This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is juicy, easy to whip up, and packed with rich flavor! All you need are flank steak, butter, and garlic—simple ingredients for a tasty meal.
Cooking it in a skillet makes it super quick, and using butter gives it that yummy taste we all love. I like to serve it with some veggies or mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is lean and flavorful but can be tough if not cooked properly. If necessary, a good substitute is skirt steak or even sirloin. Adjust cooking time for thinner cuts.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the seasoning. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using vegan butter or olive oil instead, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor, but jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch. You might use less since it’s more concentrated. Garlic powder is another alternative, though it won’t have the same fresh taste.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add a lovely aroma. If you only have dried herbs, use about a third of the amount called for as dried herbs are more potent. I sometimes mix in a bit of oregano for a twist!
Lemon Wedges: The optional lemon can really brighten up the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime can add a nice tang.
How Do I Perfectly Sear Steak Without Overcooking it?
Searing adds a beautiful crust to your steak while keeping it juicy inside, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. This helps create that golden crust.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this promotes better browning.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If it’s too crowded, the steak will steam instead of sear.
- Use a timer! Flip the steak after 3-4 minutes, and don’t keep poking at it, or you’ll let the juices escape.
With these tips, your steak should turn out beautifully seared, tender, and full of flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic butter skillet flank steak takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the steak on the stove, followed by another 10 minutes in the oven, and a few minutes letting it rest before slicing. It’s a quick and impressive dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the steak cooks evenly and gets that perfect sear.
2. Prepare the Steak:
Using paper towels, pat the flank steak dry. This helps get a nice sear. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, making sure it’s well coated.
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Carefully add the flank steak to the skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This adds flavor!
4. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Reduce the heat to medium. Now, add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted garlic butter. This adds a ton of flavor!
5. Transfer to Oven:
When the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute of cooking), carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the steak for 5-10 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your meat—5 minutes for rare and 8 minutes for medium.
6. Rest the Steak:
Remove the skillet from the oven and place the flank steak on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting is important as it allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, keeping it juicy.
7. Slice and Serve:
Now for the tasty part! Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness. Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the skillet over the slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley. If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch.
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy garlic butter skillet flank steak!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Yes! While flank steak works beautifully, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and fat content of the steak.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries at all! If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (1 teaspoon instead of 2 teaspoons). The flavor will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the steak cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, gently warm it in a skillet to prevent it from becoming tough.
Can I Marinate the Steak Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinating the flank steak for a few hours or even overnight in your favorite marinade will enhance its flavor and tenderness. Just remember to pat it dry before searing for a good crust!
