This garlic butter skillet flank steak is juicy and full of flavor! Cooked in a skillet and finished in the oven, it’s easy and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Trust me, the garlic and butter combo will make this steak your new favorite. I love serving it with veggies or over mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful. If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute with skirt steak or even flat iron steak. Both will still give you good results with great flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the seasoning. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using olive oil instead, but it won’t have that rich buttery flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove of garlic. Fresh garlic offers more punch!
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma, but don’t worry if you have dried thyme. Just remember that dried herbs are stronger, so you only need a third of the amount (1 teaspoon) for the same flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a unique umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce is a good alternative and brings a different but delicious taste.
How Do I Get My Steak Perfectly Sear and Moist?
Searing the flank steak is crucial for building flavor and sealing in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high until hot. This step prevents the steak from sticking and helps achieve a nice crust.
- Pat the steak dry with a paper towel; the drier it is, the better the sear. Season liberally with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Carefully add oil to the hot skillet, then place the steak in without crowding. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it, allowing a brown crust to form.
- Flip the steak carefully and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This gives it good color and texture.
Taking your time during the searing process will help keep your steak tender and juicy once it’s cooked in the oven!
Delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the steak, then searing and baking it for a total of 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to get the steak cooking just right!
2. Season the Steak:
Grab your flank steak and generously season it with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add great flavor to your meat.
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned flank steak. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it gets beautifully browned. This adds a nice crust!
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Lower the heat to medium and use a spatula to push the steak to one side of the skillet. Add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme to the empty side of the skillet. Stir them around in the pan for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This will make the whole dish smell amazing!
5. Add Worcestershire Sauce:
If you choose to use it, drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the steak for an extra flavor kick.
6. Transfer to Oven:
Spoon some of that delicious garlic butter over the steak, then carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak (135°F for medium-rare is perfect!).
7. Rest the Steak:
Once done, carefully take the skillet out of the oven and let the steak rest for about 10 minutes. This lets the juices settle and makes for a juicy steak.
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the slices and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak gives great flavor, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness and cut of the meat, so always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem! You can use dried thyme instead. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need less—about 1 teaspoon should be sufficient. If you don’t have thyme, other herbs like rosemary or oregano would also work nicely!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place the steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of butter or oil to keep it juicy, or warm it gently in the microwave. Be mindful not to overcook!
Can I Marinate the Flank Steak Before Cooking?
Definitely! Marinating the steak can add even more flavor. Try a marinade of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite herbs. Just make sure to marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best results!
