There is something truly magical about a perfectly cooked steak that carries layers of rich, buttery garlic flavor infused right into its fibers. The Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe is a celebration of just that—an easy yet incredibly flavorful dish that transforms a humble flank steak into a luscious, tender experience. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between a caramelized skillet crust and the gentle warmth of an oven finish, all wrapped up with savory garlic butter that elevates every bite. If you want a steak dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you are going to fall in love with this method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are what make this Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe truly shine. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance the steak’s natural flavor while adding depth and aroma, keeping the dish straightforward yet irresistibly delicious.
- Flank steak (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the show, known for its rich beefy flavor when cooked just right.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the meat’s natural juices and balancing flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to the crust.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky complexity that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that coveted caramelized sear in the skillet.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Key for that rich, silky garlic butter sauce that coats the steak.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Provides bold, aromatic flavor infused into the butter and steak.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and color contrast to the finished dish.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings an earthy herbal note for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Steak
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Pat the flank steak dry very well with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Then, season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly. This seasoning blend gives the steak a wonderful crust once seared.
Step 2: Sear the Steak in the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the flank steak in the skillet and sear it without moving for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want to develop a deep, golden-brown crust that locks in juices and flavor.
Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon the garlicky liquid over the steak repeatedly for about 30 seconds. This step infuses the steak’s surface with rich, aromatic butter that tastes like a dream in every bite.
Step 4: Oven Finish
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the steak for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness—medium rare is ideal for the most tender results. Keep a close eye to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the steak with fresh parsley and optional thyme or rosemary. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Then slice thinly against the grain for the perfect texture.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme bring a bright pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the rich garlic butter. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving can also enhance the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The rich garlic butter sauce calls for simple, flavorful sides to soak up every bit of that lush sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the garlic butter flank steak thinly and pile it atop warm tortillas for steak tacos. Or serve it alongside garlic butter roasted mushrooms for an indulgent, steakhouse-worthy plate that feels effortlessly elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover steak tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save steak for longer, slice it before freezing and store in freezer-safe bags with any garlic butter sauce. Frozen steak is best used within 2 months for optimal quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. You can also warm leftovers in the oven wrapped in foil at a low temperature to keep it juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for this recipe due to its texture and flavor, skirt steak or hanger steak can also work well with the same cooking method.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. The steak should feel slightly firm but still springy to the touch.
Is it necessary to rest the steak after cooking?
Yes, resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak when sliced.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance, but add it to the skillet only when searing the steak for the best flavor and freshness.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet is not oven-safe, you can transfer the seared steak to a preheated baking dish for the oven roasting step, just be sure to spoon the garlic butter over the steak before transferring.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably satisfying about mastering the Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe. It’s a dish that feels elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. The combination of a flavorful crust, tender interior, and rich garlic butter elevates this steak to something truly unforgettable. I hope you give this recipe a whirl—it might just become your new favorite way to cook steak at home!
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Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the rich taste of garlic butter with perfectly seared flank steak, finished in the oven for optimal tenderness. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal, it features a smoky paprika seasoning and fresh herbs, delivering a juicy and aromatic main course.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the steak after searing.
- Season the Steak: Pat the flank steak dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for balanced flavor and subtle smoky heat.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms, which locks in the juices and develops flavor.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon the fragrant garlic butter over the steak continuously for about 30 seconds to infuse it with rich, garlicky flavor.
- Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet with the steak to the preheated oven. Roast for 5 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the steak, aiming for your preferred level of doneness—medium-rare to medium is recommended for the best tenderness.
- Finish with Herbs: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional thyme or rosemary over the steak, adding a fresh herbal note.
- Rest and Slice: Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain to ensure each bite remains tender and juicy before serving.
Notes
- Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.
- Always slice against the grain to keep the meat juicy and easy to chew.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the garlic butter in the pan before roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
