I’m not really a steak person. You would think I would be, being from Texas. (It is likely they will revoke my Texas heritage just for saying something as blasphemous as that.) However, I’m just not really a steak person. I’m not the kind of person who would just throw a big, thick T-bone on the grill and then eat it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. (I would take a few bites though!)
I do love the tougher flat cuts though—like flank, skirt, hanger, and even flatiron—that are seared on the outside, medium-rare on the inside, sliced really thinly, and served with some kind of fresh salad or earthy sauté. Yes, I realize these are steaks, but just not what I initially think of when someone says, “Let’s eat steak!”
Unlike NY strips, filets, etc, these aren’t cut from the loin or the rib. They come as is, they are tough, they like to be marinated, and they require that you grill them properly (anything over medium-rare and they get chewy-tough). But they are full of robust beefy flavor, they tend to be less expensive, and because they are great sliced (excellent for tacos) you can extend their reach...in other words, you don’t have to buy as much to feed your people.
This is my favorite, all-purpose marinade that I use for just about any way I might serve flank steak (you can swap out skirt or hanger for this recipe). The peppery arugula salad that I serve on top can be gussied up as you see fit. Add cherry tomatoes, grilled corn kernels, sliced cucumbers, fresh herbs, and/or any kind of shaved aged cheese, such as Parmesan, to customize it.

Recipe: Grilled Marinated Flank Steak with Arugula Salad
Serves 4–6