Flat Iron Steak Recipe (2024)

ByKimberly

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Our Flat Iron Steak Recipe is quick and delicious made with a custom blend of homemade steak seasonings, seared to perfection in a flat iron skillet. It makes for an excellent weeknight dinner option.

Best Flat Iron Steak

A few years ago, we lived in a condo community that didn’t allow grills. At first, this was kind of frustrating because we loved to grill outdoors.

However, the living situation taught us how to create homemadeburgers, pan seared steak, and steak fajitas using my regular cooktop.

This flat iron steak recipe is one of those examples that prove you don’t have to use an outdoor grill to make a perfectlyseared steak.

Combine a little know-how, with a custom seasoning mix, and melted butter and you’ve got yourself a pretty amazing steak. Pair it with a batch of baked sweet potato fries or oven baked home fries, and you have a full meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

You may need to adjust the seasoning blend depending on exactly how much steak you use. You may need a little more or a little less. It’s easy to make extra!

The exact amounts of each ingredient are in the recipe card further down the page.

  • Seasonings: We use a variety of seasonings for the seasoning blend. Adjust or omit any of these to taste. You’ll need seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a nice seasoning for steak.
  • Steak: You’ll need about 1 ½ pounds of flat iron steak.
  • Butter: We cook the steak in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Salted butter also works, but you may need to lessen the amount of seasoned salt.

How to Cook Flat Iron Steak:

Scroll to the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient amounts!

Before we get started, let me start off with a little note about the steak. In the recipe, we have it listed as a 1 ½ pound steak or steaks. When we originally made this recipe, that’s what we used.

It just so happens that we are living in a different part of the country now, and the only flat iron steak available was just barely over half a pound. That’s what’s used in the updated photos and video.

The recipe stayed the same, except the size of the steak which can be adjusted. You just won’t use as much of the seasoning. Now, back to how to make our flat iron steak recipe! 🙂

  1. In a small bowl combine the seasoned salt, Italian seasonings, black pepper, garlic powder, and the onionpowder. Give them a quick mix with a fork to blend the seasonings.
  2. Liberally season both sides of each steak, making sure to use ALL the spice mix (assuming you’re using the full 1 ½ pounds of meat).
  1. Preheat a flat iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the steaks to pan. Cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side or to your desired doneness.
  3. When the steaks are done, let them rest for 5-10 minutes then serve them with a side of your choice.

Tips and Variations:

  • Start with a high-quality cut of steak with good marbling. Marbling helps keep the steak from drying out while it cooks and provides flavor.
  • Use butter while cooking flat iron steak as it prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
  • Avoid moving the steak around too much in the pan before it’s seared (i.e., first side down). You want to get a good sear on the first side before flipping it to the second side.
  • Let the steak cook undisturbed on each side until it’s time to flip – use an instant read thermometer if necessary.
  • Let your cooked steak rest covered for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. Otherwise, all the juices will run out and your steak will be dry.
  • Slice against the grain when ready to serve which helps keep the texture tender.
  • For an extra flavorful steak, apply the seasoning mix then place the steaks in your fridge for 30 minutes to rest before cooking.
  • Heat the pan to medium or medium-high. You’ll know theskillet is hot enough when the butter begins to clarify (separate) in the pan.
  • Create a marinade by simply adding ½ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of red wine vinegar to the seasoning mix. Submerge the steaks in the marinade in your fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

How to Store Flat Iron Steak:

Refrigerator: Store leftover steak in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

Are flat iron steak and flank steak the same?

No, flat iron steak and flank steak are taken from different areas of the cow.

A flat iron steak is cut from the top blade (shoulder) of a cow. A flank steak is cut from the stomach or abdominal area.

Can another cut of beef be used for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! This seasoning and cooking method in this recipe works well for any cut steak. We love it on sirloin, New York strip, fajita meat, ribeye, and even filet.

If there happens to be a seasoning you don’t love, we have an amazingbeer marinadethat works well, too.

Is flat iron steak tender?

Yes, flat iron steak is a tender cut of steak. Look for a piece that has nice marbling or thin ribbons of fat running throughout. As the steak cooks, the fat melts and keeps it moist and adds flavor.

What goes well with flat iron steak?

These sides taste great with any of best steak dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

Sweet Potatoes
Caesar Salad
Sautéed Mushrooms
Baked Potatoes
Onion Soup Potatoes

Other Dinner Recipes You May Love:

  • Sirloin Steak
  • Grilled Mahi Mahi
  • Baked Brats
  • Mississippi Pot Roast

Like This Recipe?

We’d love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!

Flat Iron Steak Recipe (7)

Easy Flat Iron Steak Recipe

4.7 from 102 votes

Print Pin

Author: Kimberly

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ pounds flat iron steak, or cut of your choice
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Combine the salt, Italian seasonings, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.

    1 tablespoon seasoned salt

    1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

    ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Season the steak(s) on all sides with the seasoning mix; be sure to use all of the spices.

    1 ½ pounds flat iron steak

  • Preheat an iron skillet over medium heat, and melt the butter in the pan. Add the steaks to the hot pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or to your desired doneness.

    3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Allow the steaks to rest for 10-minutes then serve with sides.

  • Scroll up and see the post for tips, FAQs, and storage options.

Suggested Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 4Ounces | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1938mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 5mg

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 4 to 6 ounces of steak. Actual calories will vary.

*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.

Don’t Lose This Recipe!Save it on Pinterest! Follow us at @berlyskitchen!

Flat Iron Steak Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to cook flat iron steak? ›

For the perfect medium-rare Flat Iron steak on the stove, sear in a skillet for 13–15 minutes for a 1–1½ inch steak, turning about 1 minute before the halfway point. A meat thermometer should read 130°F. Rest your steaks for 5 minutes before serving, covering lightly with foil.

Does flat iron steak need to be marinated? ›

Marinating flat iron steak has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to add flavor and depth to the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat. Secondly, a good marinade can also help to tenderize the steak by breaking down some of the tougher muscle fibers.

Is flat iron steak very tender? ›

Extremely tender, well-marbled and flavorful and great for grilling. Cut from the Top Blade. Cutting method removes internal connective tissue from the whole Top Blade, allowing this cut to deliver as the second most tender cut.

How many times do you flip flat iron steak? ›

Grilling Flat Iron Steak

Put the rack directly over heat to sear steaks for 2-3 minutes. Flip with tongs and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Pull from grill when internal temperature reaches 125 degrees for medium-rare (adjust as desired for other doneness levels).

Why is my flat iron steak chewy? ›

While the cut can be juicy and supple, a line of fibrous tissue (known as sinew or tendon) runs through the middle of the area the steak comes from, making some bites tough, chewy, and not at all enjoyable. Flat iron steak is from the chuck portion of the cow, which is its lower neck and shoulder region.

Why is flat iron steak so cheap? ›

A cut of flat iron comes from the chuck shoulder primal. This is in the front shoulder of the steer and is the same palace you would get a chuck roast. Because flat iron steak comes from the chuck region, it's not a super expensive steak.

Do you cook steak in butter? ›

Heat a heavy-based frying pan until very hot but not smoking. Drizzle some oil into the pan and leave for a moment. Add the steak, a knob of butter, some garlic and robust herbs, if you want. Sear evenly on each side for our recommended time, turning every minute for the best caramelised crust.

What is another name for flat iron steak? ›

Flat iron steak
Beef Cuts
Alternative namestop blade roast, shoulder top blade roast, top boneless chuck, petite steak, butler steak, lifter steak, book steak, chuck clod, lifter roast, and triangle roast
TypeChuck steak

Is flat iron or ribeye better? ›

The rib eye steak is your best bet if you seek a robust flavour and don't mind a little extra fat. The fillet steak comes out on top if tenderness is your primary measure. However, the flat iron steak is a worthy contender if you're after a balance between flavour, tenderness, and cost.

Which is better a flat iron or a strip steak? ›

The location on the animal gives the flat iron steak fantastic marbling for wonderful flavor, like New York Strip, but careful carving results in a tender texture, like a filet mignon. So if you want the best of two worlds the flat iron is the way to go.

Is flat iron steak the same as filet mignon? ›

Flat iron steak is a more muscular cut that contains a significant amount of connective tissue, which gives it a hearty, beefy flavor. On the other hand, filet mignon is leaner and contains less connective tissue, resulting in a milder taste and more tender texture.

What is the best doneness for flat iron steak? ›

Flat Iron Steak Internal Temperatures

For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally. For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally. For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally. For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.

Can you reverse sear a flat iron steak? ›

Reverse Sear Flat Iron Steak to Medium Rare

Cook flat iron in the oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, checking the temperature before searing to ensure that it reaches the medium-rare temperature range of 125°F-130°F. Sear for 1-3 minutes on each side and rest for five minutes.

How do you cut a flat iron steak before cooking? ›

Do not cut through the tendon, notice the tendon lies on an angle. of muscle place knife on top of the tendon and slide knife down the angle of the tendon to complete the “filet-style” process. Do not force the knife—the pull and seam method will not work due to the tenderness of the muscle.

What is the difference between flat iron steak and blade steak? ›

Top blade steak and flat iron steak are cut from the same muscle. The difference is how the muscle is cut. As mentioned above, top blade steak has a clear line of connective tissue down the middle, and the grain runs across the cut. A flat iron steak should show no connective tissue, and the grain will run vertically.

Can you eat flat iron steak rare? ›

The flat iron steak is quite versatile, delicious simply coated in oil and salt and thrown on the grill, as well as cooking after some time in a flavorful marinade. Because of its muscular structure, it is best if it isn't cooked beyond medium; the recommended doneness is medium-rare, or around 135 F (60 C).

How does flat iron steak compared to filet mignon? ›

Flat iron steak is a more muscular cut that contains a significant amount of connective tissue, which gives it a hearty, beefy flavor. On the other hand, filet mignon is leaner and contains less connective tissue, resulting in a milder taste and more tender texture.

References

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