How to Smoke a Marinated Flank Steak

A tender, juicy, and flavorful Flank Steak prepared on a Traeger or other pellet smoker. This Marinated Smoked Flank Steak uses a simple, balanced marinade that enhances the meat without overpowering the smoky flavor. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner—serve with smoked vegetables and smoked baked potatoes for a complete smoker-made meal.

PIN IT HERE!

The BEST Smoked Flank Steak

Flank steak is an often-overlooked cut that shines when prepared on a smoker. It soaks up marinades well and develops a great smoky crust while staying tender when cooked properly. Unlike thicker cuts that take longer, flank steak gives you big flavor and a relatively quick cook time on a pellet or electric smoker.

If you want complementary side dishes, smoked sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus make excellent pairings and help round out a flavorful, balanced meal.

Ingredients to Make Smoked Flank Steak

Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. This simple marinade brings savory, sweet, and tangy elements together:

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb flank steak

How to Make Smoked Flank Steak

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, light brown sugar, garlic powder, garlic salt, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ground black pepper until smooth.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable gallon zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, press out as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Refrigerate and marinate for about 8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. When ready to cook, heat your electric or pellet smoker to 225°F (about 107°C) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and operation. Place the marinated flank steak directly on the smoker grates and smoke for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Tips for Perfect Smoked Flank Steak

Follow these practical tips to get the most from this recipe:

• Marinate long enough: An 8-hour marinade gives the flank steak time to absorb flavor without breaking down its texture. Avoid over-marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
• Maintain a steady smoker temperature: Aim for a consistent 225°F. Low-and-slow smoking helps build a deep smoky flavor and a tender interior.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer: The most accurate way to judge doneness is by internal temperature. Pull at 130–135°F for rare to medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and higher if you prefer more well-done.
• Rest before slicing: Resting 10 minutes redistributes juices so slices stay moist. Cut thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Look for a smoke ring: After smoking and slicing, you may notice a pink smoke ring under the crust—an indicator of good low-temp smoking and flavor development.

Flank Steak FAQs

Q: Is flank steak known by another name? A: Occasionally sellers or recipes may list a similar cut as London broil. While labeling varies, the preparation method remains the same—marinate and slice against the grain.

Q: Can you smoke a steak in a smoker? A: Yes. Smoking adds a depth of flavor you can’t get from direct grilling alone. For flank steak, low-and-slow smoking followed by a brief rest results in a tender and flavorful finished steak.

Q: Should you marinate flank steak? A: Yes. Flank steak benefits from a marinade that adds flavor and helps tenderize the surface. Choose a marinade you enjoy and avoid overly acidic mixtures for very long marinating times.

Q: How do I tell when a steak is done without a thermometer? A: Press-test the steak: rare feels soft and squishy like your cheek; medium-rare offers slight resistance; well-done feels firm. A thermometer is the simplest and most reliable tool.

Smoked Flank Steak Recipe (Summary)

Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 1 hr 30 mins • Marination time: 8 hrs • Total time: about 9 hrs 40 mins • Serves: 4

Nutrition Information (approximate)

Calories: 264 kcal • Carbohydrates: 6 g • Protein: 38 g • Fat: 9 g • Saturated Fat: 4 g • Cholesterol: 102 mg • Sodium: 1007 mg • Potassium: 632 mg • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 5 g • Calcium: 39 mg • Iron: 3 mg

If you try this smoked flank steak, please share how it turned out and what sides you paired it with. Tag photos with your preferred social channels and mention any adjustments you made to the marinade or cook time. Enjoy this simple, smoky, and satisfying steak recipe!