Flat iron steak is a fantastic cut of beef that’s flavorful, tender, and surprisingly affordable. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook flat iron steak to get the best taste and texture, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything from preparation to cooking methods, seasoning tips, and even how to serve it up like a pro-all in an easy, friendly tone.
What Is Flat Iron Steak?
Flat iron steak comes from the shoulder of the cow, specifically the chuck area. It’s known for its rich beefy flavor and good marbling, making it tender and juicy when cooked right. While it’s not as tender as filet mignon, it’s often called the second most tender cut of beef and is a great alternative to pricier steaks like ribeye or New York strip.
Because of its uniform thickness and shape, flat iron steak cooks quickly and evenly, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a delicious steak without fuss.
Preparing Your Flat Iron Steak
Bringing to Room Temperature
Before cooking, take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
Seasoning Basics
Flat iron steak shines with simple seasoning. A generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is often enough. If you want to add a little extra flavor, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning work well. Avoid heavy marinades unless you want a specific flavor boost since the steak is tender enough to stand on its own.
How to Cook Flat Iron Steak
There are several great ways to cook flat iron steak: grilling, pan-searing, broiling, or even using the reverse sear method. Here’s how to do each:
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 450–500°F).
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Coat the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F internal temp).
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Pan-Searing
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Add a tablespoon of high-heat oil like avocado oil or ghee.
- Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
- If needed, lower the heat and cook for another 2-5 minutes to reach your desired doneness.
- Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Broiling
- Preheat your oven broiler.
- Season the steak with your choice of spices.
- Place the steak on a greased oven-safe pan.
- Broil for 4-5 minutes per side, then check doneness and cook a bit longer if needed.
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Reverse Sear (For Extra Control)
- Preheat your oven to 200°F.
- Season and place the steak in the oven on a pan.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 115-120°F (medium-rare).
- Heat a skillet with butter and sear the steak for 1-3 minutes per side.
- Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Flat Iron Steak
– Don’t overcook: Medium-rare to medium is ideal. Flat iron steak can be cooked a bit beyond medium-rare, but going too far will reduce tenderness.
– Rest your steak: Always let your steak rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy bites.
– Slice against the grain: This breaks down muscle fibers and makes the steak easier to chew.
– Marinating is optional: If you want extra flavor, marinate for 2 hours with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce-but it’s not necessary for tenderness.
– Use a meat thermometer: To get the perfect doneness, check the internal temperature-120-125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.
Simple Flat Iron Steak Marinade Recipe
If you want to try marinating your steak, here’s a quick and tasty marinade:
– ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– ⅛ cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients, place the steak in a resealable bag with the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Then cook as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Flat iron steak is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
– Grilled vegetables or a fresh salad
– Mashed or roasted potatoes
– Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
– As a filling for steak sandwiches or fajitas
For an extra touch, top your steak with compound butter-like garlic-herb butter-for a rich finish.
Flat iron steak is a flavorful, tender, and budget-friendly cut that’s easy to cook perfectly with a little know-how. Whether you grill, pan-sear, or broil, keep it simple, cook it to medium-rare, and slice against the grain for a steak dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!