This garlic butter skillet flank steak is super tasty and so easy to make! Just a few ingredients give it a rich flavor, making it perfect for dinner.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and butter? I like to serve it with some veggies on the side for a colorful plate. Yum! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for this recipe due to its rich flavor. You can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin if flank isn’t available. Both are tender and will still work well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, try using ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Approx. 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove. Go easy, as it’s stronger than fresh!
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, while thyme is optional but very flavorful. If you don’t have thyme, dried thyme works fine—use about 1/3 of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Beef Broth: For a deeper flavor, use homemade broth if you can. Sodium-free broth is best if you’re watching your salt intake. Alternatively, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Sear on the Flank Steak?
Searing the steak properly is crucial for flavor! To get that beautiful crust, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot—test by adding a drop of water; it should sizzle.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to help it sear well and prevent steaming.
- Season generously with salt and pepper before adding to the skillet.
- Sear each side without moving it for 3-4 minutes until a nice golden brown crust forms.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear in batches.
Letting the steak rest after cooking helps keep it juicy—and always slice against the grain for tenderness!
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Steak:
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, season your flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will really bring out the flavors!
2. Sear the Steak:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, then carefully add the flank steak to the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, creating a nice, golden crust. This step adds a lot of flavor!
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Once the steak is nicely seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir it gently so it doesn’t burn—it should smell amazing!
4. Create the Sauce and Bake:
Add the beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. This is where the flavor is! Let it come to a simmer, then return the flank steak to the skillet. Spoon some of that garlic butter sauce over the steak. If you have fresh thyme, sprinkle it over now. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
5. Rest and Serve:
When the steak is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. Garnish with the fresh parsley and drizzle some of that delicious garlic butter sauce over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have flank steak, consider using sirloin or ribeye, as they are also great for searing. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the meat.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead; just keep in mind that you should use about one-third the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Oven?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use an oven, simply continue cooking the steak in the skillet on the stovetop. After searing and adding the broth sauce, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak is cooked to your liking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from becoming tough, adding a little broth or water to keep it moist.
