Garlic Butter Flank Steak: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Garlic Butter Flank Steak is a savory and tender delight that will transform any mealtime into a culinary experience to remember. This dish is not only filled with amazing flavors but also boasts an impressive juiciness that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. The combination of garlic’s aromatic richness with velvety butter brings out the best in the flank steak, making it a star on any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe will not disappoint.
Flank steak, known for its pronounced beefy flavor and manageable cooking time, is often overlooked. However, when marinated and cooked with garlic butter, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The beautiful sear that forms during cooking combined with the luscious garlic butter creates a delicious complement that makes every bite exceptional. If you’ve never tried this flavor combination, you’re in for a treat.
In this article, we will explore why Garlic Butter Flank Steak is the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire, delve into preparation and cooking times, and provide you with detailed instructions to ensure your success. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this steak will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Flank Steak has several compelling reasons that make it a fantastic choice for your next meal:
1. Flavorful and Juicy – The rich blending of garlic and butter with the steak creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
2. Quick Cooking Time – Flank steak cooks fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Tender Texture – When cooked properly, flank steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender thanks to the marinade and resting time.
4. Versatile Dish – This steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides including roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.
5. Impressive Presentation – The glossy coating of garlic butter and a perfect sear make for an eye-catching dish.
6. Easy to Master – Even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with straightforward steps.
Prepare to wow your guests or enjoy a delightful family dinner with a sumptuous plate of Garlic Butter Flank Steak.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating this amazing Garlic Butter Flank Steak doesn’t take much time and can be done in a simple sequence. Here’s how much time you can expect to invest:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes (includes marination)
– Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
– Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
These times might vary slightly based on your experience and cooking equipment, but this framework should give you a solid estimate.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ pounds flank steak
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Garlic Butter Flank Steak:
1. Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir in half of the minced garlic to infuse the flavor.

2. Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, refrigerate, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
4. Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes on one side without moving it until a nice crust forms.
5. Flip the Steak: Turn the steak over and cook for another 4-6 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust time according to your preferred doneness.
6. Make Garlic Butter: While the steak cooks, heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
7. Dress the Steak: Once the steak is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Drizzle the garlic butter over the top of the steak.
8. Slice the Steak: Cut the steak against the grain into thin slices to ensure tenderness.
9. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for presentation, and serve alongside your favorite sides.

How to Serve

To make your meal truly memorable with Garlic Butter Flank Steak, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Pair with Sides: Complement the dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. The balance of flavors will elevate the dish even further.
2. Beverage Options: Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which pairs well with beef.
3. Plate Presentation: Arrange the sliced steak fan-style on a warm plate and drizzle additional garlic butter for presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.
4. Leftover Ideas: Use leftover steak in sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries for quick meals throughout the week.
By incorporating these serving recommendations, you can enhance the experience of your Garlic Butter Flank Steak, creating a truly delicious and impressive meal for all to enjoy!

Additional Tips

– Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, select high-quality flank steak and fresh garlic. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste.
– Resting Time Matters: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
– Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the steak against the grain makes it more tender and easier to chew, enhancing the overall experience.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative! Here are several variations to try:
1. Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños in the marinade for a spicy kick.
2. Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter for added flavor depth.
3. Citrus Twist: Add lemon juice or lime zest to the marinade to introduce a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the garlic.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
– Freezing: To freeze, slice the cooled steak and store it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

To prepare Garlic Butter Flank Steak, you’ll need:
– A large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
– Grill or heavy-bottomed skillet for cooking
– Small saucepan for making garlic butter
– Meat thermometer (optional) to check the steak’s doneness

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, feel free to substitute with skirt steak or sirloin, but adjust cooking times accordingly due to different thicknesses.
Is marinating necessary?
While it adds flavor and tenderness, you can skip marinating if you’re short on time. Seasoning well before cooking works too.
What if I don’t have flank steak?
You can use other cuts such as ribeye or sirloin, but be aware that cooking times may vary.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Flank Steak is a remarkable dish that not only brings warmth to your dining experience but also impresses with delightful flavors. Its simplicity and elegance make it a go-to recipe when you want to make an impression without spending endless hours in the kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite!