Flat iron steak is a flavorful cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, making it a popular choice among steak lovers. If you’re wondering how to cook flat iron steak to perfection, you’ve come to the right place.

Grilling is one of the best ways to bring out the delicious flavors of flat iron steak. Start by preheating your grill to high heat. While the grill is heating up, season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Once the grill is hot, place the steak on the grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remember to resist the temptation to press down on the steak, as this will result in the loss of juices.

If grilling isn’t an option, you can also pan-sear flat iron steak to perfection. Heat a skillet over high heat and add some oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. For best results, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro tip: Regardless of the cooking method, it’s crucial to let the flat iron steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.

So, whether you prefer grilling or pan-searing, flat iron steak is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection with the right techniques.

Tender and Delicious: How to Cook Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is easy to cook to perfection. Whether you prefer it grilled, pan-seared, or roasted, this versatile steak is sure to impress. Follow these simple steps to cook a mouthwatering flat iron steak every time.

Choosing and Prepping Your Flat Iron Steak

Start by selecting a high-quality flat iron steak from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for a steak that is well-marbled with fat, as this will add flavor and help keep the meat juicy.

Prior to cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the steak from seizing up when it hits the heat.

While the steak is warming up, season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional spices or a marinade of your choice to enhance the flavors.

Grilling the Flat Iron Steak

Preheat your grill to high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks on your steak.

Place the flat iron steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should read 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

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Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Pan-Searing the Flat Iron Steak

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. When the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned flat iron steak in the pan.

Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Flip the steak only once during cooking to ensure a good sear.

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This rest period allows the steak to retain its juices and results in a more tender eating experience.

Whether you choose to grill or pan-sear your flat iron steak, serving it thinly sliced against the grain will further enhance its tenderness. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Choosing the Perfect Cut

When it comes to cooking a flat iron steak, it’s important to start with a high-quality cut of meat. The flat iron steak comes from the shoulder of the cow, specifically the top blade muscle. This cut is known for its marbling and tenderness, making it a great choice for grilling or pan-searing.

When selecting a flat iron steak, look for a piece of meat that has a bright red color and is well-marbled. The marbling, or the thin streaks of fat running through the meat, adds flavor and moisture to the steak. Avoid steaks with excessive fat or a dull color, as this could indicate a lower quality cut.

Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed

Another factor to consider when choosing a flat iron steak is whether it is grass-fed or grain-fed. Grass-fed beef comes from cows that have been raised on a diet of grass and other forage, while grain-fed beef comes from cows that have been fed a diet of grain, such as corn.

Grass-fed beef tends to have a leaner texture and a more pronounced flavor, while grain-fed beef is usually more tender and has a milder flavor. Both types of beef can be delicious, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Tip: When cooking a flat iron steak, keep in mind that grass-fed beef tends to cook faster than grain-fed beef due to its lower fat content.

Prepping the Steak

Before cooking the flat iron steak, it is important to properly prep it to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly.

2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak to sear properly.

3. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.

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4. If desired, marinate the steak for additional flavor. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and garlic.

5. Let the steak sit with the seasoning or marinade for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Marinade for Extra Flavor

To enhance the flavor of your flat iron steak, consider marinating it before cooking. Marinades infuse the meat with additional taste and can help tenderize tougher cuts like flat iron. Here’s a simple and delicious marinade recipe to try:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Note: You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the flat iron steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is coated on all sides. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the meat.
  4. Refrigerate the marinated steak for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
  6. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then let it come to room temperature before cooking.
  7. Grill or pan-sear the flat iron steak according to your preference, using your preferred cooking method.
  8. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
  9. Serve and enjoy your flavorful flat iron steak!

Tip: Remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines when marinating meat and cooking it to the right internal temperature for safe consumption.

Marinade Ingredients
Ingredients Quantity
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon
Dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

The Grilling Process

Grilling a flat iron steak is a straightforward process that can result in a delicious and flavorful meal. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Preheat the grill: Before you start cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and develops a nice sear on the outside.

2. Season the steak: Generously season both sides of the flat iron steak with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings or marinades of your choice to enhance the flavor.

3. Oil the grill grates: To prevent the steak from sticking to the grates, lightly brush the grill grates with oil using a grill brush or a folded paper towel soaked in oil.

4. Place the steak on the grill: Carefully place the seasoned flat iron steak onto the preheated grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness.

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5. Flip and continue cooking: After the first side is nicely seared, use tongs to flip the steak and cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it for a few minutes longer on each side.

6. Check for doneness: To ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read 135°F (57°C), while medium should be around 145°F (63°C).

7. Let it rest: Once the flat iron steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

8. Slice and serve: After the resting period, slice the flat iron steak against the grain into thin strips. This helps to ensure that the steak is tender and easy to chew. Serve it with your favorite side dishes or use it as a filling for sandwiches or tacos.

Note: The grilling time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.

Questions and answers

What is a flat iron steak?

Flat iron steak is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It is also known as top blade steak and is becoming increasingly popular because of its tenderness and rich marbling.

How long do you cook a flat iron steak?

The cooking time for a flat iron steak varies depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-inch thick flat iron steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness on a preheated grill or stovetop pan.

What is the best way to cook a flat iron steak?

The best way to cook a flat iron steak is to first season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, you can either grill it or cook it in a stovetop pan. For grilling, preheat the grill to high heat and cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. For stovetop cooking, heat a pan over high heat and cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side.

Can you cook a flat iron steak in the oven?

Yes, you can cook a flat iron steak in the oven. To do so, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cook the steak for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Make sure to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.