When I want to impress with minimal fuss, I turn to this Bobby Flay Hanger Steak recipe. It’s bold, juicy, and unbelievably tender thanks to a zesty marinade packed with Dijon mustard, garlic, and rosemary. Each bite is bursting with flavor—and it grills up in minutes.
This guide walks you through every step to make sure your hanger steak comes out perfectly, whether it’s your first time cooking this underrated cut or you’re already a fan. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Hanger Steak Recipe
- Big flavor, simple method: A few pantry ingredients turn this steak into a total showstopper.
- Tender, juicy results: The marinade helps break down the muscle fibers, making every bite incredibly tender.
- Perfect for grilling season: Quick-cooking and ideal for warm evenings on the grill.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s bold and beefy—exactly what steak lovers crave.
- Great for make-ahead prep: Marinate ahead, then just sear and serve!
What’s in This Hanger Steak?
- 2½ pounds hanger steaks
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- Olive oil (as needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- Salt, to taste
Hanger Steak: Often called the “butcher’s cut,” hanger steak is super flavorful and has a tender, open grain that soaks up marinade beautifully. It’s a hidden gem if you can find it!
Dijon Mustard: This adds tang, depth, and helps tenderize the meat while giving the marinade that signature Bobby Flay punch.
How to Make Perfect Hanger Steak
Step 1: Prep the steaks.
Trim off any silverskin or excess fat and cut the hanger steak in half lengthwise if needed.
Step 2: Make the marinade.
In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, lemon zest, chopped garlic, rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
Step 3: Marinate the steak.
Coat the steaks in the marinade and cover tightly. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for even more flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the grill.
Fire it up to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Grill the steaks.
Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Don’t overcook—hanger steak shines when it’s pink in the center!
Step 6: Rest and slice.
Let the steaks rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing across the grain. This keeps all those juices locked in.

My Top Tips for the Best Hanger Steak
- Marinate longer if you can. Overnight gives the best flavor.
- Let it rest! This is key to juicy slices.
- Slice against the grain. Always. It makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- Don’t overcook. Medium-rare to medium is the sweet spot for hanger steak.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130–135°F internal temp for perfect doneness.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add some heat: Mix in a teaspoon of crushed chili flakes or harissa paste to the marinade.
- Try a chimichurri finish: Serve the grilled steak with a zesty chimichurri for an herby, garlicky upgrade.
- Turn it into tacos: Thin-sliced hanger steak makes next-level steak tacos with lime and avocado.
- Asian twist: Swap Dijon for soy sauce and sesame oil for a Korean-style marinade.
How to Store Hanger Steak
In the fridge: Store cooked hanger steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Your Hanger Steak Questions, Answered
Is hanger steak tender or tough?
When cooked and sliced correctly, it’s incredibly tender. Just don’t overcook it, and always slice against the grain!
What’s the best oil for grilling hanger steak?
Olive oil is great for flavor, but you can also use avocado or canola oil if you’re cooking at very high heat.
Can I use this marinade on other steaks?
Absolutely! It works wonderfully on flank, skirt, or even ribeye.
What’s the ideal grill temp?
Medium-high—about 400–450°F. You want a good sear without overcooking the inside.
Do I have to grill it?
Nope! A cast iron skillet works great, too. Just make sure it’s piping hot before adding the steak.
Try More Recipes:
Bobby Flay Hanger Steak
Description
My go-to recipe for bold, juicy hanger steak marinated in Dijon, garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim and slice steaks lengthwise if needed.
- Mix mustard, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.
- Marinate steaks for 2+ hours in the fridge.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Let rest, slice against the grain, and serve.
Notes
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