This garlic butter skillet flank steak is juicy and packed with flavor! The butter adds a nice touch, making it a top choice for dinner that impresses without fuss.
Searing this steak in the skillet makes the kitchen smell amazing! I usually serve it with some veggies on the side. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is flavorful and best cooked quickly. You can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin if flank isn’t available. Just adjust cooking times as they may vary.
Olive Oil: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil is a great choice as it has a high smoke point.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows better control of seasoning. You can use plant-based butter if you need a dairy-free option, or even ghee for a richer taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Beef Broth or Red Wine: Both add depth to the sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use low-sodium beef broth or even vegetable broth.
How Do You Get a Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing the steak is all about creating a nice crust and sealing in the juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and steak. This will help achieve that golden crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Don’t rush the flipping—let it sear for about 3-5 minutes on each side before turning.
For best results, use a heavy skillet like cast iron as it retains heat well and helps with even cooking.
Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Deglazing:
- 1/4 cup beef broth or red wine
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on how you like your steak. With a little resting time afterward, you can serve a delicious meal in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for cooking the steak.
2. Season the Steak:
While the oven is heating, season your flank steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the flavors!
3. Sear the Steak:
In an oven-safe skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flank steak into the skillet. Sear it for about 3-5 minutes on each side until you see a beautiful crust forming.
4. Add Garlic Butter:
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt and slightly brown while using a spoon to baste the steak with the garlicky butter for an extra minute. The aroma will be amazing!
5. Flavor Boost:
If you want to kick up the flavor, sprinkle thyme and red pepper flakes over the steak. These add a nice touch, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat!
6. Deglaze the Skillet:
Carefully pour the beef broth or red wine into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are full of flavor and will enhance your sauce.
7. Roast in the Oven:
Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and roast it for about 8-12 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (130°F for medium-rare is perfect).
8. Rest the Steak:
Once it reaches your desired doneness, take the skillet out of the oven and let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making your steak juicy and tender.
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the flank steak against the grain for tenderness. Drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce from the skillet on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your fantastic garlic butter flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak works great here, you can substitute it with other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts have varying thickness and tenderness.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh ones. Use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs; for example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Just remember that dried herbs pack a more concentrated flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Steak?
Store leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain its moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with more beef broth, apple cider vinegar, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for similar depth of flavor without the alcohol. Just be mindful that the flavor profile might shift slightly, but it will still be delicious!
