How To Grill The Perfect Flat Iron Steak: Our Top 5 Recipes!

Discover the art of grilling flat iron steak and elevate your culinary skills to new heights. This versatile and flavorful cut, also known as the “butler’s steak,” is a hidden gem that deserves a place on every grill master’s repertoire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of selecting, marinating, and grilling flat iron steak to perfection, providing you with mouthwatering recipes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Selecting the Perfect Flat Iron Steak

The key to a great grilled flat iron steak lies in choosing the right cut. Look for steaks that are about 1-1.5 inches thick, with a deep red color and minimal marbling. Avoid steaks with excessive fat or sinew, as these can affect the tenderness and flavor.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marinating your flat iron steak is a crucial step that infuses it with flavor and tenderizes the meat. There are countless marinades to choose from, but some popular options include:

• Classic Herb Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano), salt, and pepper.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Spicy Chipotle Marinade: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and oregano.

Grilling Techniques for a Perfect Flat Iron

Now it’s time to hit the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F).

• Direct Grilling: Place the steak directly over the heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium.
• Reverse Sear: For a more evenly cooked steak, start by grilling the steak over indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120-130°F. Then, sear the steak over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side to finish.

Flat Iron Steak Recipes to Impress

Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

• Ingredients:
• 1 flat iron steak
• Chimichurri sauce (made with parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil)
• Instructions:
• Marinate the steak in chimichurri sauce for at least 2 hours.
• Grill the steak to your desired doneness.
• Slice the steak and serve with additional chimichurri sauce.

Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Garlic and Herb Butter

• Ingredients:
• 1 flat iron steak
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
• Combine the butter, parsley, garlic, and Parmesan cheese (if using) in a bowl.
• Grill the steak to your desired doneness.
• Top the steak with the garlic and herb butter.

Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients:
• 1 flat iron steak
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
• Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the vegetables until tender.
• Grill the steak to your desired doneness.
• Serve the steak with the roasted vegetables.

Tips for Grilling Flat Iron Steak

• Use a sharp knife to cut the steak against the grain, which will help tenderize it.
• Allow the steak to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
• Don’t overcook the steak, as it can become tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired doneness.
• Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create unique flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best marinade for flat iron steak?

The best marinade depends on your personal preference, but popular options include classic herb, Asian-inspired, and spicy chipotle marinades.

How long should I marinate flat iron steak?

Marinating flat iron steak for at least 2 hours is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) will result in even more tender and flavorful steak.

What is the ideal internal temperature for a grilled flat iron steak?

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 135-140°F. For medium-well, aim for 140-145°F.