Blueberry Chipotle Grilled Flank Steak with Smoky Sweet Glaze

A bold fusion of sweet and smoky flavors transforms simple flank steak into an impressive main dish. Blueberry jam and chipotle peppers in adobo create a complex marinade that tenderizes the meat while infusing it with fruity sweetness and gentle heat. The 24-48 hour marination ensures deep flavor penetration, while grilling develops a beautiful caramelized crust. The reserved marinade becomes a glossy glaze that adds restaurant-quality presentation. Perfect for summer barbecues, date nights, or when you want to weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 7 ounce can chipotles in adobo sauce
- ⅝ cups blueberry jamblackberry jam1:1fruit
note: will have seeds
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pound flank steak
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- 1
Place chipotles in adobo into medium bowl along with blueberry jam, cider vinegar, and olive oil
- 2
Blend with immersion blender until chipotles are fully incorporated, or use standard blender
- 3
Stir in honey, molasses, and salt
- 4
Add steak to zip lock bag or bowl and coat with marinade
- 5
Marinate for 24 to 48 hours
- 6
Remove steak, shaking off excess marinade
- 7
Grill steak over medium hot grill about 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until steak reaches 120 to 130 degrees F in thickest part
- 8
Place steak on cutting board and tent with foil while heating glaze
- 9
Bring reserved marinade to simmer in saucepan
- 10
Whisk together flour and milk in small bowl and add to simmering marinade
- 11
Cook for at least 10 minutes until thickened
- 12
Cut steak against grain and on angle and drizzle with glaze
Tips
Reserve 2 cups of marinade before adding steak to ensure food safety when making the glaze
Score the flank steak lightly against the grain before marinating for better penetration
Let steak rest 5-10 minutes after grilling for juicier results
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked steak up to 3 days, glaze up to 1 week
Marinate steak up to 48 hours, make glaze day before
Slice against grain, serve immediately while hot
Common Mistakes
Don't skip resting time to avoid dry steak
Don't reuse raw marinade without cooking to avoid food poisoning
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
note: will have seeds
FAQ
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, use a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for similar results.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store sliced steak in refrigerator up to 3 days, reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze the marinated steak?
Yes, freeze in marinade up to 3 months, thaw completely before grilling.