Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Grilled Flat Iron Steak is beefy, tender, and full of marbling. The background on the steak is even more interesting. Grill it hot and fast for the best flavor.

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Background

Flat Iron Steak was only recently “discovered” when a few meat scientists got together to find new and interesting steak cuts from various parts of the steer. Prior to 2002 this cut of steak didn’t exist (or at least it was buried in the chuck primal cut more known for ground beef and slow roasts). After time, and likely a LOT of leftovers, the flat iron was discovered and marketed as a new steak cut.

What is Flat Iron Steak

The steak comes from the shoulder clod or chuck shoulder primal cut. The chuck is broken down into multiple cuts, like the top blade. From the top blade, the flat iron is then separated into its own steak.

A flatiron steak will typically be 1 – 1 ½ pounds and rectangular in size, with modest thickness to it, and should have the silver skin and fat caps removed already by the butcher. The marbling is very distinct and it is a very tender texture. It is rich and beefy in flavor.

Alternatives to Flat Iron, if you can’t find it, is flank steak or bavette steak. While they won’t have the same marbling, the shape and texture will be the closest, as well as how they grill. Another great cut from the shoulder of beef is Teres Major, which we like to make as skewers.

How to Cook Flat Iron Steak

Flat Iron is best prepared hot and fast by searing each side, which makes grilling the perfect option. It will cook quickly, getting to medium-rare within a few minutes, so it’s also a cut to watch closely as it grills.

It is ideal to push down on the steak against the grill in order to ensure a good even sear. I really would not recommend cooking your flat steak beyond the recommended limit or it will be tougher. If you accidentally overcook it then slice your steak thin when you eat it.

How to Prepare Flat Iron Steak

A flatiron steak should already be well butchered. There may be some slight silver skin that needs to come off as well as rounding out any extra edges that are thin or hanging off the cut. Having a great boning or filet knife helps with removing the silver skin.

Flat Iron Seasoning

For seasoning, flat steak doesn’t need a marinade. The marbling and flavor will add quite a beefy taste and it’s tender already. However, if you do want to marinate try our red wine marinade from our flank steak recipe. Marinate for a total of 2 hours, as it’s a smaller cut and that is plenty of time to add flavor.

For a dry rub we use our beef rub, which is a blend of kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated garlic. It’s simple but its perfect to add flavor but not lose the amazing beef flavor of the steak.

How to Grill Flat Iron Steak

1. Preheat Grill – Use the direct method of grilling with the heat source directly under the flat iron when cooking. Target 500 degrees Fahrenheit over the direct heat.
2. Season Steak – Apply olive oil to the flat steak to allow the rub to stick and generously season the steak with the salt, pepper, and granulated garlic.
3. Grill Direct – Grill the first side for 3 – 4 minutes or until you see a nice crust form. Flip the steak and grill an additional 3 – 4 minutes. Pull the steak off the grill when the internal temperature of the steak reads 125 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer like the Thermoworks MK4 Thermapen.
4. Rest – Let the grill rest prior to slicing for 10 minutes. This resting allows carryover cooking to continue which means the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise, even after off the grill, another 3 – 5 degrees. The additional rest will also allow the juices to redistribute through the meat keeping it juicy.
5. Slice – Slice in pencil-thin slices and serve with your favorite toppings like our Jalapeño Chimichurri.

Temperature Ranges for Beef

Remember to allow for carry-over cooking when taking temperature and removing the flat steak from the grill. A high quality instant read thermometer, like the Thermoworks MK4 Thermapen, is a critical tool for grilling and smoking foods.

• Rare: 120-130 degrees F
• Medium Rare: 130-140 degrees F
• Medium: 140-150 degrees F
• Medium Well: 150-160 degrees F
• Well Done: 160 degrees F (and not recommended)

Other Great Steak Cuts on the Grill

• Horseradish Compound Butter on a Grilled Flat Iron Steak
• Grilled Bavette Steak
• Hanger Steak and Pinot Noir Wine Glaze
• Grilled Flank Steak
• Teres Major Skewers

Sides for Grilled Steak

• Perfect Roasted Potatoes
• Grilled Romaine Caeser
• Grilled Side of Vegetables
• Green Beans on the Grill

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