When we lived in a condo where grills weren’t allowed, I thought my steak nights were done for. But those years turned out to be a blessing — I learned how to make restaurant-quality steaks right on the stovetop. This flat iron steak is one of those recipes that convinced me you don’t need an open flame to get that beautiful sear and rich flavor.
The magic here is in the combination of a well-marbled cut, a simple but bold seasoning blend, and a buttery sear in a hot skillet. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but trust me, it feels like a special occasion meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Flat iron steak – About 1½ pounds, or adjust seasoning if smaller.
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Butter – Unsalted or salted (reduce seasoned salt if using salted butter).
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Seasoning blend – Seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Flat Iron Steak
1. Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Prep the Steak
Pat the steak dry, then season both sides generously with the mix. For extra depth, let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes after seasoning.
3. Sear in Butter
Preheat a flat iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Melt the butter until it starts to bubble and slightly separate. Lay the steak in the pan and let it sear without moving for 5–6 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness.
4. Rest Before Slicing
Transfer the steak to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Why This Recipe Works
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Flat iron cut – Naturally tender with great marbling for flavor.
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Butter sear – Adds richness and helps form a golden crust.
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Seasoning blend – Simple pantry spices that bring out the beef’s natural taste without overpowering it.
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Resting period – Locks in juices so every bite is tender.
My Favorite Ways to Serve It
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With baked sweet potato fries for a hearty weeknight dinner.
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Alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
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Over a fresh salad for a lighter but still satisfying meal.
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In steak fajitas with peppers, onions, and warm tortillas.
Easy Variations
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Marinated version: Mix the seasoning with ½ cup olive oil and ¼ cup red wine vinegar, then marinate for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Pepper crust: Add extra cracked black pepper to the seasoning for a bolder bite.
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Garlic butter finish: Melt extra butter with minced garlic and pour over the sliced steak before serving.
Storage Tips
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Fridge: Store leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep it juicy.
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Meal prep tip: Slice leftovers thinly for sandwiches or salads the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flat iron steak the same as flank steak?
No. Flat iron comes from the shoulder (top blade), while flank is from the abdominal area — different texture and flavor.
What’s the best doneness for flat iron steak?
Medium-rare (about 130°F) keeps it tender and juicy. Sear 13–15 minutes total for a 1–1½ inch steak, flipping once.
Can I use another cut with this method?
Yes — sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, or even filet will work with this seasoning and pan-sear technique.
Is flat iron steak always tender?
It’s naturally tender, especially with good marbling. Cooking to the right doneness and slicing against the grain keeps it that way.
Best Flat Iron Steak
Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, this flat iron steak recipe is perfect for a weeknight treat or a special dinner at home
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs flat iron steak (or your preferred cut)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pat the steak dry and rub the spice blend evenly over all sides, using the entire mixture.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 463Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 164mgSodium 1273mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 43g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This flat iron steak proves that a stovetop sear can rival the grill any day. With a hot skillet, a generous seasoning rub, and a little butter, you can have a steakhouse-quality dinner in under 30 minutes. Pair it with your favorite sides, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy every bite — no outdoor grill required.
