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 Flatiron steak tender?

Flat Iron steak is an economical cut with a robust flavor and tenderness. It comes from the second most tender muscle in the body, after the Tenderloin. It is well marbled, offering juicy texture and enhanced flavor.

Why is my Flatiron steak chewy?

Flat iron steak is best served medium-rare Never serve it overcooked, as this can lead to a tough, chewy texture.

How do you tenderize Flatiron steak?

Marinating flat iron steak can help to add flavor and depth. Marinades can also help to tenderize the steak by breaking down some of the tougher muscle fibers.

What is Flatiron steak best used for?

Flat iron steak is a versatile cut of steak that can be cooked by several methods. It is great for recipes like stir-frys and fajitas. It can also be grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. Cooking to medium-rare doneness will result in a juicy, flavorful steak.

Can you overcook Flatiron steak?

Flat iron steak should be cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooking can make it tough and chewy.

Do you cut Flatiron steak before cooking?

Flatiron steak should be cut before cooking. It is advised to slice it against the grain for tenderness. This cut remains juicy even if cooked well done. It has better flavor, tenderness, and price than rib eye.

Is Flatiron steak more tender than sirloin?

Flat iron steak is more tender than sirloin due to its high-grade muscle being taken from the upper section of the cow. Sirloin steak has a coarser texture stemming from tougher muscles and fibers.

Is Flatiron steak better than filet mignon?

Flat iron steak is a newer cut of steak, originating from the chuck. It is the second most tender steak, and has a bold flavor with great marbling and texture. Filet mignon is more tender, but flat iron steak has grown in popularity among steak lovers.

Is Flatiron steak underrated?

Flatiron steak is an underrated cut of beef that offers a rich, beefy flavor profile when cooked. Due to its well marbled nature, flatiron steak can be cooked in various ways – grilled, broiled, seared and slow cooked. It cooks quickly and is considered to be a more budget-friendly option in comparison to other cuts.

How many times do you flip Flatiron steak?

When grilling Flatiron steak, one flip is usually all that is needed. Aim for the internal temperature of the steak to be between 130-140 degrees F before removing it from the grill. Let the steak rest before plating and serving.

Can I cook a Flatiron steak from frozen?

Cook frozen Flatiron steak to reduce gray band. The steak will get up to temperature on the surface for a crispy sear. Frozen meat takes longer to heat up, resulting in thinner gray band.