A Great Tailgating Recipe - Flank Steak

Just about everyone in the United States like to grill out. However, many people are only comfortable barbecuing the basics such as chicken legs and hamburgers. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on:

Whether you decide to use a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the benchmark of a great griller's tool kit.

Cook Steak

Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Below is a great recipe for using the direct-heat grilling technique...

How to Make: Flank Steak with Green Olive-Jalapeno Tapenade
About this Dish: A Mediterranean-inspired tapenade is a flavorful addition to this tender flank steak. This is the perfect dish for a great Tailgate party.
Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes
Grill time: 13 to 17 minutes, plus 5 minutes to rest off the grill
Makes: 4 servings

The Ingredients:

1 jar (4.5 oz.) Stuffed Jalapeño Olives, drained
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Flank Steak (about 11/2 lb.)

How to Cook it:

1. Prepare barbecue grill and preheat for direct-heat cooking. For charcoal grill, before you put the grill over the hot coals, brush it with a medium coat of oil; for gas grill, when hot, brush grill with a medium coat of oil.

2. Rinse olives and drain well. Combine olives, garlic, parsley, rosemary, lemon peel and oil in a food processor and pulse until mixture forms a fine paste. Set aside 1/2 cup of the tapenade mixture for seasoning meat; reserve remainder for serving or another use.

3. Rinse flank steak and pat dry. With the tip of a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart over one side of steak, then make cuts perpendicular to the first to create a diamond pattern. Repeat on other side of steak.

4. Spread 1/2 cup of the olive mixture on both sides of steak to coat evenly.

5. Lay steak on oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill. Keep charcoal grill uncovered; close lid on gas grill. Cook steak until browned on the bottom (lift edge with tongs to check), 8 to 10 minutes. With tongs or a wide spatula, turn steak and continue to cook until done as desired, about 2 minutes longer for rare (red in center; cut to test) or 4 minutes longer for medium-rare (pink in center).

6. Transfer steak to a clean platter or rimmed carving board and let rest about 5 minutes, then cut in thin, slanting slices across the grain to serve. Offer remaining tapenade to add to the meat to taste.

Recommended Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board.

A Great Tailgating Recipe - Flank Steak

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