Grilled Flank Steak with a Vibrant Corn and Black Bean Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer in a single bowl! This incredible dish brings together succulent mesquite grilled flank steak, sweet corn, creamy black beans, fresh crisp vegetables, and crumbly queso fresco cheese, all beautifully tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette. It’s the quintessential summer meal, celebrating the joy of outdoor cooking with the help of OXO and their #WhatAGrillWants campaign.

While the full name, “Grilled Flank Steak with Corn & Black Bean Salad,” might seem like a mouthful, it perfectly encapsulates the delightful complexity and richness of this dish. Every element plays a crucial role, contributing to a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly defines summer dining. Rather than shortening it, we embrace the title as a testament to the bounty of flavors packed into every serving. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your summer recipe collection.

Our grill has certainly earned its stripes this summer, enduring countless cookouts and turning out countless delicious meals. We’ve pushed our trusty outdoor companion to its limits, so much so that one of the burners even decided to take an early retirement! Fortunately, with a little ingenuity and a few essential tools, we were back in action in no time, ready to continue our reign as backyard grilling enthusiasts. The intense use of our grill underscores our passion for the smoky flavors and communal joy that only outdoor cooking can provide. It’s a testament to the fact that a well-loved grill is a well-used grill, and sometimes, even the most robust equipment needs a little TLC.

Every seasoned grill master understands the importance of having the right tools for the job. Just as a painter needs their brushes, a grill enthusiast relies on a dependable arsenal of grilling accessories. Among my absolute favorites, and without a doubt the most frequently used, are my extra-long grilling tongs. I’ve discovered that length makes all the difference when flipping delicate fish or arranging heavy cuts of meat over searing flames. That’s why I was thrilled when OXO, a brand synonymous with innovative and ergonomic kitchen tools, sent me a pair of their 16-inch tongs. These aren’t just any tongs; they feature a comfortable rubber grip handle that provides exceptional control and comfort, preventing hand fatigue even during marathon grilling sessions. My fingers, and my peace of mind, are eternally grateful for the added reach and secure hold these tongs offer, making the grilling process safer and far more enjoyable. They truly embody what a grill wants: precision, safety, and durability.

Now, let’s talk about corn. Oh, sweet, succulent summer corn! Who else finds themselves utterly obsessed with these juicy kernels during the warmer months? I simply cannot get enough of its natural sweetness and delightful crunch. A trip to the farmer’s market isn’t complete without tossing a generous armful of fresh ears into my basket. Corn is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer, a versatile ingredient that elevates everything from simple salads to gourmet entrées. Its vibrant yellow hues and sweet burst of flavor are a constant reminder of the season’s bounty. The challenge, however, often lies in efficiently removing those precious kernels from the cob without making a mess or, worse, risking a finger injury. This is where innovation comes to the rescue.

Enter the ingenious OXO corn stripper. This fantastic tool isn’t just a kitchen gadget; it’s pure magic! With a single, swift swipe, the kernels effortlessly detach from the cob, landing neatly within its integrated container. No more precariously balancing the cob on a cutting board, struggling with a knife, and narrowly avoiding mishaps. This brilliant design not only ensures safety and efficiency but also acts as a convenient measuring cup and holding container until you’re ready to incorporate those beautiful kernels into your recipe. It transforms what was once a tedious and somewhat messy task into a seamless and enjoyable part of meal preparation. The days of scattered kernels and near-miss accidents are officially over, thanks to this clever device. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh corn as much as I do. Capturing that perfect action shot of the corn stripper at work was quite an acrobatic feat in itself, leading me to believe a career as a contortionist might not be entirely out of the question!

For the star of our salad, I specifically chose flank steak, and for very good reason. This cut of beef is an absolute champion on the grill, known for its robust beefy flavor and relatively quick cooking time. It’s a lean cut that truly shines when cooked over high heat, developing a beautiful crust while remaining tender on the inside, especially when prepared correctly. Achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness takes only about 4-5 minutes per side, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend cookout. Flank steak, while flavorful, can sometimes be a bit on the tougher side due to its muscle fibers. To ensure every bite of our mesquite grilled flank steak is as juicy and tender as possible, I turned to another invaluable OXO tool: their bladed meat tenderizer. This ingenious device features sharp blades that gently pierce the meat, breaking down the tough muscle fibers without pulverizing them. The result is a steak that not only cooks more evenly and quickly but also becomes incredibly supple and receptive to marinades.

Speaking of marinades, a critical step in preparing our flank steak was an overnight soak in a rich mesquite marinade. This isn’t just about adding flavor; it’s a crucial part of the tenderizing process. The acidity in the marinade, combined with the action of the OXO tenderizer, works wonders to break down the meat’s structure. Our homemade mesquite marinade infuses the steak with a delightful sweet and smoky essence, complementing the natural beefy flavor beautifully. Allowing the steak to marinate for an extended period, preferably overnight, ensures that these delicious flavors penetrate deep into the meat, while simultaneously helping to keep it incredibly tender and juicy as it cooks over the hot flames of the grill. This preparation method transforms a potentially tough cut into a melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfectly complementing the fresh flavors of the accompanying salad.

While the mesquite grilled flank steak certainly holds its own, the corn and black bean component of this salad is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite part. It’s a vibrant medley of seasonal veggies, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to create a truly unforgettable experience. Imagine the crisp sweetness of freshly grilled corn kernels, combined with the creamy, earthy goodness of black beans. These are beautifully complemented by the bright, refreshing notes of vibrant cilantro and the delightful saltiness of crumbled queso fresco cheese. Every spoonful offers a delightful burst of flavor and a satisfying textural contrast. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a standalone sensation, so irresistible that I frequently find myself devouring the entire bowl before it even makes it to the dinner table! Its versatility is also a major plus: if you’re seeking a meat-free option, simply omit the steak for a fantastic vegetarian salad. Alternatively, grilled chicken slices would be a superb addition for those who prefer poultry. With or without the meat, this corn and black bean salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a highlight of any summer meal.

No truly great salad is complete without an exceptional dressing, and our cilantro-lime vinaigrette is nothing short of wicked delicious. This zesty, aromatic dressing acts as the perfect finishing touch, weaving all the distinct flavors of the grilled steak and fresh salad together into a cohesive and tantalizing symphony. Crafted with fresh cilantro, the vibrant zest and juice of limes, and the warm, smoky undertones of cumin, this vinaigrette is pure flavor central. It’s the kind of dressing you’ll want to drizzle generously over every bite, and then some! Making it is a breeze, especially with the help of OXO’s wonderful little salad dressing shaker. This convenient tool allows you to easily combine and emulsify all your ingredients, ensuring a perfectly balanced dressing every time. Its leak-proof design also means you can shake it vigorously to mix and then store any leftovers without a hitch. The harmonious blend of tangy, herbaceous, and smoky notes truly elevates this entire dish, making it an indispensable element of our Grilled Flank Steak with Corn & Black Bean Salad.

Whether your grill is a seasoned veteran or a shining newcomer, one thing is for certain: it craves the kind of delicious, beef-topped summer salad goodness that this recipe delivers. This dish is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, expert grilling, and the sheer joy of eating outdoors. It’s a culinary experience that promises to impress, satisfy, and leave everyone wanting more. Gather your ingredients, fire up your grill, and prepare to create a memorable summer meal that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season.

Disclosure: OXO was kind enough to send me a #WhatAGrillWants package to play with and review. I was not compensated monetarily for this post, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience with their products.