This garlic butter skillet flank steak is juicy and full of flavor! You’ll love how quickly it cooks in just one pan, making clean-up a snap!
I like to serve it with veggies on the side, and trust me, the garlic butter sauce is too good to resist. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and full of flavor, making it perfect for quick cooking. If flank steak isn’t available, you could substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on thickness.
Butter: It adds richness to the dish. For a healthier twist, you can swap it with a plant-based butter or olive oil. But, I love the traditional flavor that butter brings!
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a great depth of flavor in this recipe. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but I always recommend fresh for the best taste.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too! Remember to use less (1/3 of the amount). I sometimes add oregano for an extra flavor kick.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the dish. You can use lime juice as a substitute, or even vinegar for a different tang. I love the freshness lemon adds right before serving!
How Can I Get Perfectly Searing on the Steak?
Searing the steak properly is key to developing that nice crust and juicy interior. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak to achieve that sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
- Resist the urge to move the steak too much while it cooks. Let it brown properly before flipping!
- Keep an eye on the time—about 3-4 minutes on each side should do for a good sear.
Following these steps leads to a steak that’s delightful and appetizing.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting things ready and cooking, plus an additional 5-10 minutes letting the steak rest. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for roasting the steak to perfection!
2. Prepare the Steak:
Next, take the flank steak and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the steak so it’s well seasoned.
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Carefully add the flank steak to the skillet and cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nice and browned. This step gives the steak a delicious crust!
4. Add Flavor:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted garlic butter for about 1-2 minutes. This infuses wonderful flavors into the meat.
5. Lemon Infusion:
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the steak, directly in the skillet. This brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely zing!
6. Roast in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast for about 10-12 minutes for medium rare (you’ll want an internal temperature of 130°F/54°C). Adjust the time if you prefer it cooked more. Keep an eye on it!
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s cooked to your liking, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes—this step is important as it helps keep the juices inside the meat for a more tender bite.
8. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet over the steak to add even more flavor.
9. Finish with Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh taste. Serve your Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak hot, and enjoy each delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe can also work well with sirloin or skirt steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat. Always check the internal temperature for your desired doneness.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can substitute dried herbs instead. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of the fresh herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are usually more potent, so you might want to start with a little less and adjust to your taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Steak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwave heating if you can, as it can dry out the steak.
Can I Marinate the Steak Ahead of Time?
Yes, marinating the flank steak overnight can enhance the flavor and tenderness! Combine the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a zip-lock bag with the steak, and refrigerate it. Just be sure to let the steak come to room temperature before searing.