steak cooking on a grill

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat-resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.

 

Source: "American Heart Association Meals in Minutes" (Clarkson Potter/Publishers). Reprinted with permission.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
457 Calories
20g Fat
4g Carbs
64g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 457
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 25%
Saturated Fat 8g 39%
Cholesterol 179mg 60%
Sodium 509mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 64g
Vitamin C 3mg 17%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 5mg 31%
Potassium 890mg 19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)