This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is packed with flavor and super easy to make! The juicy steak gets a delicious boost from garlic and butter, making it mouthwatering.
Cooking it in the skillet means less mess and clean-up. I love serving it with some veggies on the side—it’s a tasty combo that never gets old!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for searing and absorbs flavors well. If flank steak isn’t available, you can use skirt steak or sirloin for a similar result. Both have great texture and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its robust flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1/8 teaspoon. Remember, fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste!
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme definitely elevate the dish, but dried herbs work too—just use less (1 teaspoon each). If you prefer, you can substitute with Italian seasoning as a quick alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter. Note: This will change the flavor slightly but will still be tasty!
How Can You Get a Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing the steak properly is key to helping develop a great crust that adds flavor. Start with a hot skillet! Here’s how to get that perfect sear:
- Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking.
- Add olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds.
- Carefully place the flank steak in the pan without overcrowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving to form a crust.
- Flip and sear the other side in the same way.
Remember to let the steak rest after cooking! This allows the juices to redistribute and makes each bite more tender. Enjoy your steak!
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time searing the steak and letting it bake in the oven. Plus, a few minutes for it to rest after cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, let’s get started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake the steak!
2. Prepare the Flank Steak:
Take the flank steak and pat it dry using paper towels. This will help it sear better. Then, season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper to make it tasty.
3. Sear the Steak:
Grab an oven-safe skillet (a cast iron skillet works best!). Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the flank steak to the skillet. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it has a beautiful crust.
4. Add Garlic and Butter:
Now let’s turn the heat down to medium. Push the steak to one side of the skillet and toss in the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Allow the butter to melt and the garlic to cook for about 1-2 minutes. It should smell wonderful!
5. Baste the Steak:
Using a spoon, scoop up that fragrant garlic butter and drizzle it over the steak repeatedly for an extra layer of flavor. Keep this up for about 1-2 more minutes.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on how you like your steak cooked: 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
7. Rest the Steak:
When the steak is done, take it out of the oven (be careful, the skillet will be hot!). Move the flank steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This will help it stay juicy!
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the flank steak against the grain to keep it tender. Drizzle some of that delicious garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for this recipe, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking times slightly, as thinner cuts will cook faster. Make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness regardless of the meat choice!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work just fine. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, so 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and thyme instead of a tablespoon of fresh. Just remember to let the dried herbs cook a bit longer to release their flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the taste and moisture, try to store the steak with some of the garlic butter sauce. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the marinade and season the steak a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate the steak, allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking!
