This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is juicy and full of flavor! It’s seared to perfection on the stove and finished in the oven, giving it a delicious crust and tender inside.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just a few ingredients, and you get a fancy dinner that impresses everyone. Serve it with some veggies, and dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful, perfect for searing. If you can’t find flank steak, try skirt steak or sirloin for a different, yet still delicious, option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based butter or olive oil instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re out of fresh, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove, but you’ll miss that punchy freshness.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth. Dried herbs can work in a pinch; just reduce the amount since they’re more concentrated. I personally love the fresh herbs for their vibrant flavor!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have a lemon, a splash of vinegar can add that acidity—try white wine or apple cider vinegar.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing is crucial for flavor and texture, so here are some tips to help you achieve that beautiful crust:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. It should sizzle upon contact.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If cooking more than one steak, do it in batches to maintain the heat.
- Resist the urge to move the steak around; let it sit for 3-4 minutes on each side. This helps develop a nice crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare—this ensures a juicy steak!
Letting the steak rest is just as important; it allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and packed with flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 lemon, juiced
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes total cooking time. So in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a savory Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak ready to delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Season:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the flank steak. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Steak:
Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the flank steak in the skillet and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want it to be nicely browned—this is the magic of flavor, so don’t rush this step!
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the steak is searing, find a small bowl and mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice. This buttery mixture will add an amazing flavor to your steak.
4. Combine and Roast:
Once the steak is seared, pour the garlic butter mixture over the flank steak in the skillet. Ensure it coats the steak well. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and roast the steak for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how well done you like it. The internal temperature should be between 130-135°F for medium-rare.
5. Rest and Serve:
When the steak is done roasting, carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it will be hot!). Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps make the steak juicy. Finally, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve it up garnished with freshly chopped parsley and any leftover garlic butter from the skillet if you like!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin for similar results. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cut, so keep an eye on the internal temperature!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead. For this recipe, a good ratio is about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. Just add them to the butter mixture and you’ll still get a delicious flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain its juiciness. You can also add a splash of beef broth or a bit of the garlic butter to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using. However, for the best texture, I recommend cooking the steak fresh shortly before serving.
