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Have you ever cooked a flat iron steak? If your answer is no, then you should try and experience this mouth-watering recipe for yourself.
Have you ever wanted to cook a restaurant-style steak at home? This skillet flat iron steak recipe is just that and everything you could have dreamed of. I have never been so pleased with how delicious and juicy these steaks taste.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Flat Iron Steak Recipe
As the flavors of the skillet flat iron steak ingredients mingle and the meat cooks, the wonderful smells start wafting through the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The flat iron steak in cast iron skillet recipe is perfect for any occasion and is so easy to create. With my straightforward directions, you can learn how to cook a skillet flat iron steak in minutes.
Steak is that one type of meat everyone just loves. The diversity of this food can go from a picnic in the park to a fancy date night meal.
Overall, this recipe for skillet flat iron steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that can be enjoyed in various recipes or as a substitute for ribeye.
Flat Iron Steak vs Flank Steak
The flat iron steak, also known as the top blade steak, is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. The flat iron steak is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, making it a popular choice among steak lovers.
Flank steak, on the other hand, comes from the abdominal muscle of the cow. It has a bold, robust flavor but is less tender compared to flat iron steak. Flank steak is usually thinner and wider compared to flat iron steak.
People may confuse flat iron steak with flank steak due to several reasons: Both flat iron steak and flank steak have a similar long, rectangular shape with a prominent grain running across the meat. These two cuts of beef also have similar cooking methods.
What You Need To Make Flat Iron Steak
Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different seasonings, marinades, or serving suggestions to match your taste and occasion. Enjoy your skillet flat iron steak!
Ingredients:
- 2 flat iron steaks, one inch thick
- Avocado oil
- Seasonings of choice, or
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tablespoon each of brown sugar and dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon each of ground black pepper and smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon each of ground mustard and thyme
Cooking directions
Start by lightly drizzling both steaks with oil rather than drenching them. This will prevent excessive oiliness and maintain the natural flavors of the meat.
Combine the spices in a small bowl and coat both sides of the steaks with the seasonings. Leave the steaks to marinate on the counter for up to an hour. Marinating and seasoning flat iron steak is typically best before cooking as it will help to enhance its flavor. Then they are ready to be cooked.
Preheat a large cast iron skillet, or grill skillet on medium-high heat. Lightly coat the skillet in avocado oil before carefully placing the steaks onto the pan. Sear each side for approximately 3 minutes for medium rare. Use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Remove from heat to rest for 10 minutes. Removing steaks from heat and allowing them to rest is a crucial step in the cooking process.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
Helpful Tips
- Always exercise caution when handling raw meat, and wash your hands and utensils thoroughly afterward.
- You can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or canola oil.
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is well seasoned to avoid sticking.
- Slice against the grain when cutting steak for best results.
FAQs
Is flat iron steak chewy? It should not be. This particular cut of steak is very tender. If it does taste chewy or tough, that is a sign that it has been overcooked.
Will salt make the steak tender? Salt does not directly tenderize steak, but it can help enhance its tenderness when used properly.
What is the best way to cook a flat iron steak? Cooking in cast iron has several advantages, such as heat distribution and retention, and it does not contain all the chemicals that most frying plans have.
Can I use a regular frying pan? If you do not have a cast iron skillet and would like to use a regular frying pan, that will work as well; however, be aware many pans, especially non-stick pans, should not be preheated.
Final Thoughts
As you try this flat iron steak in a cast iron skillet at home, I hope you acquire the same excitement from my restaurant-style steak recipe!
Let me know how you enjoyed this flat iron steak recipe in the comments below. And if you loved it, leave a review!
For more great steak recipes, try one of these next!
- How to cook a picanha steak
- Marinaded bottom round steak
- How to reverse sear a steak
- Juicy moose steaks
Quick Marinade Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 flat iron steaks one inch thick
- Avocado oil
- Seasonings of choice or
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tablespoon each of brown sugar and dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon each of ground black pepper and smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon each of ground mustard and thyme
Instructions
- Lightly drizzle both steaks with oil.
- Combine the spices in a small bowl and coat both sides of the steaks with the seasonings.
- Leave the steaks to marinate on the counter for up to an hour.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet, or grill skillet on medium-high heat.
- Lightly coat the skillet in avocado oil before carefully placing the steaks onto the pan.
- Sear each side for approximately 3 minutes for medium rare. Use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Remove from heat to rest for 10 minutes.
