Sous Vide Recipes Flank Steak for Tender, Juicy Results

Updated On: October 15, 2025

Flank steak is a flavorful and lean cut of beef that can sometimes be tough if not cooked properly. Enter the sous vide method — a game changer for steak lovers!

By cooking flank steak sous vide, you achieve a perfectly tender and juicy piece of meat every single time. The low-and-slow water bath gently breaks down the muscle fibers without overcooking, locking in all the natural flavors and moisture.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this technique makes it easy to impress family and friends with restaurant-quality steak right at home.

In this post, I’ll share multiple sous vide flank steak recipes that are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. From classic garlic and herb marinated steak to zesty Asian-inspired versions, you’ll find something to suit your taste buds.

Plus, I’ll give you essential tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your steak experience. Ready to dive into the world of sous vide flank steak?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sous vide cooking guarantees flawless results with minimal effort. Unlike traditional methods that risk overcooking or drying out the flank steak, sous vide ensures even cooking from edge to edge.

The steak stays incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to precise temperature control.

This recipe is versatile and forgiving. You can experiment with different marinades, spices, and finishing techniques like searing or grilling for extra flavor and texture.

Plus, it’s a great way to meal prep or entertain — cook the steak ahead of time and simply sear before serving.

Finally, sous vide flank steak is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or special occasions.

With the recipes below, you’ll impress everyone at your table with a perfectly cooked, flavorful steak every time.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for Asian-inspired marinade)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

Equipment

  • Sous vide immersion circulator
  • Large pot or sous vide container to hold water
  • Vacuum sealer and bags or high-quality resealable freezer bags
  • Cast iron skillet or grill pan for searing
  • Tongs for flipping the steak
  • Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife for slicing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, or 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.
  2. Prepare the flank steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. For an Asian twist, mix soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes into the marinade and coat the steak evenly.
  3. Seal the steak: Place the seasoned flank steak into a vacuum bag with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. Vacuum seal the bag or use the water displacement method if using resealable bags.
  4. Cook sous vide: Submerge the sealed bag in the water bath, making sure it is fully underwater and clipped to the side. Cook for 2 to 4 hours — longer times will make the steak even more tender but avoid going beyond 6 hours.
  5. Remove and dry: Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the bag out of the water bath. Remove the steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels — this step is essential for a perfect sear.
  6. Sear the steak: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add a little oil and sear the steak for 45-60 seconds per side until a beautiful crust forms.
  7. Rest and slice: Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  8. Serve and enjoy! Pair with your favorite sides and sauces.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, marinate your flank steak for at least 1 hour before sealing it for sous vide cooking.”

  • Marinade ideas: Try balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or a spicy chipotle rub for varied flavor profiles.
  • Searing tips: Use high smoke point oils like avocado or grapeseed oil. Alternatively, finish your steak on a hot grill for smoky flavor.
  • Texture preference: For more tender steak, increase sous vide cooking time up to 6 hours, but avoid longer to prevent mushiness.
  • Herbs and aromatics: Add garlic cloves, rosemary, or thyme to the bag for infused flavors.
  • Resting: Resting after searing allows juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per 4 oz cooked flank steak)
Calories 190
Protein 23g
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 70mg
Sodium 350mg
Carbohydrates 0g

Serving Suggestions

Sous vide flank steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light and fresh meal, serve alongside a crisp Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

The peppery greens and tangy dressing contrast nicely with the rich steak.

If you prefer a heartier option, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables complement the savory flavors well. For an international flair, try serving your steak with a side of fragrant rice or noodles like the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.

To keep things light, a simple chimichurri sauce or a zesty salsa verde adds a fresh herbal punch that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Conclusion

Sous vide flank steak is a fantastic way to enjoy this flavorful cut without the risk of toughness. With precise temperature control and slow cooking, you’ll get tender, juicy steak that tastes like it came from a high-end steakhouse.

The versatility of this recipe means you can customize flavors to your liking, whether through marinades, herbs, or finishing techniques.

Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, sous vide flank steak offers a reliable and impressive main dish. Don’t forget to explore other delicious dishes on our site, like our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the comforting Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Sous Vide Flank Steak

Description: Tender and flavorful flank steak cooked to perfection using sous vide. This method ensures juicy and evenly cooked meat every time.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT2H
Total Time: PT2H10M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat sous vide water bath to 130°F (54°C).
  2. Season flank steak with salt, pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Place steak in a vacuum-seal bag with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and soy sauce.
  4. Vacuum seal the bag and submerge it in the water bath.
  5. Cook sous vide for 2 hours.
  6. Remove steak from bag and pat dry.
  7. Sear steak in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.
  8. Rest steak for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 2 g

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Marta K

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