This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a showstopper! The juicy steak is seared to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Who can resist that buttery goodness? I love serving it with some veggies or a fresh salad. It’s a quick dish that feels like a fancy dinner—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for quick cooking and absorbs flavors well. If you can’t find flank steak, you could use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives. Just remember they might cook differently, so keep an eye on them!
Olive Oil: A must for searing the steak. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil works well as a substitute due to its high smoke point.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness in your dish. If you’re watching your fat intake, consider using a light margarine or olive oil instead. Both will add flavor, though the richness will differ.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) as an alternative, but fresh is always tastier.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are vibrant additions. Dried herbs are just fine; use 1/3 of the amount as they are more concentrated. I love to experiment with whatever herbs I have on hand!
Beef Broth or Red Wine: This liquid adds depth to the dish. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, beef broth is perfect. For a lighter choice, use vegetable broth or even water with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Sear on My Steak?
Searing your steak properly is key to locking in flavors and creating a tasty crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a dry steak; pat it down with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
- Heat the skillet until it’s very hot. You can test by flicking water droplets into the pan; they should sizzle away instantly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet is too small, sear in batches to maintain temperature.
- Let it sear untouched for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Only flip it once to get that beautiful brown crust.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, steak will be a regular on your dinner table!
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 ½ 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 rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ cup beef broth or red wine
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep the steak and get everything ready, and then about 20 minutes to cook it in the skillet and oven. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast your steak.
2. Season the Steak:
Take the flank steak and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better. Sprinkle a good amount of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak for flavor.
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the flank steak. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it gets a nice brown crust. Don’t rush this step, as it adds a lot of flavor!
4. Make Garlic Butter:
Once the steak is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Stir everything together and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak for about 1-2 minutes. This will infuse the steak with amazing flavor!
5. Add Broth or Wine:
Pour the beef broth or red wine around the steak in the skillet, making sure it surrounds the steak without completely covering it. This will help keep the steak moist while it cooks.
6. Transfer to Oven:
Carefully move the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the flank steak for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness—135°F is perfect for medium-rare.
7. Rest the Steak:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is super important as it allows the juices to settle, so your steak stays juicy and tender.
8. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle some of that delicious garlic butter sauce from the skillet over your sliced meat, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely garnish.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your garlic butter skillet flank steak immediately! It pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Dig in and enjoy your feast!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs needed, use about one teaspoon of dried herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust the amount to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help keep the steak moist.
Can I Cook This on the Grill Instead?
Yes! You can certainly grill the flank steak. Just season as directed and grill over high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can still prepare the garlic butter sauce on the stove while the steak is grilling!
