How to cook a flatiron steak? – Professional guide

Cooking flatiron steak is an incredibly easy and delicious way to make a flavorful steak entree. This cut of beef comes from the shoulder, and it is very tender when cooked correctly. Flatiron steaks are known for their marbling, which means that they have small streaks of fat running through them that partly melt while cooking and add flavor and moistness to the meat. With just a few simple steps you can learn how to cook a flatiron steak every time.

What is a flatiron steak?

Flatiron steak is cut from the shoulder of a cow, making it an especially flavorful and tender piece of meat. It has lots of unique marbling throughout which helps to add moisture and flavor while cooking. Plus, flatiron steaks are fairly inexpensive compared to other cuts of beef, so they make for a great budget-friendly option when you’re craving a steak.

Is it difficult to cook flatiron steak?

Cooking a flatiron steak is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require too much effort. It’s just a matter of seasoning the steak, heating up your grill or pan, and searing the steak for four to five minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit (for medium rare). As long as you don’t overcook it, you’ll be sure to have a juicy, flavorful steak.

Preparing your flatiron steak to cook with the proper steps

• When preparing your flatiron steak, it is important to select the right cut for your intended recipe. If you are cooking a fajita or taco dish, look for cuts that have even marbling of fat and no large patches of fat. For a juicy grilled steak, find steaks with more marbling and larger pieces of fat.
• Once you have selected the best cut for your recipe, it is important to trim any excess fat or sinews off of the steak. Trimming will help ensure even cooking and prevent the steak from becoming tough.
• Next, season the steak with salt and pepper, or marinate it in an overnight mixture of oil, herbs and spices if desired. This will help build flavor and tenderize the steak.
• Finally, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking throughout and prevent the steak from becoming tough or dry. With these steps, you should have a perfectly cooked flatiron steak every time.

How to cook a flatiron steak?

Grilling

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the steak lightly with oil and season both sides with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for four to five minutes per side (or until you reach an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-searing

Heat a heavy, cast iron pan over medium-high heat until it is hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle when dropped on the surface. Brush the steak with oil and season both sides with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. Place the steak in the preheated pan and cook for four to five minutes per side (or until you reach an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Broiling

Preheat your oven’s broiler to medium-high heat and adjust the shelf so that it is four to six inches away from the heating element. Brush the steak lightly with oil and season both sides with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. Place the steak on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and place it under the preheated broiler. Cook for four to five minutes per side (or until you reach an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

How long does it take to cook flatiron steak?

When cooked to medium-rare, flatiron steak takes about four to five minutes per side on the grill or in a pan. If you are broiling the steak, it should take about the same amount of time—four to five minutes per side. Keep an eye on your steak as it cooks and use a meat thermometer if necessary to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Factors affecting the cooking time of flatiron steak

After knowing how to cook a flatiron steak, we will learn about factors affecting the cooking time of it. There are several factors that can affect the cooking time of a flatiron steak, such as thickness and type of heat source. Generally, thicker steaks will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Additionally, if you are grilling or pan-searing your steak, it is important to make sure that the surface of your grill or pan is very hot before adding the steak. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly throughout and doesn’t dry out. If you are broiling, you should adjust the distance of your oven shelf from the heating element depending on how thick the steak is. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your flatiron steak comes out perfectly cooked every time.

How to know when your flatiron steak is done?

The best way to know when your flatiron steak is done cooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and take a reading. For medium rare steaks, you should aim for an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your steak reaches this temperature, it’s ready to eat! Be sure to let your steak rest for a few minutes before serving, so that the juices remain in the meat and don’t run out when cut into it.

Tips and tricks to achieve the perfect flatiron steak

• Trim any excess fat or sinews off of the steak before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent toughness.
• Season your steak with salt and pepper, or marinate it in an overnight mixture of oil, herbs and spices if desired. This will help build flavor and tenderize the steak.
• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Use an instant-read thermometer when cooking a flatiron steak, as this will help ensure that it cooks evenly throughout and reaches the desired internal temperature.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving to ensure that the juices remain in the meat and don’t run out when cut into it.

Serving suggestions to make your flatiron steak perfect

Once your flatiron steak is cooked to perfection, there are endless options for serving it. Here are some suggestions for making your steak even more delicious:

• Serve it with a classic steak sauce such as béarnaise or chimichurri.
• Slice it thinly and serve over a salad or pasta dish.
• Make a steak sandwich with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, onions and your favorite condiments.
• Add it to a quesadilla or wrap for a tasty lunch option.
• Serve it alongside roasted potatoes and vegetables of your choice for a hearty meal.
• Top it with sautéed mushrooms, garlic butter or other flavorful toppings.

Conclusion: How to cook a flatiron steak?

Knowing how to cook a flatiron steak the right way will ensure that you have a perfectly cooked steak every time. Start by trimming any excess fat or sinews off of the steak before cooking. Then, season it with salt and pepper, or marinate it in an overnight mixture of oil, herbs and spices if desired. Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking and use an instant-read thermometer to help ensure that it cooks evenly throughout and reaches the desired internal temperature. Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving, so that the juices remain in the meat and don’t run out when cut into it. Finally, serve your flatiron steak with classic sauces or accompaniments of your choice to make it extra delicious.

FAQ: Flatiron steak

How long will a flatiron steak stay fresh?

When refrigerated, flatiron steaks can maintain freshness for up to 5 days. If vacuum packed, they can be frozen for up to 1 year while maintaining quality and taste at 100% freshness.

Is flatiron steak moist or dry?

Experience the ultimate texture of flatiron steak: impeccably moist and tender when expertly prepared.

How should I store a flatiron steak?

Properly storing a flatiron steak is crucial. Eliminate any excess air by securely wrapping it. If you plan to save it for later, unwrap it from the original packaging and carefully rewrap it in a freezer bag or butcher paper, making sure to eliminate any lingering air.

Is flatiron steak a cheap cut?

The Flat Iron steak is known for its tenderness, coming in as the second most tender cut after the tenderloin. Not only is it incredibly tender, but it also comes at a lower cost compared to other cuts. While a pound of Flat Iron steak typically costs around $4, a pound of tenderloin steak could cost upwards of $10.

How tough is flatiron steak?

Discover the true toughness of flatiron steak: its texture depends on the butchering process. While this steak is known for being tender and juicy, there’s a sinew line that may require some careful consumption. Uncover the secrets of this delectable cut and savor every bite.

Should flat iron steak be medium-rare?

Achieve the ultimate flavor and tenderness by cooking flat iron steak to a perfect medium-rare. This careful preparation guarantees a juicy and flavorful steak, without the risk of an overcooked texture. To ensure the best results, utilize a meat thermometer to accurately reach the ideal internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is a flat iron steak tasty?

Flat iron steaks are known for their juicy and robust flavor. Not only is it tender, but its slightly nutty taste comes out in every bite. Marinate overnight or season with herbs and spices to make the most of this deliciously bold cut. Enjoy your steak with a side of roasted vegetables or potatoes for the ultimate dinner experience.

How do you tenderize a flat iron steak?

Effective tenderizing technique for flat iron steak: enhance flavor and tenderness by generously salting both sides of your steak before marinating. To further optimize tenderness, allow the steak to come to room temperature after marinating.

Should a flatiron steak be chewy?

Is your flatiron steak chewy? It may be because it’s been overcooked. For optimal tenderness, flat iron steak should be served medium-rare at most, and should never be cooked beyond medium.

Is flat iron better than sirloin?

Sirloin steak is renowned for its coarse texture, as it is sourced from tougher muscles with naturally tougher fibers. In contrast, flat iron steak is exceptionally tender, as it is sourced from the premium muscle at the upper section of the cow.