There’s something irresistibly rich about a perfectly broiled steak, especially when it’s cloaked in tangy blue cheese and kissed by a sweet balsamic marinade. This balsamic marinated flank steak with blue cheese crust is a total flavor bomb—perfect for date night or a casual summer gathering. If steak is your love language, welcome home.
This recipe is easy to follow and rewards you with tender beef, a crispy cheese topping, and a marinade that dances between sweet and savory. Don’t forget to subscribe to Recipes by Sylvia for more crave-worthy dishes sent straight to your inbox.
A Bold Recipe with Heart
A Steak Recipe Straight from My Kitchen Table
The first time I made this balsamic marinated flank steak with blue cheese crust, it was purely accidental. I was hosting my in-laws, and all I had on hand was a piece of flank steak, a bottle of balsamic, and a leftover wedge of blue cheese. I took a gamble—scored the meat, made a marinade with whatever I could grab, and prayed the broiler would do its magic. The room went quiet after the first bite, and that’s when I knew: this recipe was a keeper.
Ever since, it’s been a mainstay for summer grilling nights and special dinners. What makes it so comforting is how the sharpness of blue cheese cuts through the richness of the beef while that balsamic glaze adds the perfect sweetness to balance everything out. It’s like magic every single time.
And if you’re as steak-obsessed as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out this steak, avocado, and roasted corn bowl that’s equally stunning in flavor and simplicity.
Why This Steak Recipe Is Different
You’ve probably seen countless steak recipes, but what sets this one apart? For starters, the blue cheese crust isn’t just sprinkled on—it’s pressed into the scored meat so every slice is bursting with bold, cheesy flavor. The marinade is straightforward but hits all the right notes: olive oil for body, balsamic vinegar for tang, brown sugar for depth, and fresh green onion for bite.
It’s also oven-broiled, making it a go-to option year-round, no grill required. Whether you’re serving this alongside something simple like garlic herb roasted vegetables or a crisp Mediterranean salad, it always delivers.
Ingredients & Preparation
Here’s What You’ll Need
Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to bring this steak to life:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flank steak | 1.5–2 lbs |
| Blue cheese, crumbled | 1 cup |
| Panko bread crumbs | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | ½ tablespoon |
| Olive oil | ½ cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh cracked black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Green onions, chopped | 2 |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
This recipe is naturally gluten-light, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
And if you’ve already made sticky beef noodles, you’ll find the umami-rich flavors here just as satisfying.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want Handy
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9″x13″ glass baking dish (for marinating)
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Broiler pan
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Whisk or fork (for mixing)
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Chef’s knife (for scoring and slicing)
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Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Substitutes:
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Goat cheese instead of blue cheese if you prefer a milder taste.
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Apple cider vinegar in place of balsamic for a brighter zing.
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Fresh thyme or rosemary for additional herbaceous notes.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Method (with Broiling Tips)
Step 1: In a 9″x13″ dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar to form your marinade.
Step 2: Score the smooth side of the flank steak in 1″ intervals. Add to the marinade and let sit for 30–45 minutes per side, spooning marinade into the cuts.
Step 3: Preheat the broiler on high and place the rack as close to the top as possible without touching the meat.
Step 4: Move steak to a broiler pan, scored side up. Broil for 3 minutes. Flip and broil the other side for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Melt butter, mix it with panko crumbs. Prep your blue cheese crumbles.
Step 6: Flip steak once more so the scored side is up. Press blue cheese into the cuts. Sprinkle panko mix on top.
Step 7: Return to the broiler for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
Step 8: Let rest for 10–15 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
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Scoring the meat lets marinade and cheese deeply flavor every bite.
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Letting the steak rest is essential—it redistributes juices and keeps it juicy.
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Want to pair it with a show-stopping side? Try this creamy garlic spinach chicken for a hearty duo.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
What to Serve Alongside
This steak pairs incredibly well with:
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Roasted veggies like carrots and potatoes.
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A sharp arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
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Crusty garlic bread to mop up those cheesy bits.
It’s also a dream next to Mediterranean steak bowls for a protein-packed dinner or round steak with mushrooms for a more comforting spin.
Storage and Reheating Notes
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Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Slice and freeze individually with parchment paper between slices.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet or low oven to avoid drying out.
FAQ
Can I grill instead of broil the steak?
Yes! Just sear both sides on a hot grill and finish with cheese under a lid.
What type of blue cheese is best?
I love Gorgonzola or Maytag for their bold flavor, but use what you love.
Is flank steak the same as skirt steak?
Not quite—skirt is thinner and more fibrous. You can substitute it, but adjust cooking time.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, marinate it the night before and broil right before serving.
Conclusion
This balsamic marinated flank steak with blue cheese crust has become a family favorite for good reason—it’s decadent, easy to prepare, and packed with unforgettable flavor. Each bite tells a story of bold choices, buttery crusts, and steak that melts on your tongue.
If this steak stole your heart, you’ll love Mediterranean ground beef stir fry and the ultra-savory Asian beef lettuce wraps.
If you loved this recipe, leave a comment below, rate it, and share it on Pinterest. Let’s bring bold flavor to more tables!
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust
- Total Time: 90
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Crust is a rich, savory dinner recipe featuring tender steak scored and broiled to perfection, topped with bubbling blue cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. A restaurant-worthy meal ready from your oven.
Ingredients
• 1.5–2 lbs flank steak
• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• ½ tablespoon butter
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 green onions, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark)
Instructions
1. In a 9×13” baking dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, green onions, and brown sugar.
2. Score the top of the flank steak in 1” sections. Place in marinade and let sit 30–45 minutes per side, spooning marinade into scores.
3. Preheat oven to high broil and position rack near the top, avoiding contact with meat.
4. Place steak on a broiler pan, scored side up. Broil for 3 minutes, flip and broil other side for 3 minutes.
5. Melt butter and mix with panko crumbs. Have blue cheese ready.
6. Flip steak again so scored side faces up. Press blue cheese into scores and sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the top.
7. Broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned.
8. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve warm.
Notes
– You can substitute blue cheese with Gorgonzola or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
– Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for a gluten-free option.
– Letting the steak rest is key to keeping it juicy—don’t skip this step.
– For a smoky twist, grill the steak instead of broiling.
– Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American