This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a quick, flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. The flank steak is seared in a cast-iron skillet and then finished off in the oven with a rich garlic butter sauce, making it tender and bursting with flavor. The recipe is simple and ideal for anyone looking to elevate an everyday steak into a restaurant-quality meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 3/4 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay recommended)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mince the garlic and parsley and set them aside.

2. Cut the flank steak into four equal portions, pat them dry, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Sear the steaks for about 3 minutes per side.

4. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the steaks reach 125°F on an instant-read thermometer.

5. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest. While the steaks rest, prepare the pan sauce.

6. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes.

7. Add the white wine and any juices from the resting steak, bring the sauce to a boil, and reduce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.

8. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the final tablespoon of butter and the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

9. Slice the flank steak against the grain, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the slices, and serve.

Nutrients

• Calories: 444 kcal

• Fat: 22g (34% of daily value)

• Saturated Fat: 12g (75% of daily value)

• Cholesterol: 159mg (53% of daily value)

• Sodium: 199mg (9% of daily value)

• Potassium: 825mg (24% of daily value)

• Carbohydrates: 2g (1% of daily value)

• Fiber: 1g (4% of daily value)

• Sugar: 1g (1% of daily value)

• Protein: 49g (98% of daily value)

• Vitamin A: 430IU (9% of daily value)

• Vitamin C: 3.4mg (4% of daily value)

• Calcium: 61mg (6% of daily value)

• Iron: 3.7mg (21% of daily value)

The Appeal of Flank Steak

Flank steak is a versatile and relatively affordable cut of beef that is packed with flavor. Known for its lean texture, flank steak is best when cooked quickly at high heat to prevent it from becoming tough. Its thin texture and broad surface area make it ideal for searing and finishing off in the oven, allowing the outside to get a nice, crispy crust while maintaining tenderness inside. Flank steak also takes well to marinades and sauces, which is why it pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce in this recipe.

The Importance of Cast-Iron Cooking

Using a cast-iron skillet for cooking this garlic butter flank steak is essential to achieving the best results. Cast-iron skillets retain heat exceptionally well, which is crucial when searing steak. This even heat distribution ensures that the steak develops a beautiful brown crust without overcooking the interior. Furthermore, cast iron can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly, making it the perfect tool for finishing off the steak after it has been seared. This method also allows for the fond (the browned bits left behind in the pan after searing) to be incorporated into the garlic butter sauce, intensifying its flavor.

The Role of Garlic Butter

The garlic butter sauce is the standout component of this dish, providing a rich, aromatic finish to the flank steak. The combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of dry white wine creates a sauce that is both flavorful and indulgent. Garlic adds a savory depth, while the butter brings richness and smoothness to the sauce. White wine is often used in cooking to deglaze the pan, lifting the browned bits and turning them into a flavorful base for the sauce. As the sauce simmers and reduces, the flavors concentrate, giving you a deliciously complex addition to your steak.

Preparing the Flank Steak

For the best results, it’s essential to properly season and sear the flank steak before placing it in the oven. Flank steak should be patted dry before seasoning with salt and pepper. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres properly to the meat and helps achieve a nice, crispy crust during searing. The steaks are then placed in a preheated cast-iron skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil and butter. The key here is to get the pan hot enough to create a good sear but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside cooks properly. Searing the steaks for around three minutes on each side creates that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Finishing in the Oven

After searing, the skillet is transferred to the oven, which helps to evenly cook the steak through while maintaining its tenderness. Cooking the steak in the oven at 400°F for just a few minutes allows it to reach the desired internal temperature without overcooking the outside. This method also helps to retain the juices in the steak, ensuring that every bite is tender and moist. An instant-read thermometer is useful here to gauge when the steak has reached your desired level of doneness. For this recipe, cooking the steak to 125°F results in a medium-rare steak, which is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the steak has rested after coming out of the oven, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter sauce. The fond in the skillet is key to creating the flavorful base of the sauce. By heating the skillet over medium-low heat, adding more butter, and sautéing the garlic, you create a rich, aromatic foundation. The dry white wine is then added to deglaze the pan, lifting up all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. The wine is allowed to reduce and thicken, concentrating the flavors. After the sauce has reduced, the final tablespoon of butter and freshly chopped parsley are stirred in to finish the sauce. The result is a luscious, glossy sauce that is perfect for spooning over the steak slices.

Serving and Slicing the Flank Steak

The final step in preparing Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is slicing the steak against the grain. Slicing against the grain helps to ensure that each bite is tender, as it shortens the muscle fibers and makes the steak easier to chew. After slicing, the steak is served with the rich garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. The sauce not only enhances the flavor of the steak but also adds moisture, making the dish even more indulgent.

Pairing Suggestions

Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it an incredibly versatile dish for any meal. For a balanced plate, consider serving the steak with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. A creamy mashed potato or crispy roasted potatoes also complement the richness of the steak and sauce. For a lighter option, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the savory steak. To drink, a dry white wine like Chardonnay, which is used in the sauce, would be an excellent choice. Its crisp acidity helps balance the richness of the butter and steak, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Health Considerations

Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful steak without excessive fat content. In addition to its high protein content, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, flank steak is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. The garlic butter sauce adds richness and flavor, but it is also relatively simple, with butter providing a good dose of fat. However, when consumed in moderation, this dish can fit well into a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that delivers on flavor and texture. The combination of seared flank steak, a rich garlic butter sauce, and the perfect balance of seasoning makes this dish a standout. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate any dinner experience. The simplicity of the ingredients and the technique involved makes it a perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. With its mouthwatering flavor and versatility, Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.