How Long To Cook Flank Steak On Pellet Grill

Are you planning to grill a juicy flank steak on your pellet grill, but unsure of how long it should cook for? You’re not alone. Cooking flank steak can be tricky since it’s a lean cut of beef that can easily become tough if overcooked.

However, cooking it on a pellet grill can give you the perfect combination of smoky and tender flavors. The good news is that cooking flank steak on a pellet grill is not as complicated as it may seem. With the right temperature and timing, you can achieve a perfectly cooked flank steak that is both flavorful and tender.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about how long to cook flank steak on a pellet grill so that you can impress your guests with a delicious meal.

Selecting The Right Cut Of Flank Steak

Flank steak is a popular cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, to get the most out of your flank steak, it’s important to choose the right cut.

When selecting your flank steak, look for one that has good marbling and is about 1 inch thick. This thickness allows for even cooking throughout the meat.

Once you have selected your flank steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. To do this, trim any excess fat from the edges of the steak and score the surface with shallow cuts. This helps to tenderize the meat and also allows any marinade or seasoning to penetrate deeper into the steak.

When cooking flank steak on a pellet grill, it’s important to remember that this cut of meat cooks quickly. For medium-rare doneness, cook your flank steak for around 4-5 minutes per side at a temperature of 400°F-450°F. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meat using a digital thermometer to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.

Preparing The Flank Steak For The Grill

To prepare your flank steak for the pellet grill, start by patting it dry with paper towels. This will ensure that the marinade sticks to the meat and helps to prevent flare-ups on the grill. Once dry, season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.

Next, it’s time to marinate your flank steak. Choose your favorite marinade or make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs in a bowl. Place the steak in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat, making sure it is evenly coated. Allow the flank steak to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

When you’re ready to cook your flank steak on the pellet grill, preheat it to high heat (around 450°F). Remove your steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off before placing it directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until you get a nice sear on both sides.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – medium-rare is around 135°F internal temperature. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Try these three flavorful marinades:

1. Soy-ginger: Combine soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl.

2. Chimichurri: Blend together parsley, cilantro, garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Lemon-herb: Mix lemon juice/zest with thyme leaves (chopped), rosemary leaves (chopped), garlic cloves (minced), olive oil salt and pepper.

By using one of these delicious marinades and following these simple steps for preparing your flank steak on a pellet grill, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful meat that’s sure to impress your guests. Happy grilling!

Seasoning And Marinating Tips

When it comes to preparing flank steak on a pellet grill, seasoning and marinating are crucial steps to ensure optimal flavor. There are several tips that can help make your flank steak a crowd-pleaser at your next BBQ.

Firstly, start by generously seasoning your steak with salt and pepper before grilling. This will bring out the natural flavors of the meat and create a delicious crust once grilled. Additionally, consider adding other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for added depth of flavor.

Secondly, marinating your flank steak can take it to the next level. A simple marinade consisting of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice can tenderize the meat while adding an irresistible flavor profile. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator before grilling.

To make things easier, here is a table with some suggested seasoning combinations and marinade ingredients:

Seasoning Combinations	Marinade Ingredients
Salt + Pepper + Garlic Powder	Olive Oil
Paprika + Cumin + Cayenne Pepper	Soy Sauce
Rosemary + Thyme + Sage	Worcestershire Sauce
Brown Sugar + Chili Powder	Lemon Juice
Mustard Powder + Onion Powder	Minced Garlic

Remember to experiment with different seasoning blends and marinades until you find your favorite combination. With these tips in mind, your flank steak will be sure to impress guests at your next BBQ without having to worry about how long to cook it on a pellet grill.

Getting The Pellet Grill Ready For Cooking

First, it’s important to ensure that your pellet grill is clean and free of any debris or leftover ash from previous cookouts. Use a grill brush or scraper to clear out the firepot and remove any ash buildup in the burn chamber. This will help ensure proper airflow during cooking and prevent any unwanted flavors from contaminating your food.

Next, fill the hopper with your preferred wood pellets. This is where you can really get creative with flavors – try hickory for a smoky taste, applewood for a sweeter flavor, or mesquite for a bold, earthy taste. Be sure to choose pellets specifically designed for use in pellet grills to avoid damaging your grill or affecting the flavor of your food.

Once you’ve filled the hopper, turn on your pellet grill and set it to the desired temperature. Depending on the recipe you’re using, this could range anywhere from 200-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the grill to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before placing your meat on the grates.

To make sure everything is properly set up before cooking, here’s a quick checklist:

1. Clean out any debris or ash from previous cookouts
2. Fill the hopper with wood pellets of your choice
3. Turn on and preheat the grill to desired temperature
4. Double check that everything is ready to go before placing meat on grates

With these steps complete, you’ll be ready to start cooking up delicious meals on your pellet grill in no time!

Cooking Temperature And Time Guidelines

So, you’ve decided to cook a delicious flank steak on your pellet grill. Congratulations! You’re in for a treat.

However, before we proceed any further, let’s talk about cooking temperature and time guidelines. Because, who needs those anyway? Certainly not us!

Just kidding. Cooking temperature and time guidelines are essential when it comes to cooking the perfect flank steak on your pellet grill.

For starters, you’ll want to preheat your grill to 450°F. Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned flank steak on the grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

But wait – there’s more! After removing the steak from the grill, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and will result in a juicier, more flavorful steak.

So, while cooking temperature and time guidelines may seem like an unnecessary hassle, they’re actually crucial in achieving a perfectly cooked flank steak on your pellet grill.

Checking For Doneness And Resting The Steak

After setting the temperature of your pellet grill, the next step is to determine how long to cook your flank steak. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, you can cook a 1-inch thick flank steak for about 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare.

However, it’s important to note that cooking times are not always accurate and can vary depending on factors such as wind, humidity, and altitude.

To ensure that your flank steak is cooked perfectly, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).

Once you have achieved your desired level of doneness, it’s important to let your flank steak rest before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that it remains juicy and tender.

Let your steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving. Remember that with proper cooking time and resting technique, you can achieve a deliciously cooked flank steak every time!

Serving And Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Flank Steak

Now that your flank steak has been cooked to perfection on the pellet grill, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Don’t let the intimidation of a fancy cut of meat deter you from savoring its deliciousness. Simply slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, whip up a chimichurri sauce to accompany the steak. This tangy and herbaceous sauce pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of flank steak. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just blend together parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

As you savor each bite of your perfectly cooked flank steak, take a moment to appreciate all the effort that went into making this delicious meal. From selecting the right cut of meat to cooking it just right on the pellet grill, you’ve truly mastered this culinary feat. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Frozen Flank Steak On A Pellet Grill?

Yes, you can cook frozen flank steak on a pellet grill.

It’s important to note that cooking times will vary based on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of your grill.

For best results, you should allow the steak to thaw before cooking. However, if time is limited and you’re unable to thaw it beforehand, simply increase the cooking time by approximately 50% and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.

Remember to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How Often Should I Flip The Flank Steak While Cooking On A Pellet Grill?

When it comes to cooking a delicious flank steak on a pellet grill, the question of how often to flip it can be a bit daunting. But fear not, as there’s a simple technique that will ensure your steak is perfectly cooked every time.

Rather than obsessing over the number of flips, focus on getting a good sear on each side before turning. This will help lock in juices and create that delicious charred flavor we all know and love.

So while you may be tempted to constantly check and flip your steak, just remember – patience is key when it comes to grilling perfection!

Can I Use Wood Chips Instead Of Pellets In My Pellet Grill For Cooking Flank Steak?

Yes, you can use wood chips instead of pellets in your pellet grill for cooking flank steak.

However, it’s important to note that using wood chips may require more frequent refilling than pellets due to their smaller size.

It’s also important to choose the right type of wood chips to complement the flavor of your flank steak.

For example, hickory and oak chips provide a smoky and bold flavor while fruitwood chips like apple or cherry offer a sweeter taste.

What Is The Recommended Internal Temperature For A Medium-Rare Flank Steak Cooked On A Pellet Grill?

To achieve the perfect medium-rare flank steak on a pellet grill, it’s important to pay attention to the internal temperature. But what exactly is that temperature?

The answer may surprise you. While some may think that 130°F is the magic number for medium-rare, it’s actually recommended to cook your flank steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful steak with just the right amount of pink in the middle.

So be sure to have your meat thermometer handy and keep a close eye on that temperature while grilling up your delicious flank steak!

Do I Need To Preheat My Pellet Grill Before Cooking A Flank Steak?

Yes, it is highly recommended to preheat your pellet grill before cooking a flank steak.

This ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature and that your steak cooks evenly. Preheating also helps to prevent sticking, as well as any potential foodborne illnesses caused by undercooked meat.

Make sure to preheat your grill for at least 10-15 minutes before placing your flank steak on the grates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooking a flank steak on a pellet grill can be a great way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. While it is possible to cook a frozen steak on a pellet grill, it’s recommended to let the steak thaw before grilling for best results.

When cooking on a pellet grill, it’s important to flip the steak occasionally and monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

And while wood chips can be used in place of pellets, it’s important to make sure they are compatible with your particular grill model.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to cook a perfect medium-rare flank steak on your pellet grill every time!