This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a quick and tasty meal. With juicy beef and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
I love how simple it is to whip this up after a long day. Just sear the steak, drizzle on that butter, and let the oven do the work. Perfect dinner idea, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful, perfect for quick cooking. If it’s not available, sirloin or skirt steak works well too. Just adjust cooking times slightly as they can vary in thickness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended here so you can control the salt level. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute avocado oil or ghee. Both will still add a creamy touch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you have garlic powder, it can work in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s key for the buttery sauce!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is great, but dried thyme is fine too. Use half the amount if using dried. You could also swap it out for rosemary or even oregano for a different flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds umami. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead. It’ll add a nice depth of flavor too!
How Can You Achieve a Perfectly Seared Steak?
Getting a nice sear on your flank steak is crucial for flavor and texture. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot! This helps create a golden crust. Wait for the olive oil to shimmer before adding the steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If your pan isn’t large enough, sear the steak in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Let it rest! After removing from the oven, resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, making it tender and juicy.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish has about 15 minutes of prep time, plus another 10-15 minutes for cooking and resting. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick but impressive meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow the steak to cook evenly after searing.
2. Prepare the Steak:
Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear! Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really brings out the flavors.
3. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the flank steak to the skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a lovely golden-brown crust. This step adds great flavor!
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While the steak is searing, take a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. If you’re using soy sauce, stir it in once you take the sauce off the heat.
5. Combine and Roast:
Once the steak is nicely seared, pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak directly in the skillet. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the steak for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or a bit longer if you like it more well done.
6. Rest and Serve:
After roasting, take the skillet out of the oven and let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your steak juicy. Once rested, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve the delicious strips on a plate, drizzling the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra pop of flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as great alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cut, so always check for doneness.
How Can I Adjust the Garlic Flavor?
If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves to the butter sauce! Alternatively, if you’re looking for a milder flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves or cook them for less time in the butter. Just make sure they don’t burn!
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil. Each will work just fine for searing the steak, keeping the flavors intact.
How Do I Store Leftover Steak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
