Introduction

This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The marinade tenderizes the meat while the blue cheese crust adds a rich, creamy finish. It’s an impressive yet easy dish for any weeknight or special occasion.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1.5–2 lbs flank steak
1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
½ tablespoon butter
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)

Instructions

Step 1: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar to create the marinade.
Step 2: Score the top of the flank steak in 1-inch sections. Place the steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30–45 minutes per side, spooning the marinade into the scores to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to high broil and position the rack near the top, making sure it won’t touch the meat.
Step 4: Place the steak on a broiler pan with the scored side facing up. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for 3 minutes.
Step 5: While the steak is cooking, melt the butter and mix it with the panko bread crumbs. Have the crumbled blue cheese ready to use.
Step 6: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces up. Press the blue cheese into the scores and sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Step 7: Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Step 8: Remove the steak and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a softer crust, mix a small amount of cream into the blue cheese before pressing it into the steak.
Substitute the blue cheese with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
Marinate the flank steak overnight in the refrigerator for extra tenderness and deeper flavor.
Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the steak.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) or covered in a skillet to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the steak and alter the cheese texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, but flank steak is preferred for its texture and ability to absorb marinade. Other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin can work but may require adjustments in cooking time.

How do I know when the steak is done while broiling?

Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Because broiling cooks quickly, watch closely and use a meat thermometer aiming for an internal temperature of 130–135°F for medium-rare, then let it rest to finish cooking.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture, then broiled and topped with a rich blue cheese and crispy panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a luscious cheesy finish.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

1.5–2 lbs flank steak
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)

Blue Cheese Crust

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
½ tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, roughly chopped green onions, and dark brown sugar until well combined to create the marinade.
Marinate the Steak: Score the top of the flank steak in 1-inch sections to help flavor penetration. Place the steak in the marinade, ensuring it is well coated, and let it sit for 30–45 minutes on one side. Spoon marinade into the scored sections for enhanced flavor, then flip and marinate the other side for an additional 30–45 minutes.
Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven to high broil. Position the oven rack near the top but make sure it does not touch the meat to ensure even broiling without burning.
Initial Broil of Steak: Place the marinated flank steak scored side up on a broiler pan. Broil for 3 minutes, then flip and broil the other side for another 3 minutes. This helps start the cooking and creates a nice sear.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: Melt the ½ tablespoon of butter in a small pan or microwave, then mix it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs to create a buttery, crispy topping.
Apply Blue Cheese Crust: Flip the steak again so the scored side faces up. Press the crumbled blue cheese firmly into the scored sections of the steak, then evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese.
Final Broil: Broil the steak for an additional 5 minutes or until the blue cheese melts and the breadcrumb topping becomes browned and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve warm to enjoy the full depth of flavors and tender texture.

Notes

Allowing the steak to marinate longer will deepen the flavor but do not exceed 2 hours to prevent the vinegar from overpowering the meat.
Scoring the steak helps the marinade penetrate and also allows the cheese crust to adhere better.
Use a broiler pan to catch drippings and ensure even heat distribution for broiling.
Resting the steak before slicing is crucial to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the rich blue cheese crust.

Keywords: flank steak, balsamic marinade, blue cheese crust, broiled steak, panko breadcrumb crust, savory dinner