This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is juicy and bursting with flavor. Cooking it in a skillet gives it a nice sear, while the garlic butter adds a yummy touch!
Honestly, who can resist tender steak with rich garlic butter? I love serving it with veggies for a complete meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🥩✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for quick cooking and packs a lot of flavor. If you’re looking for a substitution, skirt steak or sirloin can work as well. Just keep in mind they may cook slightly differently.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the best taste to the dish. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but I recommend 1/8 teaspoon for each clove needed. It won’t have the same punch, though!
Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a nice aroma, but you can easily swap it with dried thyme if fresh isn’t available. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use only about one-third of the amount listed.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to because it lets you control the saltiness of the dish better. If you’re looking for a healthier fat, olive oil can replace some of the butter, but it won’t have that rich taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors instantly. If you don’t have a lemon, a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or red wine vinegar) could work in a pinch.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Sear on Your Steak?
Getting that perfect sear on your flank steak can be a little tricky but very rewarding! Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Let the steak sit at room temperature: This helps it cook evenly. Aim for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat your skillet: A hot cast iron skillet is key. You want it to shimmer with the olive oil before adding the meat.
- Don’t move the steak: Once it’s in the skillet, let it be! This builds a nice crust. Use the cooking time as a guide; about 4-5 minutes on one side should do it.
- Test your doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precise results or your finger in the center of the steak – it should feel slightly firm for medium-rare.
Following these tips will lead to a juicy, flavorful steak every time.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and cooking, plus an extra 5-10 minutes for resting the steak. Easy and quick, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flank Steak:
First things first! Take the flank steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. While you wait, season both sides generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavor.
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Now, grab a large cast iron skillet and place it on the stove. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and shimmering. You want it hot enough to sear the meat!
3. Sear the Steak:
Once your skillet is hot, add the seasoned flank steak. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it—this helps create a lovely crust. Then, flip the steak and sear for another 3-4 minutes on the other side for a perfect medium-rare. Adjust the time if you want it more or less done!
4. Make Garlic Butter:
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, use a spoon to continually drizzle the melted butter over the steak for about 2 minutes. Add the thyme and give it a little stir to combine the flavors.
5. Rest the Steak:
Once you’re done cooking, take the skillet off the heat. Move the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices in the meat so it stays tender!
6. Slice and Serve:
Now for the best part! Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. Drizzle any delicious garlic butter left in the skillet over the slices. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meat and garnish with chopped parsley before diving in!
Enjoy your delicious garlic butter skillet flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness and type of steak you choose.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh thyme or parsley, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for each tablespoon of fresh thyme. For parsley, you can omit it altogether, and the dish will still be tasty!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet on low heat, adding a little butter or oil to keep it moist. You can also slice and add it to salads or sandwiches for a quick meal!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time! Just melt the butter with garlic and herbs, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook the steak, just rewarm the garlic butter while the steak is resting.
