Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Dwayne the Rock Johnson healthy protein shake recipe to fuel his massive workouts
    Healthy Eating

    Dwayne Johnson Shares His Protein Shake Recipes

    Bodybuilder using a protein scooper to measure out how much protein he needs
    Performance Nutrition

    How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

    Intermittent Fasting window with a clock and healthy foods
    Healthy Eating

    New Study Reveals the Optimal Daily Fasting Window for Maximum Mental Cl...

    Chef cooking with a healthy oil avoiding Palmitic Acid based oils
    Healthy Eating

    Scientists Say This Common Saturated Fat May Increase Diabetes Risk

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Vitomir Maricic International Sports Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee
    Interviews

    Vitomir Maričić Set for Induction into International Sports Hall of Fame...

    WWE Wrestler and bodybuilder Jordynne Grace in competition
    News

    WWE’s Jordynne Grace places high in surprise bodybuilding appearance

    Dan Browne military photo
    Interviews

    Dan Browne Shares How His Military Service Led to the Olympics and Coach...

    Actor Jamie Roy in his transformation as Bryan Frase in Outlander- Blood of My Blood Season 2
    News

    Why Jamie Roy Shot for More Muscle on 'Outlander'

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Reebok Speedshifter sneaker
    Gear

    How Reebok’s “SpeedShifter” Carbon-Plated Shoe Balances Speed and Comfor...

    Female bodybuilder pointing to a pile of creatine
    News

    Creatine Is Apparently Good for Everyone Now. The Truth is It Always Has...

    image1 (3)
    From our Partners

    Why Men Are Taking Grooming Beyond the Gym

    GLP-1 Drug ozempic being handled by a doctor wearing gloves
    News

    The 17.5% Rule: How Lifters Are Retaining Muscle on Weight-Loss Drugs

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Stem Cell Therapy displayed on a screen with medical equipment
    Recovery

    What Questions You Should Be Asking Before Stem Cell Treatment?

    Director of Cornucopia Events Mini Vohra, a celebrity events strategist, Director of Cornucopia Events, British entrepreneur, and former barrister
    Wellness

    Longevity Is the New Luxury: Inside the $100K Biohacking Lifestyle

    Wellness retreat attendees performing yoga at SHA wellness retreat
    Wellness

    Can Your Biomarkers Build A Vacation Itinerary?

    Elderly man placing weights on a barbell
    Wellness

    Strength Training Is the New Anti-Aging Drug

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    Bodybuilder Terrence Ruffin posing ahead of Olympia 2026
    News

    Terrence Ruffin Names His Top 3 Exercises for Bigger Biceps

    Mr. Olympia President Dan Solomon standing next to the Olympia trophy the Sandow
    News

    6 'O'-Mazing Facts from the Olympia History Books

    The Menace Podcast
    News

    2026 Mr. Olympia Debate: Does Size Still Matter in Bodybuilding’s Bigges...

    UFC fighter Forrest Griffin inductee at the 2026 ISHOF
    News

    UFC Icon Forrest Griffin Enters the 2026 International Sports Hall of Fa...

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Devyn Dalton stunt double for Matt Damon on the Odyssey gives her workout tips
    Hers Workouts

    Devyn Dalton Explains the Movements that Put Her Arms in 'The Odyssey'

    Devyn Dalton
    Hers Workouts

    How a 4'6" Stunt Pro Outtrained Hollywood Using Body Weight

    Christina Kirkman performing her boxing training routine
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    Christina Kirkman Might Be the Most Confident Person in the Room

    Image 1_ avp
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    The Real Story Behind Betsi Flint's Incredible Postpartum Comeback

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Healthy Eating

6 Lean, Six-pack-friendly Grilling Recipes

Avoid fatty steaks this summer, and opt for one of these lean, exotic cuts.

by Matthew Kadey, R.D.
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Flank steak 1109
The Picture Pantry / Getty
View Gallery

6 Lean, Six-pack-friendly Grilling Recipes

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 7

1 of 7

Flank steak 1109

The Picture Pantry / Getty

A Cut Above the Rest

For most guys, flip-flop season is all about sizzling steaks on the grill. And after slicing through the slightly charred meat and getting your first taste of pure, juicy protein bliss, you know that many of your summer days will be spent around a grill—God, we love a good steak.But send too many Flintstones-size fatty steaks to the flame, and you’ll quickly blow up that beach-ready physique. So, to help you keep your waistline trim and your taste buds satisfied, we’ve put together a collection of six-pack-friendly steak recipes. The likes of which include everything from lean cuts of beef to beastly game, to a gift from the sea, to a veggie option that you’ll flip over. And to make sure your backyard feasts are never lacking in flavor, we’ve assembled all the necessary salsas and rubs to pair with each steak, guaranteed to take your cuts up a notch.Time to play with fire!Photographs by Marcus Nilsson; food styling by Victoria Granof

2 of 7

Salmon Steaks With Blueberry Sauce

Marcus Nilsson

Salmon Steaks With Blueberry Sauce

Just like bone-in chicken and pork, fish like salmon are generally tastier when cooked on the bone. Try it with this savory-sweet blueberry concoction to up the flavor and the antioxidant content.

3 of 7

Flank Steak Beer With Caramelized Onions

Marcus Nilsson

Flank Steak With Beer-Caramelized Onions

Flank steak is inexpensive, always readily available in the meat department, and provides an impressive protein-to-fat ratio of 3-to-1. Marinate it, and toss it on the grill for a macro-friendly meal.

4 of 7

Tofu Steaks With Peach Salsa

Marcus Nilsson

Tofu Steaks With Peach Salsa

Tofu becomes downright meaty when you throw it on the grill, making it a perfect option for a meatless cookout. Try these tofu steaks with peach salsa, and you won’t even miss the meat.

5 of 7

Bison Sirloin With Chimichurri

Marcus Nilsson

Bison Sirloin With Chimichurri

Taken from between the ribs and the hip, bison sirloin is a very tender cut—but it packs as much flavor and muscle-making protein as beef. Paired with Argentinian chimichurri, this cut is sure to please.

6 of 7

Cocoa Skirt Steak With Sweet Potato Wedges

Marcus Nilsson

Cocoa Skirt Steak With Sweet Potato Wedges

This cocoa-rubbed skirt steak recipe is perfect for a meat-loving grillmaster. The cocoa rub complements the lean skirt steak, and the sun-dried tomato sauce blows bottled ketchup out of the water.

7 of 7

Round Steak Horseradish Sauce

Marcus Nilsson

Round Steak With Horseradish Sauce

Round steak is one of the leanest cuts at the butcher, and it’s cheap. Packed with muscle-sculpting protein, its highly absorbable iron content can help give you an energy boost.

Back to intro

A Cut Above the Rest

For most guys, flip-flop season is all about sizzling steaks on the grill. And after slicing through the slightly charred meat and getting your first taste of pure, juicy protein bliss, you know that many of your summer days will be spent around a grill—God, we love a good steak.

But send too many Flintstones-size fatty steaks to the flame, and you’ll quickly blow up that beach-ready physique. So, to help you keep your waistline trim and your taste buds satisfied, we’ve put together a collection of six-pack-friendly steak recipes. The likes of which include everything from lean cuts of beef to beastly game, to a gift from the sea, to a veggie option that you’ll flip over. And to make sure your backyard feasts are never lacking in flavor, we’ve assembled all the necessary salsas and rubs to pair with each steak, guaranteed to take your cuts up a notch.

Time to play with fire!

Photographs by Marcus Nilsson; food styling by Victoria Granof

Salmon Steaks With Blueberry Sauce

Just like bone-in chicken and pork, fish like salmon are generally tastier when cooked on the bone. Try it with this savory-sweet blueberry concoction to up the flavor and the antioxidant content.

Flank Steak With Beer-Caramelized Onions

Flank steak is inexpensive, always readily available in the meat department, and provides an impressive protein-to-fat ratio of 3-to-1. Marinate it, and toss it on the grill for a macro-friendly meal.

Tofu Steaks With Peach Salsa

Tofu becomes downright meaty when you throw it on the grill, making it a perfect option for a meatless cookout. Try these tofu steaks with peach salsa, and you won’t even miss the meat.

Bison Sirloin With Chimichurri

Taken from between the ribs and the hip, bison sirloin is a very tender cut—but it packs as much flavor and muscle-making protein as beef. Paired with Argentinian chimichurri, this cut is sure to please.

Cocoa Skirt Steak With Sweet Potato Wedges

This cocoa-rubbed skirt steak recipe is perfect for a meat-loving grillmaster. The cocoa rub complements the lean skirt steak, and the sun-dried tomato sauce blows bottled ketchup out of the water.

Round Steak With Horseradish Sauce

Round steak is one of the leanest cuts at the butcher, and it’s cheap. Packed with muscle-sculpting protein, its highly absorbable iron content can help give you an energy boost.

Topics:
  • Diet
  • Healthy Foods
  • Meal Plans
  • Protein
Author picture
Written by Matthew Kadey, R.D.
Related Articles
Female building leg muscles using the hip adductor machine
Leg Exercises

Why Lifters Still Trash the Hip Adduction Machine, Even If It Works

Bodybuilder Terrence Ruffin posing ahead of Olympia 2026
News

Terrence Ruffin Names His Top 3 Exercises for Bigger Biceps

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Dwayne the Rock Johnson healthy protein shake recipe to fuel his massive workouts
Healthy Eating

Dwayne Johnson Shares His Protein Shake Recipes

Can you smell what The Rock is prepping?

Read article
Intermittent Fasting window with a clock and healthy foods
Healthy Eating

New Study Reveals the Optimal Daily Fasting Window for Maximum Mental Clarity

Results included less fat, reducing dementia, and improving cognitive ability,

Read article
Chef cooking with a healthy oil avoiding Palmitic Acid based oils
Healthy Eating

Scientists Say This Common Saturated Fat May Increase Diabetes Risk

From acceleration to protection, two common fats offer different results.

Read article
All Healthy Eating
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Nutrition
  4. /
  5. Healthy Eating
  6. /
  7. 6 Lean, Six-pack-friendly Grilling Recipes
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement