Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender, this marinated flat iron steak is a game-changer for steak lovers. Whether you’re grilling over an open flame or searing it in a cast iron skillet, the bold marinade infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor.

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this marinated flat iron steak is the perfect recipe for grilling, pan-searing, or even broiling. Flat iron steak is a well-marbled cut that soaks up marinades beautifully, making it ideal for a quick and flavorful meal. In this recipe, we use a bold marinade with garlic, soy sauce, and citrus to enhance the steak’s natural richness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ, this easy flat iron steak recipe will be a hit

Feeds 2-3 people 

Prep time 4 hours 

Cook time 30 minutes

Why Flat Iron Steak Works

Exceptional Tenderness – Flat iron steak comes from the shoulder (chuck) of the cow, but unlike other tough cuts from this area, it has fine marbling and minimal connective tissue. This makes it one of the most tender cuts of beef, second only to filet mignon, while still being more affordable.

Rich, Beefy Flavor – Unlike leaner cuts like filet mignon, flat iron steak has a good amount of intramuscular fat, giving it a deep, robust beef flavor. It pairs well with marinades and seasonings but is also delicious with just salt and pepper.

Versatile Cooking Methods – This steak cooks beautifully on a grill, cast iron skillet, or even under the broiler. Its uniform thickness allows for even cooking, making it easy to achieve a perfect medium-rare to medium doneness without overcooking.

Great for Marinades – The open grain structure of flat iron steak allows it to absorb marinades deeply, enhancing tenderness and adding bold flavors. Whether you use a citrus-based marinade for brightness or a soy sauce-based one for umami, this cut takes on flavors exceptionally well.

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup soy sauce 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic 
• ½ cup red wine vinegar 
• ½ tablespoon ginger paste(you can use minced ginger as well) 
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 flat iron steak 
• Sesame seeds & sliced green onions for garnish

Marinade Instructions

Trim and Prepare the Steak – Start by trimming off any excess fat and silver skin from your flat iron steak. This will help the marinade penetrate better and ensure an even cook. Use a fork to gently pierce the steak, allowing the marinade to penetrate more effectively.

Make the Marinade – In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ginger paste, red wine vinegar, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Marinate the Steak – Place your steak in a deep dish or a resealable zip-lock bag. Then, pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Prep for Grilling- After marinating, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, pat it dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for developing a flavorful crust when searing.

Cooking Process

Grill to Perfection – Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 200-220°C). Once hot, place the steak on the grill and sear, rotating every 90 seconds to build an even crust. Flip the steak every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Check for Doneness- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak from the grill when it reaches 128-130°F (53-54°C) for a perfect medium-rare.

Rest, Slice & Serve – Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice it against the grain to maintain tenderness. Avoid cutting slices too thick, as this can make the steak chewier.

Garnish & Enjoy – Serve your steak with white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For the perfect finishing touch, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Now, dig in and enjoy!

If you are looking for more asian flavors i love making this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe!

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