Grilling For Flavor

Somewhere a grill is being fired up. And why settle for processed links called hot dogs and brats? (They have their place in life, no doubt, but if possible, why not have better?)

I'm not talking about filet mignon or beef tenderloin--I'm talking about affordable flank steak, marinated with all the flavor, and grilled to perfection.

Not as cheap as a pack of dogs, but so much more versatile and delicious--and that's what friends are for: dessert, fruit, chips and salsa, condiments, drinks, paper plates, etc--no need to pay for this alone.

None of us want to be in the kitchen on sunny days, so let's stick to 'simple':  Marinate.   You can head to the gym, play ultimate frisbee, sit at the pool, read a book--all while the marinade does its' magic on the steak.

And I promise you that your friends won't care if you need to borrow their grill as long as they get a few slices of this marinated flank steak. 

Note: if you don't have a charcoal grill or friends with grills, (or, you simply don't want to share) you can use a grill pan on your stove top.

Equipment:

Grill or grill pan (these are usually square skillets with ridges)
Pyrex Dish / Large Freezer bag
Ginger grater (optional. see device below or use fine-toothed side of cheese grater)
Stove Top, if you are using a grill pan

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs flank steak (should run you about $5.99-$7.99 / lb)

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3-1/2 cup vegetable oil (have some to brush the grill with as well)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbls horseradish
1 Tbls ginger, grated or thinly sliced (grated oozes more flavor)
1-2 Tbls honey
Black pepper
1-2 tsp of toasted sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands, especially if you have been playing frisbee, football, or anything else outdoors.
2. Mix all of the ingredients together.
3. Pour over the steak.  Cover pyrex with clear wrap.  Set aside for at least 30 minutes.  Or, put everything in a large zip-lock freezer bag, and seal for 30 minutes.

4. Get the grill ready.  Clean the grates. Ensure it is working or that you have charcoal and starter.
5. Brush the grill grates with oil.
6. Grate should be placed about 4-6 inches above flame.

7. Once meat is marinated, remove from sauce and pat dry.
8. Place on hot grill for 5-6 minutes for each side.  Cook less if you want RARER, more if you want your meat DONE.  Whatever you do, just don't forget it--you will be out about $15 with no alternative.

9. ALWAYS LET MEAT REST AFTER COOKING!  5 Minutes, at least!
10. Cut against the grain of the meat into thin (approx 1/4") slices.
11. ENJOY!

Happy Mother's Day!

To Moms Everywhere

Age 17

 Age 82