This easy garlic butter flank steak skillet is a real winner! With tasty garlic and rich butter, it brings lots of flavor in just one pan. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up this meal after a long day. Just cook the steak, toss in some garlic butter, and savor every delicious bite. It’s easy cleanup too, yay!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for its flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. If flank steak isn’t available, you can use skirt steak or sirloin as good substitutes, but keep an eye on cooking times as they can vary.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder, though fresh is always preferred. I love adding extra garlic for a punch!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it lets you control the salt in the dish. You could replace it with ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free option, but the buttery flavor is worth it if you can manage it.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but you can use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don’t have those, Italian seasoning can work too. It’s nice to have that freshness but dried herbs are just fine!
How Do I Get That Perfect Sear on My Flank Steak?
Getting a great sear on flank steak is crucial for flavor. The trick is to ensure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. Here’s how:
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high. You want it hot enough that oil shimmers but not smoke.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the steak space to sear properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Let it sear undisturbed for the first few minutes to form a crust. Only flip it once!
- Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve the desired doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
Let the steak rest after cooking! This time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
Easy Garlic Butter Flank Steak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the steak and seasoning it, with another 10-15 minutes for cooking, and a few minutes for resting before slicing. It’s a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Begin by taking the flank steak out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you cook it. This helps the steak cook more evenly. While it’s resting, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is important for getting a nice sear.
2. Season the Steak:
Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This improves the flavor throughout the meat!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up until it shimmers. This indicates it’s ready for searing the steak.
4. Sear the Steak:
Carefully place the flank steak in the skillet. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving it. This will create a beautiful, crispy sear on one side. Then, flip the steak and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or longer if you prefer it more done.
5. Add Garlic Butter:
When the steak is nearly done, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the garlic-butter mixture over the steak. If you like, sprinkle in some dried thyme or rosemary at this stage for extra flavor.
6. Rest the Steak:
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy!
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture. Then, pour the delicious garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the sliced steak. If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the steak immediately, alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the rich flavors of this garlic butter flank steak!
This recipe yields a tender, juicy flank steak infused with garlicky butter sauce, perfectly seared and deliciously aromatic. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Flank Steak Skillet
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary depending on the cut you choose.
How Do I Know When the Steak is Done Cooking?
The best way to check doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium. If you like your steak well-done, keep cooking until it reaches at least 160°F. Also, remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly while it rests!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly cook the steak in advance and reheat it later. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or microwave to avoid overcooking it.
What Sides Pair Well with Garlic Butter Flank Steak?
This flavorful steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even garlic bread to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.
