How to Cook a Flatiron Steak | Perfectly Every time

Cooking a succulent Flat Iron steak at home is surprisingly simple — just follow the right techniques and you’ll be rewarded with a juicy, flavorful piece of meat. Whether you’re looking for a classic steakhouse-style dinner or an easy weeknight meal that’s sure to impress, this guide will help you every step of the way. We’ll walk you through selecting the perfect cut of steak, preparing it properly, and cooking it to ultimate perfection. With our expert tips in hand, learning how to cook a flatiron steak doesn’t have to be intimidating; so let’s get started.

Flat Iron Steak Overview

What Is A Flat Iron Steak?

Before finding out how to cook a Flatiron steak, you need to learn some basics first. A Flat Iron steak is a cut of beef taken from the shoulder of the cow. It’s named after its shape — a flat, rectangular cut that looks much like an old-fashioned metal flatiron. The Flat Iron steak has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its low cost and incredibly tender texture. When cooked properly, it offers bold, beefy flavor and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What Are The Nutritional Facts Of Flat Iron Steak?

Flat Iron steak is an excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc. It also contains a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. Three ounces (85 grams) of cooked Flat Iron steak provides about 170 calories and 22 grams of protein.

How To Prepare A Flat Iron Steak?

Step 1: Select The Perfect Cut Of Meat

The key to a well-cooked Flat Iron steak is selecting the right cut. Look for steaks that are bright red in color and have plenty of marbling — this indicates a higher fat content, which helps keep your steak tender and juicy. You should also look for steaks with an even thickness so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepping The Steak

Once you have your steak, it’s time to prep it for cooking. First, pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking — this gives the meat a chance to absorb all the seasonings and come to an even temperature.

How To Cook A Flatiron Steak?

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Once the steak is seared, transfer it to a baking dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Be sure to check frequently — you want to make sure that the internal temperature of the steak reaches at least 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare.

Step 2: Let The Steak Rest

Once your steak is cooked to the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes — this allows the juices inside the steak to redistribute evenly throughout.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

Once the steak has rested, it’s time to dig in! Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve with your favorite sides. You can also add a little sauce or butter for extra flavor if you like. Now all that’s left is to sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect Flat Iron steak.

Now that you know how to cook a Flatiron steak, why not get creative and try out different seasonings or marinades? There are endless possibilities for customizing this classic dish — so go ahead and explore.

How Long To Cook A Flat Iron Steak For?

After knowing how to cook a Flatiron steak, you may want to know how much time it takes to cook it. The cooking time for a Flat Iron steak will vary depending on the thickness of the cut and your desired doneness. For best results, use an instant read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat as it cooks — medium-rare is about 140°F (60°C). As a general rule, you should plan for about 8-10 minutes of cooking time per inch (2.5 cm) of steak thickness.

What Are Tips To Cook Flat Iron Steak?

• Always buy the freshest cut of beef you can find — this will ensure you get maximum flavor and tenderness in your finished steak.
• Let your steak rest at room temperature before cooking so that it cooks evenly.
• Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak — this will help create a nice, flavorful crust.
• Use an instant read thermometer to make sure your steak reaches the desired doneness.
• Let your steak rest after cooking for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout and gives you a juicier finished product.
• Slice your steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Now that you know how to cook a flatiron steak, it’s time to fire up the stove and get cooking! With these simple tips and techniques, you can make restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen.

What Are Benefits And Drawbacks To Cook Flat Iron Steak?

Benefits

• Flat Iron steaks are cheaper than other cuts of beef, making them a great option for budget-friendly meals.
• The flat shape means the steak cooks quickly and evenly, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking it.
• The high fat content makes this cut incredibly juicy and flavorful — perfect for steakhouse-style dinners.

Drawbacks

• Flat Iron steaks don’t have as much marbling as some other cuts of beef, so they can be prone to drying out if cooked for too long at a high temperature.
• Due to its shape, Flat Iron steaks are not ideal for grilling or broiling — pan-searing is the preferred cooking method.
• Depending on where you live, Flat Iron steaks may not be widely available in stores or butcher shops.

What Is The Best Way To Season A Flat Iron Steak?

The best way to season a Flat Iron steak is to keep it simple. Salt and pepper are all you need! For maximum flavor, season both sides of the steak liberally before cooking. You can also try adding other herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika or cumin for extra flavor if desired. Keep in mind that simplicity is key — the natural flavor of the steak is what makes it so great, so don’t overdo it with too much seasoning.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Marinate A Flat Iron Steak?

If you want to add even more flavor to your Flat Iron steak, marinating is a great way to do it. All you need is some simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Start with some olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings — this will give the steak a delicious tangy flavor. Let the steak marinate for at least a few hours, up to overnight for maximum flavor. Then cook the steak as usual — you’ll be amazed by the delicious results.

What Utensils To Use To Cook A Flat Iron Steak?

The best utensils to use when cooking a Flat Iron steak are a heavy-bottomed skillet and an instant read thermometer. The skillet should be hot before adding the steak, so preheat it on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes while you prepare the steak. For accurate temperature readings, use an instant read thermometer—this will help you make sure the steak reaches the desired doneness. Finally, a good sharp knife is also helpful for slicing against the grain after cooking.

How To Serve A Flat Iron Steak?

A perfectly cooked Flat Iron steak is a thing of beauty and should be served as such! Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness, then serve with your favorite sides. A simple green salad and roasted potatoes are always a delicious pairing — or you can try serving it on top of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed onions. No matter how you choose to serve it, you’ll be sure to impress your dinner guests with this delicious steak.

How To Store A Flat Iron Steak?

Once cooked, Flat Iron steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it properly, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. If you need to store it longer than that, you can freeze it — just make sure to wrap the steak securely before freezing so that no air gets into the package and the steak stays fresh. Stored properly, a frozen Flat Iron steak will stay good for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: How To Cook A Flat Iron Steak?

Cooking a perfect Flat Iron steak is easy with the right tools and techniques. Start by selecting a good cut of beef from your local butcher shop or grocery store. Let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking, then season it liberally on both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the steak for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness, or until it reaches the desired doneness. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving with your favorite sides. Thank you for reading “how to cook a Flatiron steak?”.

FAQs: Flat Iron Steak

Is a flat iron steak tender?

The tenderness and juiciness of a flat iron steak are largely determined by its butchering technique. While this cut is known for its exceptional flavor, there is a sinew that runs through the flat iron steak, adding a unique touch. Skilled butchers carefully navigate this aspect to ensure a delectable dining experience.

Why is my flat iron steak chewy?

Although the cut can be tender and succulent, a line of fibrous tissue, also known as sinew or tendon, runs through the center of the steak. This can result in some bites being tough, chewy, and far from enjoyable. The flat iron steak is derived from the chuck portion of the cow, specifically its lower neck and shoulder region.

How do you tenderize flat iron steak?

When it comes to seasoning your steak, don’t hold back on the salt. Not only does salt enhance the flavor, but it also works its magic to tenderize the meat. Make sure to generously salt both sides of the steak before marinating it. Additionally, allow the steak to rest at room temperature after removing it from the marinade before you begin cooking. This step is crucial for optimal results.

What is flat iron steak best used for?

The flat iron steak, known for its versatility, can be prepared using various cooking methods. It lends itself well to steak recipes such as stir-frys or steak fajitas, and can be equally delicious when grilled, broiled, or pan fried. Its exceptional marbling enhances the steak, resulting in a succulent and flavorful experience when cooked to a perfect medium-rare doneness.

Can you overcook flat iron steak?

The flat iron steak is exceptionally tender and boasts a generous marbling, making it a prime choice for grilling. While some cooks may instinctively marinate all beef cuts, the flat iron steak requires no tenderizing. However, it is important to exercise caution and avoid overcooking it.

Do you cut flat iron steak before cooking?

Proper cutting is crucial when preparing tougher cuts of meat, such as flat iron steak. To maximize tenderness, it is important to cut across the grain. Allow me to elaborate. When examining a flat iron steak, you will notice thin strips of muscle running predominantly in one direction. By cutting perpendicular to these grain lines, you enhance the overall tenderness and texture of the meat.

Is flat iron steak more tender than sirloin?

Sirloin steak is renowned for its coarser texture, owing to its origin from tougher muscles that inherently possess tougher fibers. On the other hand, flat iron steak offers a more tender experience as it is derived from the high-quality muscle located in the upper section of the cow.

Is flat iron steak better than filet mignon?

The flat iron steak is a newer, innovative cut taken from the top blade of the chuck. It boasts exceptional tenderness, second only to filet mignon, and delivers a robust, beefy flavor. With its impressive marbling and tender texture, this steak is steadily gaining popularity among steak enthusiasts.

Should flat iron steak be rare?

Indulge in the delectable Grilled Flat Iron Steak from Fifteen Spatulas. For those who relish a medium-rare delight, I highly recommend savoring it at that perfect temperature. However, if you prefer a different level of doneness, allow me to provide you with some guidelines: If you desire your steak to be rare, with a very red and cool interior, aim for a temperature of 125°. For a beautiful medium-rare, with a warm and red interior, 135° is the sweet spot. And if you prefer your steak to be medium, with a warm and pink interior, aim for 145°. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak with these temperature recommendations.

Is flat iron steak underrated?

In the world of beef cuts, it’s often the slow and steady contenders that emerge victorious. When it comes to butchering, there are five steak cuts that deserve more recognition: Chuck Eye, Tri-Tip, Flat Iron, Hanger Steak, and Brisket. While they may not enjoy the same level of fame as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon, these cuts offer their own unique qualities and flavors that are worth exploring.

How many times do you flip flat iron steak?

For optimal results, follow these steps to grill your flat iron steak to perfection. Begin by grilling the first side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful crust forms. Then, carefully flip the steak and continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes. To ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use an instant-read thermometer like the Thermoworks MK4 Thermapen to check the internal temperature. Once it reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the steak from the grill. Enjoy this deliciously grilled flat iron steak.

Can I cook a flat iron steak from frozen?

Discover the secret to cooking the perfect steak – even when it’s frozen! Contrary to what you might think, cooking steaks straight from the freezer can actually result in a mouthwatering steak dinner. The beauty of this method lies in its ability to prevent overcooking. This is particularly advantageous for thick-cut steaks, as they are more forgiving when it comes to cooking times. So, get ready to elevate your steak game with this unconventional yet effective cooking technique.