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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious and tender steak without firing up the grill, cooking a flat iron steak on the stove is a fantastic option. Flat iron steak, also known as butlers’ steak, is a flavorful and affordable cut of beef that is gaining popularity among home cooks and chefs alike. While grilling is a classic method for cooking steak, stove-top cooking offers a convenient and easy alternative.
To achieve a perfectly cooked flat iron steak, it’s important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that your steak is at room temperature before cooking. This allows for more even cooking and helps to prevent the meat from becoming tough. Once your steak is at room temperature, season it generously with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
To cook the steak on the stove, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the steak from sticking. Once the oil or butter is hot, carefully place the steak in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes. This will help to create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak.
After the first few minutes, flip the steak and continue to cook it on the other side until it reaches your desired level of doneness. If you prefer a medium-rare steak, this will generally take about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for around 135°F (57°C).
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak. Slice the flat iron steak against the grain to ensure tender and easy-to-eat pieces.
Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add herbs, garlic, or a pat of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking. This will infuse the steak with additional flavor and richness.
Now that you know how to cook a flat iron steak on the stove, you can confidently create a delicious and impressive steak dinner any time of year. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a steakhouse-quality meal at home, this method is sure to impress your taste buds.
Preparing Flat Iron Steak
Before cooking a flat iron steak on the stove, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it turns out tender and flavorful:
1. Choose a high-quality cut: Look for a well-marbled flat iron steak at your local butcher or grocery store. The marbling will add flavor and tenderness to the meat.
2. Season the steak: Generously season the flat iron steak with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. This will enhance the flavors of the meat as it cooks.
3. Let it come to room temperature: Allow the seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly.
4. Preheat the stove and skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the steak.
5. Cook to desired doneness: Depending on your preference, cook the flat iron steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the timing if you prefer it more well-done or less cooked.
6. Rest the steak: Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
7. Slice against the grain: Before serving, slice the flat iron steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked flat iron steak right from your stove!
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to cooking a flat iron steak on the stove, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. Different cuts of meat have different textures and flavors, so it’s important to select one that suits your preferences.
Flat Iron Steak
The flat iron steak is a tender and flavorful cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the cow. It gets its name from its shape, which resembles a flat iron. This cut of meat is marbled with fat, which helps to keep it moist and flavorful during cooking.
Other Cuts
While the flat iron steak is a popular choice for stove-top cooking, there are other cuts of meat that can also be used. The flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin steak are all good options. These cuts are also known for their tenderness and flavor.
When choosing a cut of meat for stove-top cooking, it’s important to consider the thickness of the steak. Thinner cuts of meat will cook more quickly and evenly, while thicker cuts will require more time and attention to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of doneness.
- Flat Iron Steak: Tender and flavorful, this cut is marbled with fat for added moisture.
- Flank Steak: Another tender cut that is well-suited for stove-top cooking.
- Skirt Steak: Known for its rich flavor, this cut is great on the stove.
- Sirloin Steak: A versatile cut that can be cooked on the stove or grilled.
Whether you prefer the flat iron steak or one of the other cuts mentioned, choosing the right cut of meat is the first step in preparing a delicious and satisfying meal on the stove.
Seasoning the Steak
Before starting to cook your flat iron steak, it is important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are a few simple steps to season the steak:
1. Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to pat the steak dry. Removing excess moisture will help the seasoning adhere better to the meat.
2. Season with salt and pepper: Generously season all sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will add a basic flavor base to the meat.
3. Add additional spices or herbs: If desired, you can enhance the flavor of the steak by adding additional spices or herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Apply these seasonings sparingly to avoid overpowering the natural taste of the steak.
4. Let it rest: After seasoning, allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will give the salt time to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
Note: You can season the steak in advance and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor development.
By following these steps, you will have a perfectly seasoned flat iron steak ready for cooking on the stove.
Cooking the Flat Iron Steak
Once you have selected your flat iron steak, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook a delicious flat iron steak on the stove.
Ingredients:
| 1 flat iron steak |
| Olive oil |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
- Remove the flat iron steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the hot skillet.
- Place the flat iron steak in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
- Flip the steak only once during cooking to ensure a nice sear.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
- Slice the flat iron steak against the grain and serve it immediately.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked flat iron steak!
Preheating the Skillet
To ensure even cooking and a delicious sear on your flat iron steak, it’s important to preheat your skillet properly. Follow these steps:
- Place your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Choose a skillet that is large enough to hold the steak comfortably without crowding.
- Allow the skillet to heat up for at least 5 minutes. This will ensure that it reaches the desired temperature and evenly distributes heat.
- While the skillet is heating up, pat the flat iron steak dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help promote a better sear.
Note: It’s important to preheat the skillet without any oil or butter. This will prevent the oil from burning and creating a smoky environment.
By properly preheating the skillet, you’ll be able to achieve a deliciously seared and juicy flat iron steak.
Cooking the Flat Iron Steak
Before cooking the flat iron steak, make sure to bring it to room temperature by letting it sit out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking throughout the steak.
Seasoning the Steak
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other preferred seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Preparing the Stove
Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot before adding the steak.
While the pan is heating, you can preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer a medium-rare to medium doneness for the steak. This will allow you to finish cooking the steak in the oven after searing it on the stove.
Cooking the Steak
Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking. Carefully place the flat iron steak in the pan and let it sear for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness.
If you prefer a medium-rare to medium doneness, transfer the seared steak to a preheated oven and let it cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
After cooking, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help keep the steak tender and juicy.
Slice the flat iron steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes or sauces. Enjoy!
Q&A
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 named so because it has a shape that is similar to an old-fashioned clothes iron.
How do I season a flat iron steak?
To season a flat iron steak, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other herbs or spices that you prefer. Rub the seasoning onto the steak and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
What is the best way to cook a flat iron steak on the stove?
The best way to cook a flat iron steak on the stove is to first heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on each side for about 3-4 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes until the desired level of doneness is reached.
Can I cook a flat iron steak to medium-rare on the stove?
Yes, you can cook a flat iron steak to medium-rare on the stove. Follow the cooking instructions mentioned earlier and adjust the cooking time according to your preference. For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side and then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.