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December 10, 2024
Grilling a flat iron steak is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. The flat iron steak comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is known for its tender and juicy texture. With the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly cooked flat iron steak with a beautiful char on the outside.
To begin, start by seasoning your flat iron steak with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This will help enhance the flavors and tenderize the meat. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Next, preheat your grill to high heat. Once the grill is hot, oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the flat iron steak directly on the grill and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will create a nice crust and seal in the juices.
After searing, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the flat iron steak for an additional 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired level – around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
Once cooked to your liking, remove the flat iron steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful steak. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Cook a Flat Iron Steak on the Grill
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful cut of meat to grill, look no further than a flat iron steak. This tender and juicy steak is full of flavor and can be easily cooked on the grill. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly cooked flat iron steak every time.
1. Start by preheating your grill to high heat. This will ensure a nice sear on the steak.
2. While the grill is heating up, season the flat iron steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or marinades. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. Once the grill is hot, place the flat iron steak directly over the heat. Close the lid and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
4. While cooking, avoid flipping the steak too often as this can prevent a good sear from forming. Let it cook undisturbed to develop a nice crust.
5. After the steak has cooked to your desired level, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender steak.
6. Once rested, slice the flat iron steak against the grain, which helps to ensure tenderness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can easily cook a delicious flat iron steak on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a flavorful steak, this cut of meat is sure to impress.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to grilling a flat iron steak, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The flat iron steak comes from the shoulder region of the cow and is known for its rich marbling and tenderness. It is a flavorful and affordable cut that is perfect for grilling.
When selecting a flat iron steak, look for one that has a deep red color and is well-marbled with thin streaks of fat. The marbling is what gives the steak its flavor and tenderness. Avoid steaks that have a lot of visible connective tissue or are pale in color.
Another factor to consider when choosing a flat iron steak is the thickness. Steaks that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick are ideal for grilling. Thicker steaks may require longer cooking times, while thinner steaks are more prone to overcooking.
Pro tip: If your local butcher does not have flat iron steaks available, you can ask for a similar cut like the top blade steak or the chuck eye steak, which can be cooked in the same way.
Preparing the Steak
Before you start grilling your flat iron steak, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure it is ready to cook:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly.
- While the steak is coming to room temperature, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 204°C).
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and allow for better browning.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings or a marinade of your choice to enhance the flavor.
- If you are using a marinade, let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade.
Once you have prepared the flat iron steak, you are ready to grill it to perfection!
Marinating the Steak
Marinating the steak can add an extra layer of flavor and help to tenderize the meat. Follow these steps to marinate your flat iron steak:
1. Choose a marinade
There are many marinade options available, but a simple marinade with oil, acid, and seasonings can work wonders. Try combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and your choice of herbs and spices.
2. Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and your chosen herbs and spices. Make sure the marinade is well mixed.
3. Marinate the steak
Place the steak in a sealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the steak to help it penetrate the meat.
Note: For best results, marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. You can also marinate it overnight for even more flavor.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade
When you’re ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Now that your steak is marinated and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill and start cooking!
Preheating the Grill
Before you start cooking your flat iron steak on the grill, it’s important to preheat the grill to the right temperature. This helps ensure that the steak cooks evenly and seals in those delicious flavors.
Start by cleaning the grill grates, removing any leftover food or debris. Then, turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Preheat the Grill?
Preheating the grill is essential for achieving that perfect sear on your flat iron steak. It allows the steak to cook quickly and creates those beautiful grill marks.
Additionally, preheating the grill helps to kill any bacteria or contaminants that may be present on the grates. By bringing the grill to a high temperature, you ensure that the cooking surface is clean and safe for your steak.
Remember, when preheating the grill, always keep the lid down. This helps to trap the heat and ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature more quickly.
Testing the Temperature
If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a good idea to check the temperature of the grill before placing the steak on it. This can help ensure that the grill is at the right heat level for cooking the steak.
To do this, simply insert the thermometer through the top vent of the grill or between the grates. Allow the thermometer to sit for a few seconds to get an accurate reading. If the temperature is too low, let the grill preheat for a few more minutes before adding the steak.
By preheating the grill properly, you set yourself up for success when cooking your flat iron steak. The grill will be hot and ready to sear your steak to perfection, giving you those delicious grill marks and a juicy, flavorful piece of meat.
Grilling the Steak
Before grilling your flat iron steak, you need to prepare your grill. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
Seasoning the Steak
While your grill is heating up, take the time to season your flat iron steak. Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite steak rub to enhance the flavor.
Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and ensure more even cooking.
Grilling Tips
When the grill is hot and your flat iron steak is seasoned, it’s time to start grilling. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect grill marks and deliciously cooked steak:
- Oil the grill grates: Before placing the steak on the grill, oil the grates to prevent sticking. You can use vegetable oil or a non-stick cooking spray.
- Grill with the lid open: Unlike other cuts of steak, flat iron steak doesn’t need to be cooked with the lid closed. Grilling with the lid open allows for better airflow and helps develop a nice crust on the steak.
- Sear and flip: Place the flat iron steak diagonally on the grill grates and let it sear for about 4-5 minutes. Then, using tongs, flip the steak to the other diagonal side and sear for an additional 4-5 minutes. This will create beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking.
- Test for doneness: To check the doneness of your steak, use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, aim for 145°F (63°C).
- Rest before slicing: Once the flat iron steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more flavorful and tender steak.
Now that you know the tips for grilling a flat iron steak, you’re ready to fire up the grill and enjoy a deliciously grilled steak!
Q&A
What is a flat iron steak?
A flat iron steak is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder region of the cow. It is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
How do I marinate a flat iron steak?
To marinate a flat iron steak, you can combine your choice of ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Place the steak and marinade in a resealable bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
Can I grill a flat iron steak without marinating it?
Yes, you can grill a flat iron steak without marinating it. However, marinating the steak can help enhance its flavor and tenderness.
How long should I grill a flat iron steak?
The grilling time for a flat iron steak depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guide, you can grill a 1-inch thick flat iron steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
What are some recommended grilling techniques for a flat iron steak?
Some recommended grilling techniques for a flat iron steak include preheating the grill, oiling the grates, and searing the steak over high heat for a few minutes on each side before finishing it over indirect heat.
What is a flat iron steak?
A flat iron steak is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder of the cow. It is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
How do you season a flat iron steak?
There are many ways to season a flat iron steak, but a popular method is to use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor.