This garlic butter skillet flank steak is full of flavor and super easy to make! With a nice sear on the outside and juicy goodness inside, it’s a winner for any dinner.
Honestly, garlic and butter make everything better. I love serving it with veggies or on a bed of rice. It’s like a fancy meal without any fuss! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut of meat is known for its rich flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find flank steak, you could try skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives. They also work well in this recipe.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, use avocado oil or canola oil, which have a high smoke point and also work well for searing.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter or olive oil instead.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds delicious flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with garlic powder—just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary really bring this dish to life. If you don’t have fresh, feel free to use dried, but use only half the amount since dried is more potent. I like to keep some dried herbs on hand for convenience!
How Can I Ensure My Steak Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking flank steak to your preferred doneness can be tricky. The key is to start with a hot skillet to achieve a good sear. Follow these steps:
- Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking; this helps it cook evenly.
- Preheat the skillet and use oil that can handle high heat without smoking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 130°F.
- Remember to let the steak rest after cooking; this allows the juices to spread throughout!
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked and flavorful flank steak every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time plus 10-15 minutes for cooking. Don’t forget 30 minutes to let the steak sit at room temperature. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak:
Begin by taking the flank steak out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the steak cook evenly.
2. Seasoning:
Generously season both sides of the flank steak with salt and pepper. This helps build flavor in each delicious bite!
3. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and the oil starts to shimmer, you’re ready to cook!
4. Sear the Steak:
Place the flank steak in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side to achieve a nice brown crust for medium-rare. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 130°F for perfect doneness.
5. Add Garlic and Herbs:
In the last minute of cooking, move the steak to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. As the butter melts, use a spoon to drizzle it over the steak for that wonderful garlic flavor!
6. Rest the Steak:
Remove the skillet from heat and place the flank steak on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle, making your steak super juicy.
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet over your beautiful steak slices. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness, and enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly due to different thicknesses and fat content, so always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs work just fine! Use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and rosemary for each tablespoon of fresh called for. Just remember to add dried herbs a bit earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to bloom.
How Should I Store Leftover Steak?
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice it and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on low power, so it doesn’t become tough.
Can I Cook This Steak on the Grill?
Definitely! Flank steak is fantastic on the grill. Preheat your grill to high heat and follow the same searing instructions. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare. Just be sure to marinate with the garlic and herbs for added flavor before grilling!
