Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven

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Introduction

If you love steak but want something that’s full of flavor yet simple to prepare, Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak in the oven is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines the savory goodness of flank steak with a rich garlic butter sauce that takes the steak to a whole new level. Cooked in a skillet and finished in the oven, this method allows you to achieve the perfect balance of a crispy, seared crust and a juicy, tender interior. It’s an ideal meal for a special dinner, a family gathering, or just a weeknight treat when you crave something delicious and comforting.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why you’ll love Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak, provide detailed instructions on how to make it, and share helpful tips and variations to elevate the dish even more. Whether you’re a seasoned steak lover or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to master and sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter adds a savory richness to the steak, making each bite mouthwateringly good.
  • Perfectly Seared and Juicy Steak: Flank steak can be tough, but this method ensures it comes out tender and juicy with a beautifully caramelized crust.
  • Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: This steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it great for any occasion.
  • No Fancy Equipment Needed: All you need is a skillet and an oven, so you don’t need any special tools or gadgets to make this dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes (5 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking, 5 minutes resting)
  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, depending on portion sizes.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving):
    • Calories: 350
    • Protein: 45g
    • Carbs: 2g
    • Fat: 20g
    • Fiber: 0g

Ingredients

For the Steak:

  • 1 ½ pounds flank steak: Flank steak is the star of this dish. It’s a lean cut of beef, but when cooked properly, it’s incredibly flavorful and tender.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak in the skillet.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: To season the steak.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds flavor and balance.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and beautiful color to the crust.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, which adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced: For that unmistakable garlic flavor that will infuse the steak.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the richness of the butter and balances the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and enhances the depth of the garlic butter sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a slight kick of heat. You can skip this if you prefer a milder flavor.

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish.
  • Lemon wedges (optional): To serve alongside for an extra burst of citrus.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE STEAK

  1. Season the Steak:
    Start by patting the flank steak dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a better sear. Rub the steak with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. The seasoning helps develop the flavor of the crust during searing.
  2. Preheat the Skillet:
    Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. You want the skillet to be very hot to get a nice sear on the steak.
  3. Sear the Steak:
    Once the skillet is hot, place the steak in the pan. Let it sear without moving it for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the steak to the other side and sear for another 2-3 minutes.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
    While the steak is searing, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Add Flavor Enhancers:
    Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds to allow the flavors to combine.
  3. Add Fresh Parsley:
    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds color and freshness to the sauce, complementing the richness of the butter.

THIRD STEP: FINISH THE STEAK IN THE OVEN

  1. Transfer to the Oven:
    After searing the steak on both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast the steak for 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 6-7 minutes; for medium, cook for 8-9 minutes.
  2. Check for Doneness:
    Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should read 130-135°F (54-57°C), and for medium, it should be 140-145°F (60-63°C).

FOURTH STEP: REST AND SERVE

  1. Rest the Steak:
    Once the steak is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
  2. Slice and Serve:
    Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top of the steak and garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
  3. Enjoy!
    Serve the Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. Enjoy the tender, juicy steak with the rich, savory garlic butter sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak

This dish pairs wonderfully with a wide range of side dishes. Here are some excellent serving ideas:

1. With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes complement the richness of the steak and garlic butter sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.

2. Serve with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with steak. The buttery texture of the potatoes absorbs the rich garlic butter sauce, making each bite satisfying.

3. Pair with a Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the steak, providing a refreshing contrast to the dish.

4. As a Sandwich

For a quick lunch or dinner, slice the steak thinly and serve it in a crusty baguette or sandwich roll with some lettuce, tomatoes, and extra garlic butter sauce.

Additional Tips

  1. Choose the Right Flank Steak:
    Make sure to choose a high-quality flank steak for the best flavor. Look for one that is marbled with fat to ensure tenderness and juiciness.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Steak:
    Flank steak is best cooked medium-rare to medium. Overcooking it can make it tough and dry, so use a thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
  3. Let the Steak Rest:
    Always let the steak rest after cooking to ensure it stays juicy. Cutting into it too soon will cause the juices to run out, resulting in a dry steak.
  4. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet:
    A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and provides an excellent sear on the steak. If you don’t have one, use any oven-safe skillet that can handle high heat.

Recipe Variations

While Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste:

1. Add Herbs to the Garlic Butter

Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter sauce, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, for added flavor.

2. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a chopped chili pepper to the garlic butter.

3. Use Different Cuts of Beef

While flank steak works well for this recipe, you can also try using skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye for a different texture and flavor.

Storage and Freezing

Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later:

  • Refrigeration:
    Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the steak and warm it in a skillet with a bit of butter to prevent it from drying out.
  • Freezing:
    Flank steak can be frozen after cooking, although it may lose some of its tenderness. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
    Yes! You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Keep in mind that each cut may vary slightly in cooking time.
  2. How do I make sure the steak is cooked to the right level of doneness?
    Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, cook to 130°F (54°C); for medium, 140°F (60°C); and for well-done, 150°F (66°C).
  3. Can I make this recipe without an oven?
    Yes, you can cook the steak entirely on the stovetop by reducing the heat to low and covering the skillet to cook the steak through. However, oven baking gives the steak a more even and tender result.
  4. What can I serve with this steak?
    This steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.
  5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  6. Is this recipe Halal?
    Yes, this recipe uses halal ingredients, as it avoids pork, bacon, and wine.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The savory garlic butter sauce enhances the tenderness and richness of the flank steak, creating a meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your steak cravings. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, juicy steak with every bite!

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