If you are craving a steak dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare, the Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish features tender, juicy flank steak seared to perfection and then finished in the oven, all smothered in a luscious homemade garlic butter that melts into the meat, creating a wonderfully rich and aromatic experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe offers a satisfying combination of savory spices, creamy garlic butter, and that unmistakable seared crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples and fresh herbs to make the steak shine with flavor. With straightforward components, you’ll create a beautiful balance of savory, smoky, and buttery notes that enhance the natural taste of the flank steak while adding wonderful texture and color.
- Flank steak (1½ pounds): A lean, flavorful cut that benefits from quick cooking and comes tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps develop a beautiful crust on the steak during searing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the meat.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and aromatic spice.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Creates a rich and creamy base for the garlic butter topping.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings bright, pungent notes that meld beautifully with the butter.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and color contrast.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (1 teaspoon, optional): Introduces an earthy, aromatic layer to the garlic butter.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon, optional): Offers a touch of acidity to balance richness and brighten the overall flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Steak
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels to help create that beautiful sear. Next, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then rub this flavorful spice mixture evenly over both sides of the steak. This seasoning blend is key to building depth in the final dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Once shimmering hot, place the flank steak in the skillet and sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Aim for a golden-brown crust that locks in the juiciness while adding texture. Don’t move the steak around too much during searing to let that crust develop properly.
Step 3: Roast in the Oven
Transfer the skillet, with the steak still inside, directly to your preheated oven. Roast the steak for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness—130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. This oven step gently finishes the cooking while preserving tenderness inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the steak is roasting, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, your choice of rosemary or thyme if using, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. This aromatic garlic butter will melt into the steak as soon as it comes out of the oven, providing an irresistible richness and fresh flavor burst.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the steak is out of the oven, immediately top it with the garlic butter and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender slices. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain and spoon any extra garlic butter from the skillet over the top before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the sliced steak adds a lovely pop of green and hints of freshness. For a bit of zing, a few lemon wedges on the side can brighten each bite. A dash of flaky sea salt can also elevate the buttery crust for extra texture.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Each option complements the steak’s rich flavors while adding contrasting textures to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this steak sliced thin over warm naan bread or in a hearty sandwich with arugula and caramelized onions for a casual, crowd-pleasing twist. For a fancy dinner, plate the slices alongside a drizzle of balsamic glaze and roasted garlic mashed cauliflower for elegance and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the garlic butter on the side ensures the steak remains tender and does not get soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the garlic butter separately in a small container or ice cube tray for easy portioning.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Add a dollop of reserved garlic butter while reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for quick cooking and slicing, you can also try skirt steak or sirloin. Adjust cooking times accordingly since each cut has its own thickness and tenderness.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can sear the steak in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a preheated baking dish to finish roasting in the oven.
Is the garlic butter necessary?
The garlic butter is the star of the recipe—it adds richness, moisture, and aromatic flavors that take the steak from good to unforgettable. However, you could also top with a simple herb chimichurri sauce if preferred.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way—130°F is ideal for medium-rare, and 140°F if you like it medium. Resting the steak after cooking helps lock in the juices and finish cooking gently.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the hot steak.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a beautifully cooked flank steak topped with melting garlic butter, and the Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe makes that experience easy to achieve at home. With straightforward ingredients, quick cooking times, and incredible flavors, this recipe is destined to become your go-to steak dinner for weeknights or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and give this dish a try—you’re going to love how it turns out!
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Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven recipe features tender flank steak seared to perfection and finished in the oven, then topped with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and lemon juice. It’s a simple yet flavorful main course that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Steak: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the steak.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Roast the Steak: Transfer the skillet with the steak into the preheated oven. Roast for 5–7 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness: 130°F internal temperature for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the steak roasts, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh rosemary or thyme if using, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well to create the garlic butter blend.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately top the steak with the garlic butter, letting it melt over the meat. Tent the steak loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to retain juices. Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the sliced steak before serving.
Notes
- Flank steak cooks quickly—avoid overcooking for optimal tenderness.
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover steak is excellent for sandwiches or wraps.
