This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is juicy and full of flavor! The steak cooks quickly in a hot skillet and gets a tasty boost from buttery garlic goodness.
I love how easy this recipe is! Just sear the steak, add the garlic butter, and let it finish in the oven. Perfect for a quick dinner and gets everyone excited to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for this recipe, but if it’s not available, try skirt steak or sirloin as a substitute. Both work well and bring a similar texture and taste to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can be an alternative. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of powder for each clove needed.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for its controlled flavor, but feel free to use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just adjust the salt in the seasoning!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme brighten the dish. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried herbs will work. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme required.
Lemon Juice: The lemon brightens up the flavors nicely, but if you prefer, vinegar or a splash of balsamic can add a tangy note as well.
How Do I Get a Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Searing the flank steak properly is key to a great crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. You can test it by flicking a bit of water in—if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This will help it sear instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if your pan isn’t large enough, sear the steak in batches.
- Let it sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes for a good crust before flipping. Repeat on the other side.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve that perfect golden-brown crust that makes the steak so delicious!
Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking, including searing and oven roasting. You’ll have a delicious garlic butter flank steak ready to enjoy in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for the steak.
2. Season the Steak:
While the oven is heating, pat your flank steak dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over both sides generously to season it well. This will give your steak a great flavor!
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot (but not smoking!). Carefully place the flank steak in the skillet and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a nice, brown crust to form. This adds amazing flavor!
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the steak is sizzling away, grab a small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it smells fantastic, but be careful not to let it brown!
5. Combine and Transfer:
Now it’s time to combine! Pour the delicious garlic butter mixture over the seared steak in the skillet. If you like a bit of a citrus kick, you can squeeze the lemon juice over the steak too. Yum!
6. Oven Cooking:
Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the steak for about 8-12 minutes, depending on how well done you like your steak. You’re aiming for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
7. Rest the Steak:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven (don’t forget to use oven mitts!). Move the flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps keep all those juicy flavors inside!
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy! Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet on top of the slices for extra flavor. Garnish with more parsley if you like, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter skillet flank steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with skirt steak or top sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cut, so monitor the internal temperature closely.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the steak thinly and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, if desired.
Can I Marinate the Flank Steak?
Yes! For added flavor, you can marinate the flank steak for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. Just remember to pat the steak dry before you season it and sear it, as excess moisture can hinder the browning process.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce!
