This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is juicy and full of flavor! It’s cooked in a hot skillet, then finished in the oven for extra tenderness, making it a winner for dinner.
Who doesn’t love a meal that makes you feel like a chef? I enjoy serving it with some veggies on the side and a smile, because it’s just that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean but flavorful, perfect for quick cooking. If you can’t find flank steak, you can use skirt steak or sirloin as great alternatives for grilling or skillet frying.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or vegan butter for a similar richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove). Just remember that the flavor won’t be as robust!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add a lovely aroma. Dried herbs are fine as backups but use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated. I usually find that fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor!
Olive Oil: It’s used for searing the steak. Feel free to swap it for avocado oil for a higher smoke point or blend it with butter for added flavor.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Searing Flank Steak?
Searing is crucial for locking in flavor and juices. Here are some tips to achieve that delicious crust:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. You want that sizzle!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear in batches to maintain the temperature.
- Only flip the steak once per side. This will help develop a nice sear.
- Let it rest after cooking! It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the steak and getting everything ready, and then it cooks for about 20 minutes, including the time in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for cooking the steak evenly.
2. Prepare the Steak:
Take the flank steak and pat it dry using paper towels. This helps create a nice crust! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding the steak.
4. Sear the Steak:
Add the seasoned flank steak to the hot skillet. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown crust to form – that’s what you want!
5. Add Garlic Butter:
Next, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. As the butter melts, carefully spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak for about 2 minutes. This is where all the flavor comes from!
6. Bake in the Oven:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the steak for about 6-8 minutes, depending on how you like your steak (for medium-rare, you want an internal temperature of about 130-135°F).
7. Rest the Steak:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time is super important because it helps keep the juices inside the meat.
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle some of that lovely garlic butter sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want. Serve it warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious garlic butter skillet flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just adjust the cooking times, as these cuts may vary in thickness and tenderness.
How Do I Check the Doneness of the Steak?
The best way to check doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also use the finger test for doneness; medium-rare will feel slightly firm, but still tender when pressed.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Pair with Flank Steak?
This steak pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce!
How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or broth to keep it moist. You can also slice it and add it to salads or wraps for a quick meal!
