Flank steak is one of the most popular contenders in the steak world. After all, it is a flavorful, high-quality, versatile cut of beef.
Flank steak is a dish that can stand on its own. Nevertheless, you can use flank steak in recipes that call for protein, such as a salad or a fajita.
Best of all, unlike other cuts of high-quality meat like ribeye or tenderloin steaks, flank steak is inexpensive.
Though it is important to know flank steak is harder to come by than other cuts of beef.
Not only are you fighting gourmet restaurants for this treasure, but you are also fighting the average customer for a cut of this prized possession.
So unless you have the hookup at your local meat market, you’ll need to look for flank substitutes.
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What Is Flank Steak?
Flank steak, commonly referred to as London broil, is a delicious, lean, boneless cut of beef fabricated from the flank of a cow.
The flank is positioned under the loin and sirloin.
Unlike the name implies, flank steak is not a steak. Instead, flank steak refers to the cut of meat.
It is a long muscle that runs along the abdomen next to the rib cage.
Flank has an apparent longitudinal grain that is known for absorbing marinades as well as its beefy taste.
Why Is Flank Steak Hard So To Find?
Other cuts of beef such as the rib or chuck can be further fabricated into different types of meat. However, the same cannot be said for the flank.
Each animal only has one flank, making it that much harder to find in grocery stores.
Additionally, the flank is challenging to cut because of its proximity to the short loin and the bottom sirloin.
Why Is Flank Steak So Expensive?
Since Porterhouse, ribeye’s, and tenderloins tend to cost a pretty penny, it is only natural to assume that flank steak is expensive also.
Although they may have been cheaper in the past, prices may be changing due to the flank’s demand.
Juxtaposed to skirt steak, flank steaks are a little more costly because they are considered the fajita meat of the restaurant industry.
Another factor that could contribute to flank steaks’ price is the fact that it is cut thin.
Since it requires a little more work, butcher shops may price flank steaks higher than their counterparts.
On the other hand, most consumers choose their steaks according to their thickness.
Flank is a thin cut of steak which means most people won’t spare it a second glance. This is why you may find flank steak at a lower price in your grocery store.
What Can I Substitute for Flank Steak?
You may not find flank steak in the meat aisle. However, you will easily find at two or more substitutes at any given time in your local grocery store.
Top Round
It comes as no surprise that top round is a suitable flank steak substitute. Top round is also referred to as London broil. The top round is cut from the upper part of the cow’s leg.
Although it is a thicker cut of meat, it is very versatile and absorbs marinades really well. Cooked broiled or grilled, this c
ut will be just as tender as a flank steak.
Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is probably the most optimal substitute for flank steak. Skirt steak is cut from the beef primal plate.
The beef primal plate is located under the ribs, in the chest and abdominal portion of the animal.
These steaks closely resemble each other in appearance. However, they are still subtle differences between the two cuts.
Flank steak is cut thinner than steak skirt. Furthermore, skirt steak has layers of intramuscular fibers on its surface.
Skirt steak is perfect for those who prefer a fattier, juicer steak, and it takes less time to cook than flank steak.
Hanger Steak
Hanger steak’s flavor profile is comparable to that of flank steak. For this reason, it is an excellent substitute. This is in part because of its proximity to the flank.
The rib is adjacent to the flank steak. Hanger steak is sliced from the last rib that attaches to the diaphragm and kidney.
The biggest drawback of hanger steak is it is expensive and hard to find. Oftentimes, you won’t find it at the grocery store.
You will need to visit the butcher’s shop to get your hand on this substitute.
Tri-tip
Again, the fat profile presents a significant concern when choosing suitable replacements for flank steak.
Tri-tip roasts are the perfect substitute for flank steak. It is just as lean and does not contain a high-fat content.
Additionally, Newport or Santa Maria Steaks, which are both cut from the tri-tip, are ideal substitutes for flank steak.
These steaks have the same makeup as flank steaks.
Chicken Breast
If you have removed red meat from your diet or are not a beef lover, chicken breast is a good substitute.
Not only is this white meat super healthy and nutritious, but it is super versatile. Chicken breasts have a low-fat profile and are a rich source of protein.
You can marinade it just like flank steaks and use it in stir-fries, tacos, fajitas, and so much more.
Mushrooms
Long have mushrooms been prized for their meat-like characteristics. Mushrooms are fat and cholesterol-free, low-sodium, and low-calorie.
More importantly, they are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Opt for Portobello or shiitake mushrooms in place of flank steak.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to get stressed out or change your meal plan if you cannot find flank steak in your local supermarket or meat market. There area number of excellent substitutes available to you.
The most critical factor to pay attention to when selecting a flank steak substitute is the fat content.
Choose options that do not contain a lot of fat, and your dish will be just as delicious as if it were made with flank steak.
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.