Steak is a versatile and delicious protein that can be cooked in various ways, depending on your preferences. Among the different types of steak, flat iron steak has gained popularity in recent years due to its tenderness and flavor. This article will guide you through cooking flat iron steak to perfection.
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first understand what flat iron steak is and how to choose the right cut.
Choosing the Right Cut
When choosing a flat iron steak, look for one that has consistent marbling and is about 1-2 inches thick. The marbling in the steak will provide flavor and tenderness, while the thickness will ensure that the steak cooks evenly.
Now that we have the right cut of meat let’s move on to the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- Flat iron steak
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Butter (optional)
- Garlic cloves (optional)
- Rosemary sprigs (optional)
Tools:
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Steps to Cook Flat Iron Steak
Step 1: Preparation
Remove the flat iron steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Preheat the skillet
Put the skillet on the stovetop and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, swirl a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil around it to coat the bottom.
Step 3: Sear the steak
Place the seasoned flat iron steak into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a crust forms. Use tongs to flip the steak, and don’t move the steak around too much to ensure that a crust forms.
Step 4: Add butter, garlic, and rosemary (optional)
If desired, add a few garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, and a tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter and aromatics.
Step 5: Check the temperature
Utilize a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium, the temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
Step 6: Rest the steak
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender steak.
Step 7: Slice and serve
After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Cooked Flat Iron Steak
Many delicious sides pair well with flat iron steak. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a great complement to steak. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven until tender and golden brown.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for steak. You can make them with butter, milk, and your favorite seasonings.
- Grilled Corn – Grilled corn on the cob is a summery side that pairs well with steak. Brush the corn with butter and grill it until it’s charred and tender.
- Baked Sweet Potato – A baked sweet potato is a healthy and flavorful side dish for steak. Top it with butter and cinnamon for a sweet and savory combination.
- Salad – A fresh salad is a great way to balance out a rich steak dinner. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread – A warm and toasty garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that goes well with steak. You can make it by toasting slices of bread with garlic butter and herbs.
- Rice Pilaf – Rice pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with steak. You can make it with long-grain rice, chicken broth, and spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika.
Consider your preferences and dietary restrictions when choosing sides to serve with your steak. Enjoy your meal!
You May Also Interested:
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- How Long to Cook Chuck Roast in Oven
- How to Cook Beef Ribs
How to Cook Flat Iron Steak in Oven?
Here’s a brief overview of how to cook flat iron steak in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Season your flat iron steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Preheat an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop using medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Once the skillet is hot, sear the flat iron steak on both sides until a crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet with the steak to the preheated oven and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your flat iron steak and the desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the appropriate temperature. Enjoy your delicious flat iron steak cooked to perfection in the oven!
How to Cook Flat Iron Steak in an Air Fryer?
Here’s a brief overview of how to cook flat iron steak in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- Season your flat iron steak with spices on both sides.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check the inner temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium, the temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Cook Flat Iron Steak on the Stove?
Follow these steps to cook flat iron steak on the stove:
- Allow the steak to reach room temperature, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a skillet with oil on high heat.
- Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Cook Flat Iron Steak on Grill?
Follow these steps to cook flat iron steak on the grill:
- Give the steak enough time to warm up to room temperature, and apply a light dusting of salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
- Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into slices and serving.
Grilling flat iron steak is a great way to enjoy its tender and flavorful meat. Enjoy your delicious grilled flat iron steak!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How flat iron steak is best cooked?
Flat iron steak is best cooked using high heat methods such as grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. These methods help develop a nice crust on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
It’s important to season the steak with salt and pepper before cooking and to let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium. Enjoy your delicious flat iron steak!
How do I know my flat iron steak is done?
There are several ways to tell if your flat iron steak is done:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to determine the steak’s internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach 130°F (54°C), and for medium, it should reach 135°F (57°C).
- Touch test: Use your fingers to test the steak’s doneness by comparing it to the firmness of different parts of your hand. A rare steak will feel like the base of your thumb when you touch your thumb to your index finger, while a medium steak will feel like the base of your thumb while touching your thumb to your middle finger.
- Visual cues: Look at the color and texture of the meat. For medium-rare, the inside of the steak should be pink with a warm red center, while a medium steak will have a slightly pink center with a more browned exterior.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the meat is tender and flavorful.
Why is my flat iron steak chewy?
There are a few reasons why your flat iron steak may be chewy:
- Overcooking: Flat iron steak is a relatively thin cut of meat, so it cooks quickly. Overcooking it can result in a tough, chewy texture.
- Not resting the steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute. If you cut into the steak too soon, the juices will escape, and the meat will be tougher
- Not slicing against the grain: Slicing the steak against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers and make the meat tenderer. Ensure that you slice the meat perpendicular to its grain.
- Poor quality meat: Flat iron steak is generally a tender cut, but if the meat is tough, it will be chewy no matter how cooked.
To avoid a chewy flat iron steak, cook it properly and let it rest before slicing. Choose high-quality meat and slice against the grain for the best texture.
Can flat iron steak be tender?
Yes, flat iron steak can be tender. It is a relatively tender cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. However, it is important to cook it properly to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
Is flat iron steak a cheap cut of meat?
Flat iron steak is generally considered to be an affordable cut of meat. While it may not be as cheap as other cuts, such as ground beef or stew meat, it is less expensive than premium cuts, such as filet mignon or ribeye. However, the price can vary depending on the region and the specific butcher or store.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, flat iron steak is a flavorful and relatively tender cut of beef that can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, broiling, pan-searing, and oven-baking.
To ensure a delicious and juicy steak, it’s important to season the meat well before cooking, use high heat to develop a nice crust outside, and let it sit for a 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Paying attention to the steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer can help ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can easily cook a perfect flat iron steak as a main course or in various dishes with the right techniques.