This garlic butter skillet flank steak is a mouthwatering dish that’s quick to prepare. The rich flavors of garlic and butter really shine through, making it a hit for dinner!
Cooking this steak is a breeze! I love how it goes from stove to oven while keeping the meat juicy. Plus, it’s great with a side of veggies or mashed potatoes. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for searing due to its rich flavor. If you can’t find flank steak, try skirt steak or sirloin as good alternatives. Both will give you a juicy result.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. You could use ghee or olive oil instead for a dairy-free option. I often use a mix of both for added richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. In a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but fresh will elevate the dish. More garlic never hurts in my book!
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are fragrant additions. Dried herbs are fine too—just use less (1/3 of the amount). Sometimes I mix in a bit of oregano for a twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on Flank Steak?
Searing your steak is key for locking in flavor. Here’s how to get that perfect crust:
- Start with steak at room temperature to ensure even cooking. This is crucial!
- Heat your skillet until it’s shimmering; this means it’s hot enough to sear. Don’t rush this step.
- Place the steak in the skillet and let it be—don’t move it around too much. After 4-5 minutes, it should easily lift off the pan when it’s ready to flip.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crust that makes this dish amazing!
Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds flank steak
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious flank steak recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, plus resting time. In total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. A quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flank Steak:
Start by taking your flank steak out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook evenly. Once it’s ready, pat the steak dry with paper towels. Then, generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This will give the steak great flavor!
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Next, grab a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it to be shimmering but not smoking. That’s when you know it’s hot enough for a good sear!
3. Sear the Steak:
Carefully place the seasoned flank steak into the hot skillet. Let it sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving it—this helps form a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once it’s nicely seared, flip the steak over and reduce the heat to medium.
4. Add Garlic Butter:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steak with the buttery garlic mixture. Keep cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes for medium-rare or until the steak reaches your preferred doneness. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for about 130°F for medium-rare!
5. Rest the Steak:
Once cooked to your liking, take the skillet off the heat. Carefully transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.
6. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter skillet flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the cut, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Rosemary or Thyme?
Yes! If you don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand, you can use other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a simpler garlic butter flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the steak and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to retain its moisture. You can also drizzle a little extra garlic butter over it to refresh the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Slice Flank Steak?
To achieve tender slices, always slice flank steak against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes the steak more tender and easier to chew. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean edges!
