This garlic butter skillet flank steak is tender and full of flavor! It’s cooked to perfection, then finished in the oven for a juicy bite with a tasty garlic butter sauce.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up. Just sear, finish it off in the oven, and enjoy! I love serving it with veggies or on a bed of mashed potatoes. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and great for quick cooking. If you’re looking for a more tender option, consider using sirloin or ribeye instead. Just remember that cooking times may vary with different cuts.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps with searing. If you need a substitute, avocado oil is a great option with a high smoke point for frying.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the flavors. If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or even olive oil for a lighter touch.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are ideal, but you can use dried herbs if that’s all you have. For a different flavor, try oregano or basil instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor. If you prefer, you can use garlic powder, but the flavor won’t be as strong. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for 4 cloves of fresh garlic.
How Can I Achieve a Perfectly Searing Flank Steak?
Searing is key to developing that tasty crust and flavor. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. Use a cast iron skillet if you have one; it retains heat well.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to help it sear better.
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
- Don’t move the steak around while it’s cooking; let it sear properly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get a great crust on your flank steak every time!
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time searing the steak and finishing it in the oven, plus a few minutes for it to rest after cooking. In under an hour, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for the steak when you need it.
2. Seasoning the Steak:
Grab your flank steak and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the steak get a nice sear. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. You want to make sure it’s nicely coated for flavor!
3. Searing the Steak:
In a large, oven-safe skillet—preferably cast iron—heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the flank steak. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until you see a beautiful brown crust form. This step locks in the juices and flavor.
4. Adding Flavor:
Now, it’s time to boost the flavor! In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything around and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Buttering it Up:
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter over the steak. This adds a rich flavor that you’ll love!
6. Roasting in the Oven:
Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the steak for about 5-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on how thick the steak is and how you like it cooked—aim for about 5-6 minutes for medium-rare or 8-10 minutes for medium.
7. Resting Before Slicing:
When the steak reaches your preferred doneness, carefully take the skillet out of the oven and place the flank steak on a cutting board to rest. It’s important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a tender steak!
8. Slicing and Serving:
After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve it up on a plate, drizzling the tasty pan juices over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. If you’d like, squeeze some fresh lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and type of meat you choose. Always check for your desired doneness with a meat thermometer.
How Can I Make This Recipe Without an Oven?
No oven? No problem! You can cook the flank steak entirely on the stovetop. After searing the steak, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid to allow it to cook through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, and check for doneness by cutting into the steak or using a meat thermometer.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches!
