Learn how to cook a mouthwatering flat iron steak in the oven with our easy-to-follow guide. Discover the perfect technique to achieve a tender and flavorful result every time, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Preparing Flat Iron Steak for the Oven
Before cooking flat iron steak in the oven, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best results. First, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes. This allows the steak to rise in temperature and ensures a more even cook throughout. While the steaks are resting, generously salt them on both sides. Cover them loosely with foil to retain moisture.
Next, prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Preheat your oven’s broiler to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush a thin layer of olive oil onto both sides of the steaks and season with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned steaks onto the prepared baking sheet and transfer them directly under the broiler in your oven. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until a golden-brown crust forms, then flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak according to a temperature chart provided. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Oven-Cooked Flat Iron Steak Cooking Time
The cooking time for oven-cooked flat iron steak using the reverse sear method depends on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare cook, it typically takes about 10-12 minutes under the broiler. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you may need to cook it for an additional 2-5 minutes. It is important to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
After cooking, allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and results in a more tender and flavorful steak. The total cooking time for oven-cooked flat iron steak, including preheating the broiler and resting time, is approximately 25-30 minutes.
Final Temperature
The final temperature of a flat iron steak will depend on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, it should reach an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit (55-57 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the steak is tender and juicy on the inside. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) or higher.
It’s important to note that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so removing it from the oven a few degrees below your desired final temperature is recommended. Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Medium Rare Flat Iron Steak
Cooking flat iron steak to medium-rare keeps it tender and juicy on the inside. Start by salting the steaks on both sides and leaving them at room temperature for 45 minutes. Once the broiler is heated, place the steaks on a baking sheet and transfer them directly under the broiler. Cook for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Then, flip to the other side and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Check the temperature with a thermometer before removing from the oven. Rest for 5 minutes at room temperature on a plate loosely tented with foil.
Before cooking flat iron, pat the steaks dry after salting and letting them rest. Brush on a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to help it crisp up nicely under the broiler. Using the oven’s broiler setting is preferred for flat iron steak because it allows for quick crisping on the outside while protecting the inside from overcooking. If you prefer more doneness, you can finish cooking in a preheated oven set to 425 degrees.
Oven Cooking Tips for Flat Iron Steak
1. Allow the steak to come to room temperature: Before cooking the flat iron steak in the oven, it is important to let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes. This helps to ensure more even cooking from the outside to the inside of the steak.
2. Preheat the broiler: To achieve a crispy outer crust and a tender, juicy inside, preheat your oven’s broiler to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The high-heat broiler will quickly cook the flat iron steak, allowing it to retain its tenderness and juiciness.
3. Use a thermometer: To ensure that your flat iron steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach a temperature of about 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the steak rest: After cooking the flat iron steak in the oven, allow it to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
5. Consider dry aging: Dry aging is a process that helps tenderize and enhance the flavor of steaks over time. If you have access to dry-aged flat iron steaks, consider giving them a try for an even more delicious dining experience.
Pat Steaks Dry
Before cooking flat iron steak, it’s important to pat the steaks dry. This should be done after salting the steaks on both sides and allowing them to rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. By patting the steaks dry with a paper towel, you remove any excess moisture on the outside of the steak. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy outer crust when cooking the steak in the oven using the broiler setting.
After patting the steaks dry, brush a light amount of olive oil onto both sides of each steak. This thin layer of oil helps to enhance the crispiness of the steak when cooked under the broiler. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steaks to season them before cooking. The combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the flat iron steak.
To cook flat iron steak using this method, place the seasoned steaks directly under the preheated broiler in your oven. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Use a thermometer to check for desired doneness according to your preference. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board or plate. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows for juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
Use the Broiler for Medium-Rare
The broiler is an excellent method to achieve a medium-rare cook for flat iron steak. By using the high-heat broiler setting, you can quickly sear the outside of the steak, creating a delicious crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method is especially beneficial for flat iron steaks, which are thinner compared to other cuts.
To cook flat iron steak in the oven using the broiler, start by salting the steaks on both sides and letting them rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. Preheat the broiler and lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Pat dry the steaks and brush on a thin layer of olive oil before sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the steaks directly under the broiler and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. After cooking, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking flat iron steak, choosing the right cut is essential for achieving the desired tenderness and flavor. Flat iron steak comes from the shoulder area of the cow, which is a well-exercised part. Despite this, it yields some of the most tender steak when cooked properly. Its marbling and texture make it a popular choice among steak enthusiasts.
When selecting flat iron steak, look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat throughout. This marbling adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Additionally, consider factors such as aging and grading. Premium Angus and USDA Prime steaks are labeled as such because they meet strict quality standards set by the USDA. These labels ensure that you are getting a high-quality steak with excellent marbling and overall quality.
Oven Cooking Flat Iron Steak Instructions
To cook flat iron steak in the oven, start by removing the steaks from the refrigerator and letting them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly. While the steaks are resting, preheat the broiler to 500 degrees and lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
After patting the steaks dry, brush a thin layer of olive oil onto both sides and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Place the steaks on the prepared baking sheet and transfer them directly under the broiler. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak, referring to a temperature chart for desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
Step 1: Prepare It
To prepare the flat iron steak for cooking, start by removing it from the refrigerator and placing it on a clean plate. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the steak and use your fingertips to press the salt into the meat. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes, which helps it cook more evenly.
Next, spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven’s broiler setting to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Broil It
First, preheat the broiler in your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high-heat setting will ensure that your flat iron steak cooks quickly and develops a crispy outer crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Next, place the seasoned flat iron steaks on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Transfer the baking sheet with the steaks directly under the broiler in your oven. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until a golden-brown crust forms. Then, using tongs, flip the steaks to the other side and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of your steaks during this process. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the steak and refer to the temperature chart provided earlier to determine when they are done to your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, remove the flat iron steaks from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board or plate. Loosely tent them with foil and allow them to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows for redistribution of juices within the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Step 3: Rest It
After cooking the flat iron steak in the oven, it is crucial to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To rest the steak, transfer it to a cutting board or plate and loosely tent it with foil. This helps to retain heat and keep the steak warm. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
During this resting period, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly, reaching its desired level of doneness. The juices will also settle back into the meat, ensuring a moist and juicy bite with every slice.
By properly resting your flat iron steak after cooking, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that is tender, flavorful, and satisfying.
Oven-Cooked Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Flat iron steak, known for its tenderness and juiciness, can be easily cooked in the oven using the reverse sear method. This method involves first cooking the steak at a low temperature to evenly cook it from the inside out, followed by a high-heat broiling to create a crispy outer crust. To prepare flat iron steak in the oven, start by leaving it at room temperature for 45 minutes to allow for even cooking. Generously salt both sides of the steak and loosely cover it with foil while it sits.
Preheat the broiler to 500 degrees and lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Once the broiler is heated, place the steaks on the baking sheet and transfer them directly under the broiler. Cook for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare doneness or longer if desired. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the steak according to a temperature chart provided. After cooking, let the steak rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
To enhance the flavor and crispness of flat iron steak, pat dry before salting and brushing with olive oil. The broiler setting is preferred for this cut as it quickly crisps up the outside while protecting the inside from overcooking. For those who prefer more doneness, you can switch off the broiler and continue cooking in a preheated oven set to 425 degrees for an additional few minutes.
Other Ways to Cook Flat Iron Steak
Aside from cooking flat iron steak in the oven using the reverse sear method, there are several other ways to prepare this cut of meat. One popular option is grilling the steak. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and season the steak with salt and pepper. Grill the flat iron steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
If you prefer a stovetop method, you can pan-sear flat iron steak. Heat a skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then place it in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
Another option is sous vide cooking. This method involves vacuum-sealing the steak in a bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature for an extended period of time. After sous vide cooking, you can finish the steak by searing it in a hot skillet or on a grill for added flavor and texture.
In conclusion, cooking flat iron steak in the oven is a simple and convenient method that yields juicy and flavorful results. By following a few easy steps and using the right techniques, anyone can achieve a deliciously tender steak without the need for an outdoor grill.
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