How To Cook A Flat Iron Steak – Perfect Flat Iron Steak Recipe!

Whether you’re a steak aficionado or a culinary adventurer, this guide will help you understand the unique characteristics of the flat iron steak cuts and how to cook them to perfection, turning any meal into a steakhouse experience.

Explore how to cook a flat iron steak, from their origins on the cow to the best ways to season, cook, and serve them.

How To Cook A Flat Iron Steak – Best Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Here’s how you cook a flat iron steak!

1. Prepare the Steak: Let the steak acclimate to room temperature, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the pan, searing each side for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare.
4. Add Ingredients and Baste: Introduce garlic, rosemary, and butter to the pan, basting the steak for one minute.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from heat, rest, then slice against the grain and serve.

Let’s have a recipe that you can print and try right now!

A simple, yet flavorful recipe for a flat iron steak that serves two, takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and contains approximately 450 calories per serving.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 flat iron steak about 1.5 pounds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

 

• Allow the steak to reach room temperature. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the steak to the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
• Add the garlic, rosemary, and butter to the pan and baste the steak for about a minute.
• Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

How to cook a flat iron steak in the oven

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Season the steak on both sides with your choice of spices.
3. Sear the steak on both sides in a hot, ovenproof pan on the stove.
4. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 10 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
5. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to cook a flat iron steak on the grill

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
2. Season the steak with your choice of spices.
3. Grill the steak for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
4. Rest then slice again the grain to serve.

How to cook a flat iron steak in a pan

1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak and place the steak in the hot pan.
3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Let it have a break for the juice to be redistributed.

How to cook a flat iron steak in a cast iron skillet

1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak and add it to the hot skillet.
3. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Rest – slice – then serve.

How to cook a flat iron steak in the air fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
2. Season the steak and place it in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium-rare.
4. Have a 5-minute wait before slicing and serving.

How to cook a flat iron steak in a crock pot

1. Season the steak and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add your choice of liquids (like broth or wine) and aromatics.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
4. Slice against the grain and serve.

How to cook a flat iron steak on a Traeger

1. Preheat your Traeger to 450°F (232°C).
2. Season the steak and place it on the grill.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Rest, then slice & serve.

How to cook a flat iron steak on the stove

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak and add it to the hot skillet.
3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Wait for 5 minutes before serving.

How to cook a flat iron steak medium rare

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak and add it to the hot skillet.
3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
5. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Flat Iron Steak vs. Flank Steak Or Skirt Steak

Both flat iron steak and flank steak are popular cuts of beef, but they come from different parts of the cow and have distinct characteristics.

Flat Iron Steak: This cut comes from the shoulder or chuck area of the cow. It’s known for its rich, beefy flavor and tenderness. Flat iron steaks are usually quite thick and rectangular in shape, making them great for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.

For example, you might prepare a flat iron steak by marinating it and then grilling it to medium-rare.

Flank Steak: This is a lean cut of beef from the belly area of the cow. It’s less tender than flat iron steak, but it’s known for its strong beefy flavor. Flank steaks are typically long and flat, and because they’re lean, they can be tougher if overcooked. Marinating and grilling or broiling are common cooking methods, and it’s often sliced against the grain to improve tenderness.

For example, flank steak is often used in dishes like fajitas, where it’s marinated, grilled, and then sliced thin.

What Is The Way To Cook Flat Iron Steak?

The best way to cook a flat iron steak depends on your personal preference, but one of the most favored methods is on a grill or in a cast iron skillet. These methods allow for a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

However, this cut is also great when slow-cooked in a crock pot, air-fried for a healthier alternative, or oven-roasted for a hassle-free dinner. Remember, regardless of the method, always let your steak rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavorful steak.

Marinate The Grill Flat Iron Steak – Best Marinade Dinner Recipe

Here’s a simple, yet flavorful marinade recipe that will perfectly complement the robust flavor of a flat iron steak when grilled:

Whiskey Garlic Marinade

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 flat iron steak (about 1.5 pounds)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the whiskey, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper.
2. Place the flat iron steak in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Ensure that the steak is fully coated in the marinade.
3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat dry, and grill as per your preferred level of doneness.

This marinade combines sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, enhancing the natural taste of the steak. The alcohol in the whiskey also helps tenderize the steak, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful. Remember to discard the used marinade.

Flat Iron Steak Cook Time – A Cheat Sheet

Cooking time for a flat iron steak can vary based on the thickness of the steak and the cooking method used. Here is a handy cheat sheet to guide you:

For example, if you’re cooking a 1-inch thick flat iron steak on a grill, you’d want to grill it for about 5 minutes on each side. Always remember the importance of letting your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking for the juices to redistribute. This results in a juicier, more flavorful steak.

What To Serve With Flat Iron Steak? Side Dishes That Go Well With Flat Iron Steak

A well-cooked flat iron steak is a culinary delight that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes.

Here are some recommended accompaniments that can complement the rich, beefy flavor of flat iron steak:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture and the aromatic garlic flavor of mashed potatoes make it a classic side dish for steak. It’s a satisfying combination that’s hard to beat.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled till it’s slightly charred and tender, asparagus brings a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich steak.
3. Creamy Polenta: This creamy, corn-based dish adds a different kind of grainy texture that pairs well with the meaty flat iron steak.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These mini cabbages, when roasted, offer a sweet and slightly bitter flavor profile that can cut through the heaviness of the steak.
5. Baked Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes provide a sweet contrast to your savory steak, and they’re also packed with nutrients.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli is an easy, healthy side that adds a pop of color to your plate.
7. Quinoa Salad: A vibrant, refreshing quinoa salad can add a wholesome, grainy element to your meal.
8. Sauteed Mushrooms: Mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs bring an earthy flavor that complements the steak wonderfully.
9. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cooked steak.
10. Baked Beans: A side of hearty baked beans can add a sweet and tangy flavor, providing a good balance to your savory steak.

Remember, the best side dishes for flat iron steak depend on your personal taste and dietary preferences. These options should give you a good starting point to create a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

FAQs

References

• Flat iron steak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_iron_steak
• Angus Beef Flat Iron Steak: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/599681/nutrients