Flat iron steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is often overlooked in favor of more expensive cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. However, when prepared properly, flat iron steak can be just as delicious and satisfying. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to cook flat iron steak, you’ve come to the right place.
1. FAQs When Cooking Flat Iron Steak
1.1. How To Tenderize Flat Iron Steak?
Pounding: This is popular method for tenderizing flat iron steak. To do this, place your steak on a cutting board and cover it with a piece of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to pound the steak until it has reached your desired level of tenderness. Be sure to not pound the steak too much, as this can cause it to become too tough.
Marinating the steak aslo can help to break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and spices. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
1.2. Is it Better To Season or Marinate Flat Iron Steak?
If you have a Flat Iron Steak, marinating it is generally a better option than just seasoning it. This is because the acidic ingredients in a marinade can help to break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender.
Be sure to marinate the steak for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and help tenderize it. Before cooking, make sure to pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess marinade, as too much liquid on the surface can prevent it from properly searing and browning.
2. How To Cook Flat Iron Steak in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 flat iron steak
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 degrees C).
Place steak in a shallow dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Then mix everything together.
Place the flat iron steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure to coat the steak evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
Place marinaded steak in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes on each side
Remove the steak from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then cut it into thin slices.
Serve the steak with side dishes. Enjoy!
3. How To Cook Flat Iron Steak on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 flat iron steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, rosemary, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Mix together until all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
Place the flat iron steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure to coat the steak evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
When ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the pan and cook 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or 5-6 minutes on each side for medium (depending on the thickness of the steak).
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
4. How To Cook Flat Iron Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 flat iron steaks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
In a shallow dish, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
Place the steaks in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4 minutes on each side for medium rare, 5 minutes on each side for medium, and 6 – 7 minutes on each side for well done.(depending on the thickness of the steak).
Remove from the air fryer, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
5. What To Serve With Flat Iron Steak?
Serve the flat iron steak with a medley of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautee fresh green beans with garlic and butter for a simple and tasty side dish that complements the flat iron steak’s rich flavor.
Creamed Spinach: Creamed spinach is a luxurious side that pairs well with steak. The creamy and savory flavors work wonderfully together.
Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the flat iron steak perfectly. You can add some butter, milk or cream, and seasonings like garlic and chives to enhance the flavor.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: A refreshing salad of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil is a great way to balance the richness of the flat iron steak.
Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can serve as a fresh and vibrant contrast to the hearty steak.
Cooking flat iron steak is a great way to enjoy a delicious steak dinner without breaking the bank. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can now confidently cook flat iron steak and enjoy a delicious meal.
