Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust combines juicy marinated flank steak with a savoury, creamy blue cheese topping finished with crisp golden breadcrumbs. The balsamic marinade brings a tangy sweetness to the beef, while Dijon mustard, garlic and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Finished under the grill until golden, this steak makes an impressive yet straightforward dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
This recipe brings together bold flavours without requiring a complicated cooking method. The flank steak is marinated in a balsamic mixture before being quickly seared and topped with a savoury blue cheese crust.
- Bold balsamic flavour: Balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic and Worcestershire sauce create a rich marinade.
- Creamy blue cheese crust: Blue cheese combines with Parmesan, parsley and breadcrumbs for a savoury topping.
- Golden finish: A quick trip under the grill melts and browns the cheese crust.
- Protein-rich: Each serving provides approximately 40g of protein.
Ingredients
For the Flank Steak
- 1½ lbs (680 g) flank steak
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Blue Cheese Crust
- 3/4 cup (90 g) crumbled blue cheese
- 1/3 cup (35 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mixed greens or rocket
- Extra balsamic glaze, optional
How to Make Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak

1. Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt and black pepper.
Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and turn it several times to coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour.
3. Prepare the Blue Cheese Crust
While the steak marinates, combine the crumbled blue cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped parsley, olive oil and black pepper in a bowl.
Mix gently until the ingredients form a crumbly, evenly combined mixture.
4. Sear the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it lightly dry.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on its thickness and your desired level of doneness.
5. Add the Blue Cheese Crust
Press the blue cheese mixture evenly over the top of the seared steak, creating a generous crust across the surface.
6. Broil Until Golden
Transfer the skillet to a preheated grill or broiler. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the blue cheese topping is melted and golden.
7. Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute before slicing.
8. Slice and Serve
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices over rocket or mixed greens and garnish with fresh parsley.
Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Flank Steak
- Marinate properly: Allow at least 1 hour of marinating time, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour.
- Pat the steak dry: Lightly drying the marinated steak helps it sear properly in the hot pan.
- Don’t skip the crust: Press the blue cheese mixture firmly over the steak so it stays in place during broiling.
- Rest before slicing: Let the cooked steak rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting.
- Slice against the grain: Cutting thinly against the grain gives the flank steak a more pleasant texture.
What to Serve with Balsamic Flank Steak
The recipe serves the sliced steak over mixed greens or rocket, which provides a fresh contrast to the rich blue cheese crust.
A small drizzle of balsamic glaze can be added just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and acidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the flank steak marinate?
The recipe recommends marinating the steak for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour.
Can I use a different cheese for the crust?
The provided recipe specifically uses blue cheese, Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs for the crust. For the intended flavour and texture, follow the recipe as written.
Why should I slice flank steak against the grain?
The recipe specifically instructs you to slice the flank steak thinly against the grain when serving.
Can I serve the steak without the balsamic glaze?
Yes. The extra balsamic glaze is listed as optional for serving.
Nutrition & Timing
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 1–8 hours |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes+ |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | Approx. 465 kcal per serving |
| Protein | Approx. 40g per serving |
Final Thoughts
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a flavour-packed steak dinner built around a simple balsamic marinade and a rich blue cheese topping. The steak is seared until beautifully browned, covered with the savoury crust and finished under the grill until golden.
Slice it thinly against the grain and serve over fresh rocket or mixed greens with parsley and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Print
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes+
Description
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust combines juicy marinated flank steak with a savoury, creamy blue cheese topping finished with crisp golden breadcrumbs. The balsamic marinade brings a tangy sweetness to the beef, while Dijon mustard, garlic and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Finished under the grill until golden, this steak makes an impressive yet straightforward dinner.
Ingredients
1½ lbs (680 g) flank steak
1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup (90 g) crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup (35 g) panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
Mixed greens or rocket
Extra balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt and black pepper until well combined.
2. Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and turn it several times to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour.
3. While the steak marinates, combine the crumbled blue cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped parsley, olive oil and black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until the ingredients form a crumbly, evenly combined mixture.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it lightly dry. Heat a large oven-safe skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on its thickness and desired level of doneness.
5. Press the blue cheese mixture evenly over the top of the seared steak, creating a generous crust across the surface.
6. Transfer the skillet to a preheated grill or broiler. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the blue cheese topping is melted and golden.
7. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute before slicing.
8. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices over rocket or mixed greens and garnish with fresh parsley. Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Allow at least 1 hour of marinating time, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour.
Pat the marinated steak lightly dry before searing to help it brown properly.
Press the blue cheese mixture firmly over the steak so it stays in place during broiling.
Let the cooked steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for a more pleasant texture.
Serve the sliced steak over mixed greens or rocket for a fresh contrast to the rich blue cheese crust.
A small drizzle of balsamic glaze can be added before serving for extra sweetness and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
