This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a treat! It features juicy flank steak pan-seared to perfection and smothered in rich, buttery garlic sauce. Yum!
I love how quick this recipe is. In just a few steps, I have a flavorful dinner that feels fancy but is so easy to make. Plus, the smell is simply amazing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is lean and flavorful, but you could use skirt steak or sirloin if needed. Both have similar textures and will work well with this recipe.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to that vibrant flavor. In a pinch, use garlic powder, but fresh is always better. I find it makes a big difference!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter. Olive oil can be used alone, but butter adds richness to the dish.
Olive Oil: Any light cooking oil will work, but I enjoy extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. Avocado oil is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you don’t have it, try cilantro or chives for a different twist!
Soy Sauce: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. You can replace it with Worcestershire sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Get My Steak Perfectly Sear and Juicy?
Getting that delicious crust on the steak is all about the sear. Here are some simple steps to ensure your steak turns out great:
- Pat the steak dry to remove moisture. A dry surface sears better!
- Season it well with salt and pepper before adding it to the hot skillet.
- Make sure your skillet is very hot before you put the steak in. This helps create that lovely browning.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side without moving the steak. This builds that nice crust.
- Don’t skip the resting step! It’s key to juicy steak—this allows the juices to redistribute.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak takes about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll need roughly 10 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, including searing and oven roasting. Plus, a little time for the steak to rest makes the difference for juicy slices!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your steak cooks perfectly when you’re ready to transfer it from the skillet.
2. Prepare the Flank Steak:
Take your flank steak and pat it dry using paper towels. This helps it sear better! Once dry, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, giving it a nice flavor base.
3. Sear the Steak:
Heat up your olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (you can test it by flicking a drop of water in—it should sizzle!), add the flank steak. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it gets a lovely brown crust. This step adds so much flavor!
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While your steak is sizzling away, take a small bowl and mix together the minced garlic and softened butter. If you want an extra kick, add the optional soy sauce into the mixture as well. This tasty garlic butter is going to make your steak irresistible!
5. Add the Garlic Butter:
Once the steak is seared, lower the heat a bit and spoon that delicious garlic butter mixture all over the steak in the skillet. Let it melt and sizzle for about a minute. This will really infuse the steak with fantastic flavors.
6. Transfer to Oven:
Now it’s time for the oven! Carefully place the skillet with the steak into your preheated oven. Roast the steak for about 10-15 minutes for medium-rare, depending on how you like your steak cooked. If you have a meat thermometer, use it! You’re looking for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare.
7. Rest the Steak:
Once the steak is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the steak onto a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps all those tasty juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s juicy and tender when you cut it.
8. Slice and Serve:
After the resting period, thinly slice the steak against the grain. Serve it drizzled with the garlic butter sauce from the skillet and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a great choice for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for thicker cuts, so adjust as necessary.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. For every clove of garlic, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just mix it into the butter, but remember that the flavor won’t be as robust!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it juicy, you can slice it before storing. Reheat gently in the microwave or briefly in a skillet on low heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Recipe with a Different Sauce?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can try a chimichurri sauce or a balsamic reduction instead of the garlic butter. Just drizzle it over the sliced steak for a fresh twist!