How to Cook a Flat Iron Steak: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results
Table of Contents
Understanding Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steak is a popular cut of beef that comes from the top blade of the shoulder. This cut is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, making it a great choice for grilling or pan-searing. It is sometimes referred to as “butler’s steak” because it was once considered a less desirable cut that was reserved for the servants.
One of the key features of flat iron steak is its connective tissue. This tissue runs through the center of the cut and can make it tough if not prepared properly. However, when cooked correctly, the connective tissue breaks down and creates a tender, juicy steak.
The flat iron steak comes from the chuck primal near the shoulder of the cow, which is known for its rich marbling. Marbling refers to the fat that is interspersed throughout the meat, which adds flavor and tenderness. Premium Angus and USDA Prime are two grades of beef that are known for their high marbling and are great options for flat iron steak.
When purchasing flat iron steak, look for a cut that is evenly thick and has a good amount of marbling. Chicago Steak Company is a great source for high-quality beef, including flat iron steak.
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Preparing the Steak
Before cooking a flat iron steak, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure that it is as tender and flavorful as possible. Here are the steps I follow to prepare a flat iron steak:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the steak.
- Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the steak and rub it in with your hands. This will help the seasoning stick to the steak.
- Let the steak sit for a few minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Once the steak is properly seasoned and ready to cook, it is important to choose the right cooking method to ensure that it is cooked to perfection.
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Marinating the Steak
Marinating a flat iron steak is a simple and effective way to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. Here are some tips on how to marinate a flat iron steak:
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Choose the right marinade: A good marinade should contain acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, which help to tenderize the meat. Other common ingredients include soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
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Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade until well combined. You can also use a blender or food processor to create a smoother consistency.
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Marinate the steak: Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is fully coated with the marinade. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for several hours or overnight.
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Remove the steak from the marinade: When you’re ready to cook the steak, remove it from the bag and discard the marinade. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess marinade.
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Cook the steak: Preheat your grill or skillet to high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Here’s a table with some common marinade ingredients and their benefits:
| Marinade Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | Tenderizes the meat |
| Soy sauce | Adds umami flavor |
| Mustard | Adds tanginess |
| Garlic | Adds flavor and aroma |
| Italian seasoning | Adds herbal notes |
In summary, marinating a flat iron steak is a simple and effective way to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. Choose the right marinade, let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, and then cook it to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Methods
When it comes to cooking flat iron steak, there are several methods to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Grill
Grilling is a popular way to cook flat iron steak, especially during the summer months. To grill a flat iron steak, preheat the grill to high heat and place the steak on the grill. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Skillet
Cooking a flat iron steak in a skillet is a great option if you don’t have access to a grill. To cook a flat iron steak in a skillet, heat a little oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
Oven
If you prefer to cook your steak in the oven, you can do so by broiling or baking it. To broil a flat iron steak, preheat the broiler and place the steak on a broiler pan. Broil for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. To bake a flat iron steak, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cast Iron
Cooking a flat iron steak in a cast iron skillet is a great way to get a nice sear on the outside of the steak. To cook a flat iron steak in a cast iron skillet, heat the skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Add a little oil to the skillet, then add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
Pan-Seared
Pan-searing is another great option for cooking flat iron steak. To pan-sear a flat iron steak, heat a little oil in a skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
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Checking Doneness
When cooking a flat iron steak, it is important to check the doneness to ensure that it is cooked to your liking. Here are some ways to check the doneness of your steak:
Using a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the doneness of your steak. Here are the recommended temperatures for each level of doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
To use a meat thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak, being careful not to touch any bones. Wait a few seconds for the temperature to stabilize before reading it.
Measuring Doneness by Touch
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of your steak by touch. Here’s how:
- Rare: Press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel very soft and squishy, like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch it with your thumb.
- Medium-rare: Press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel slightly firm and springy, like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch your thumb to your pinky.
- Medium: Press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel firm and springy, like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch your thumb to your ring finger.
- Medium-well: Press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel very firm, like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch your thumb to your middle finger.
- Well-done: Press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel hard and unyielding, like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch your thumb to your index finger.
Cooking Times
Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your grill or pan. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
- Medium-well: 5-6 minutes per side
- Well-done: 6-7 minutes per side
Remember to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent them from spilling out.
By using a meat thermometer or measuring doneness by touch, you can ensure that your flat iron steak is cooked to your liking.
Enhancing Flavor
When it comes to cooking a delicious flat iron steak, enhancing the flavor is key. Here are some tips and tricks to make your steak taste even better:
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Season with salt and pepper: Before cooking your steak, generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the beef.
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Add garlic and rosemary: For an extra boost of flavor, try adding minced garlic and fresh rosemary to your steak. Simply chop up a few cloves of garlic and some fresh rosemary leaves and sprinkle them over the top of your steak before cooking.
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Use butter: Adding a pat of butter to your steak just before serving can help to enhance the richness and depth of flavor. You can also try basting your steak with melted butter while it cooks to help keep it moist and tender.
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Experiment with spices and herbs: If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spice blends and fresh herbs to add even more flavor to your steak. Some popular options include garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and thyme.
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Finish with balsamic vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar over your steak just before serving can add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the rich, beefy taste of flat iron steak.
Overall, there are many different ways to enhance the flavor of your flat iron steak. Whether you prefer simple salt and pepper or more complex spice blends and herb combinations, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you.
Serving the Steak
Once the flat iron steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up. Here are some tips to help you serve the steak like a pro:
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Let the steak rest: After removing the steak from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make the steak juicier and more flavorful.
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Slice against the grain: To ensure maximum tenderness, slice the steak against the grain. This will break up the muscle fibers and make the steak easier to chew.
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Serve with a golden-brown crust: To add some texture to the steak, serve it with a golden-brown crust. This can be achieved by searing the steak over high heat or by using a blowtorch.
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Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the steak against the grain. Dull knives can tear the muscle fibers and make the steak tougher.
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Serve with your favorite sides: Flat iron steak pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and salad.
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Save the leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
Overall, serving a flat iron steak is all about maximizing flavor and tenderness. By following these tips, you can serve up a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your guests.
Storing Leftovers
As a meat lover, I always try to cook more than I need so that I can enjoy the deliciousness of flat iron steak leftovers. However, storing leftovers can be tricky, and if not done correctly, it can lead to spoilage and wastage of food. Here are some tips on how to store flat iron steak leftovers:
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the best way to store flat iron steak leftovers. Once the steak has cooled down to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator. The steak can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
If you want to store the steak for longer, you can freeze it. Freezing can extend the shelf life of flat iron steak leftovers up to three months. Here’s how to do it:
- Wrap each piece of steak individually and tightly in freezer paper, which is a thick, coated plastic paper that can lock in moisture and keep air away.
- Place the wrapped steak in a heavy-duty freezer bag in one layer.
- Lay the bag on a flat surface and zip the bag until only a small opening remains.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bag completely.
- Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer.
Reheating
When reheating flat iron steak leftovers, it’s important to do it properly to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. Here are some methods for reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F. Place the steak on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the steak is heated through.
- Microwave: Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the steak is heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and heat until hot. Add the steak and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through.
In conclusion, storing flat iron steak leftovers is easy if you follow these simple steps. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze the steak, make sure to label it with the date and store it properly. When reheating, be careful not to overcook the steak and dry it out. Enjoy the deliciousness of your leftovers without any worries!
