Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steak is one of the most underrated yet delicious cuts of beef. Juicy, tender, and packed full of flavor, it’s a real treat! My flat iron steak recipe takes this cut of meat to the next level with a simple marinade that adds even more flavor. Plus, once you know how to cook flat iron steak – you can have restaurant-worthy steak at home whenever you want!

Steak is such a versatile meat to cook with. It takes on marinades and seasonings really well, so it’s easy to create interesting flavor combinations. This flat iron steak recipe is marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic – it has a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.

But the best thing about cooking with flat iron steak has to be how quick and easy it is. Flat iron steak is thinner than your usual cuts of steak, which means it cooks in minutes. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner you can have on the table in no time!

What Is Flat Iron Steak?

Flat iron steak is cut from the chuck shoulder blade area of the steer, and it gets its name from the shape of the steak – which resembles an old-fashioned flat iron. 

While this area of the steer is known for being tough and chewy, flat iron is actually a very tender steak. The steak is sliced in a certain way to cut through the connective tissue and is said to be the second most tender cut.

Essentially, flat iron steak is a great value cut that delivers flavor at an affordable price!

Flat iron steak is also a lean meat cut but often has nice marbling and fat throughout. This fat melts during cooking and helps make a tender and juicy steak. Also known as top blade steak, butler steak, or oyster blade steak – learning how to cook flat iron steak can open up a world of tasty possibilities!

Why You’ll Love This Flat Iron Steak Recipe

• Flavorful steak. Once you try this flat iron steak, you won’t want to go back to regular steak recipes! The marinade adds a yummy flavor and helps bring out the best of the steak.
• Super simple. All you need to do is mix up the delicious marinade ingredients, pour it over the steak, then let it sit for at least an hour. Cooking it is just as easy – this flat iron steak recipe is truly a no-fuss way to enjoy steak at home!
• Great budget option. It’s no secret steak can get expensive. There are so many different cuts to choose from, but what’s great about flat iron steak is that you get all the incredible flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Flat Iron Steak Recipe

For the Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Garlic clove 
• Scallions
• Flat iron steak

For the Seasoning Mix

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Olive oil

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to Cook Flat Iron Steak

1. Combine the marinade ingredients and add the flat iron steak.
2. Let sit for 1 hour, up to overnight.
3. Remove the flat iron steak from the marinade.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a medium pan over medium heat.
6. Cook the flat iron steak in the hot skillet for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 135ºF, or your desired doneness.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes on a wooden cutting board. Slice against the grain and serve.

How to Slice Flat Iron Steak

Believe it or not, there is a “right” way to slice flat iron steak. You’ll want to cut your steak against the grain for the best results. The grain of flat iron steak runs lengthwise across the steak, so slicing against it helps break down those tough muscle fibers and make it even more tender.

A good quality set of steak knives can help you get the job done properly. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend investing in a good set – it makes all the difference!

Flat Iron Steak Recipe Variations

This is a great recipe as it is, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

• Alternative steak: While this recipe teaches you how to cook flat iron steak, you can also use your favorite cuts of beef! New York strip, skirt steak, and flank steak are all great options. Just be sure to alter the cooking times according to the thickness of the steak.
• Marinade: Switch it up by adding different flavors to the marinade to suit your tastes. Balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, as I used in my Tri Trip recipe, would work great! Ingredients like chili powder would add a nice spicy flavor, too.
• Olive oil: Any flavorless oil will work in this recipe, but I do like using good-quality olive oil. Butter will be a good alternative if you don’t have any oil in your pantry.

How to Serve Flat Iron Steak

• The flat iron steak is a thin cut of steak, making it the perfect addition for salads, sandwiches, and tacos.
• My chopped steak salad or leftover steak tacos are ideal for busy weeknights. Or, for something more substantial, you can serve your flat iron steak with roasted vegetables, such as brown sugar carrots or Brussels sprouts, and steakhouse mashed potatoes.
• Sliced flat iron steak would also make a brilliant game night meal! Serve with fresh pretzel bites, beer cheese sauce, and french fries for the ultimate game night feast.