Flat iron steak has become a favorite cut among home cooks because it delivers rich beef flavor and impressive tenderness without the high price of premium steaks. Cut from the shoulder area of the cow, this steak has excellent marbling that helps it stay juicy when cooked properly.
In this guide, you’ll learn three reliable techniques that bring out the best in flat iron steak, along with detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you get perfect results every time.
1. How to Cook Flat Iron Steak on Stovetop ( Yield: 6 Serving )
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flat iron steak
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or other dry red wine)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions
Prepare the steak
Remove the flat iron steak from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to help it sear properly.
Season the meat
In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and dry mustard powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on both sides of the steak and gently rub it into the surface.
Heat the skillet
Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it begins to shimmer.
Sear the steak
Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes without moving it so a deep golden crust forms. Flip the steak and cook another 4–5 minutes for medium-rare, or slightly longer depending on your desired doneness.
Add garlic and herbs
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and chives to the pan. Spoon the hot oil and juices over the steak to infuse it with flavor.
Deglaze with wine
Pour the Cabernet Sauvignon into the pan. Allow it to simmer for about 1–2 minutes while gently scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen flavorful browned bits.
Rest and slice
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender. Spoon the pan sauce over the slices before serving.
2. How to Cook Flat Iron Steak on Grill ( Yield: 4 Serving )
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flat iron steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.
Marinate the steak
Place the flat iron steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak and ensure it is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat the grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400–450°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Season before grilling
Remove the steak from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
Grill the steak
Place the steak on the hot grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred doneness.
Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer if desired. Medium-rare is about 130–135°F, while medium is around 140–145°F.
Rest the meat
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Slice and serve
Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve with grilled vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
3. How to Cook Flat Iron Steak in the Oven ( Yield: 6 Serving )
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flat iron steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or place an oven-safe skillet inside the oven while it heats.
Prepare the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Season the steak
Pat the flat iron steak dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat.
Sear for extra flavor (optional)
For a deeper crust, heat a skillet over high heat and sear the steak for about 1–2 minutes per side before transferring it to the oven.
Bake the steak
Place the steak on the prepared baking sheet or in the skillet and cook in the oven for about 10–12 minutes for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
Use the broiler if desired
If you want a slightly crisp exterior, turn on the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Rest before slicing
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain before serving.
Once you learn these techniques, preparing flat iron steak becomes simple and reliable. With a few pantry ingredients and proper cooking times, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak at home. Try each method to find your favorite and pair the steak with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh salads for a complete and delicious meal.
