Flank steak facts for kids
Different cuts of beef
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Flank steak is a special cut of beef that comes from the lower chest or belly area of a cow. It's known by different names around the world. For example, in France, butchers call it bavette, which means "bib."
In Brazil, it's known as fraldinha, which means "little diaper." In Colombia, people call it sobrebarriga, meaning "over the belly." This cut is popular because it's lean and full of flavor.
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a long, flat piece of meat. It comes from a part of the cow that gets a lot of exercise. This means the meat has very clear "grain," which are the long muscle fibers.
Chefs often cut flank steak across the grain. This makes the meat much more tender and easier to chew. If you cut it the wrong way, it can be tough.
How to Cook Flank Steak
Flank steak is used in many different dishes. It's a great choice for London broil. It can also be used instead of skirt steak in fajitas.
You can cook flank steak in several ways:
- Grilling: Cooking it over direct heat on a grill.
- Pan-frying: Cooking it in a pan on the stove.
- Broiling: Cooking it under a broiler in the oven.
- Braising: Cooking it slowly in a liquid, which makes it very tender.
Flank Steak Around the World
This type of steak is very popular in Asian cuisine. In Chinese markets, you might find it sold as "stir-fry beef." It's perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying.
In French cooking, flank steak is often served as a steak that is cooked medium-rare. This means it's still a little pink in the middle. Flank steak is also a common cut used to make steak jerky. Jerky is dried meat that makes a great snack.
