What is Flat iron Steak?

The Flat Iron Steak is the infraspinatus muscle. It is excavated from the beef chuck subprimal. It is the second most tender muscle in the beef carcass. 

This steak was developed from the Muscle Profiling Study by professor Dwain Johnson in 2002. 
The Flat Iron Steak properties make it “as tasty and tender as more expensive steaks, yet affordable enough for the average family to enjoy on a regular basis, and it costs a lot less than a choice filet or strip steak,” Johnson says. 

Since the steak is cut from the top muscle blade area, it also goes by the name of top blade steak.
This steak is a thin cut, about one-inch-thick, and has no bones to get in the way of
a great steak experience.

This piece of meat has an advantage that allows it to compete with other premium cuts at a much lower price. 

If you’re wondering why this cut is cheaper than most retail steaks, the answer is simple. 
It’s because the cut is located in the chuck of the beef, and sadly, most cuts from the chuck have a bad reputation. 

Indeed, the chuck area has a significant amount of gristle -fibers and connective tissues- and almost no marbling, making it less tender than other cuts.  
However, this preconception about chuck steaks is wrong. The flat iron steak’s tenderness is a great example of the intrinsic qualities of this chuck cut. 
This undervalued cut has intermarbling properties that baste the steak from the inside as the fat slowly melts and forms into a golden sear on the outside. 

Flat iron steak Nutritional Facts

Meat eaters value the taste, appearance, texture, and most importantly, the price. That’s why flat iron steak is the budget-friendly cut par excellence.  

COOKING GUIDELINES. 

Trimming: Flat iron steak has a thin line of gristle running through it. It is important to remove it pre or post-cooking not to spoil your tasting experience as elastin won’t break down during cooking.
To trim it off: 

• Slip the knife under the gristle.
• Make a short slice to lift a piece of the gristle up.
• Grab the separate fat piece with your free hand and pull while slicing in the opposite direction to remove a thin strip.

Best heat cooking method: high-heat. 
Best degree of doneness: Medium-rare.
Best grilled on: medium-high heat or 400°F. 
Grilling time: 5 to 7 minutes per side or until temperature reaches 160°F.
as tasty as the spendiest
steaks

FLAT IRON STEAK RECIPES

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: PARMESAN 

Italian cuisine is known for its parmesan cheese and good quality steak. This flat iron recipe uses a trimmed steak, grilled on medium heat. The dressing makes the real difference as it adds a delicious flavor with the parmesan cheese and the vinegary sauce for an easy and tasty dinner. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lbs. Flat Iron Steak
• Balsamic vinegar, to taste
• Olive oil, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, to taste
• 1 handful of baby Onions
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Step 1.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. 
Season the meat with salt and pepper.
Sear the steak on high heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side. 

Step 2.

Remove the meat from the heat and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Cut the steak against the grain into ½-inch-thick slices. 
Dress the meat with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Grate Parmesan to taste.
Scatter the baby onions alongside the meat and garnish with some rocket salad and cherry tomatoes.

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: Sage & Lime

The combination of sage and lime is well-known among foodies. The sage releases a fragrant aroma, and the lime’s sharp sour taste holds up well to the solid beefy flavor of this steak cut. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lbs. Flat Iron Steak
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Butter, to taste
• 1 bunch of fresh Sage leaves
• 1 Lime

Step 1.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. 
Season the meat with salt on both sides.
Spread softened butter on both sides of the steak.
Press sage leaves on the steak until they stick with the butter. 

Step 2.

Put the lime in halves on the grill and place the meat alongside it.
Cook the meat on the cooler part of the grill for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side. 
Let it rest for 10 minutes in foil before serving with a squeeze of lime and black pepper.

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: Salad & Raspberries

This meaty salad uses thinly cut pieces, flavored with nothing more than coarse sea salt, to form a crispy crust over the grill’s high heat. The raspberries and raspberry vinegar add a fresh and fruity taste to the dressing of the salad. 
This easy flat iron steak recipe goes well with a heap of peppery greens or baby salad and grilled croutons for a great steak experience. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lbs. Flat Iron Steak
• Fresh thyme, to taste
• ½ tsp of Garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbp of Raspberry vinegar
• 1 tbp of Orange juice 
• 1 Shallot, thinly diced 
• 2 tbp of Honey 
• 5 tbp of Olive oil 
• Mixture of Rocket, romaine, lettuce 
• 1 red bell Pepper, diced 
• Cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup of fresh Raspberries 
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced 
• 2 tbp of roasted pumpkin seeds

Step 1.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. 
Season the steak with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. 
Grill the steak on high heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side. 
Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2.

In a bowl, mix the vinegar, orange juice, shallot, and honey. 
Drizzle the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 

Step 3. 

Slice the meat against the grain into ½-inch-thick slices and put 4 to 5 pieces on each plate. 
Pile a portion of the salad on top of each serving and balance a few cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, radishes, and raspberries. 
Drizzle the salad dressing and any meat juices over it all and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. 

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: Tacos 

There is no secret marinade or ingredient for a tacos recipe, but the tender beef, salted and then browned on a grill. 
The result is a scrumptious beef on top of two soft corn tortillas and a wedge of lime. You can add a tomato or avocado salsa for extra juiciness.  
This flat iron steak recipe is especially easy and family-friendly for weeknights on the run.

Ingredients:

• 1 and ½ lbs. Flat Iron Steak 
• 1 tsp of ground Cumin 
• ½ tsp of Cayenne Pepper
• ½ cup of fresh lime juice 
• 4 flour Tortillas, warmed
• ½ cup of lightly packed finely chopped fresh
• Cilantro
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced 
• ½ cup of Cheddar Cheese, shredded 
• Salsa or sour Cream, optional 

Step 1.

In a bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. 
Drizzle the steak with lime juice.
Rub the spices mixture and let it marinate in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for 2 hours.

Step 2.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. 
Grill the steak on high heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side. 
Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3.

Slice the meat against the grain into ½-inch-thick slices.
Stir in the cilantro, and distribute the beef among the tortillas.
Serve with a squeeze of lime, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: Southern spices 

This recipe holds unique southern aromas mixed with the flat iron steak, releasing a flavored and original taste.

Ingredients:  

• 1 lbs. Flat Iron Steak
• 2 green Tomatoes, sliced ½ inch thick
• ¼ cup of Olive oil
• ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup of sour Cream
• ¼ cup of Mayonnaise
• 1 green Onion, chopped
• 1 and ½ tbp of packed brown sugar
• ½ tsp of paprika
• ½ tbp of fresh ground black Pepper
• ½ tbp of kosher salt
• ½ tsp of granulated Garlic
• ½ tsp of granulated onion
• ½ tsp of cayenne pepper 
• Milk, optional

Step 1. 

Place the tomatoes in a Ziploc bag. 
Add the oil, vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and Garlic.
Combine all the ingredients and marinate for an hour. 
Drain the tomatoes and discard the marinade.

Step 2.

Combine the rest of the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, granulated garlic and onion, cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
In another bowl, stir the sour cream, mayonnaise, green onion.
Add half of the southern spice Rub. 
Thin the mixture with milk to desired consistency. 
Cover and reserve in the fridge.

Step 3.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. 
Sprinkle the remaining southern spice Rub on the steak.
Grill the steak on high heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side. 
Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve with the marinated tomatoes and the barbecue dip.

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: MARINADES

These marinades enhance this particular cut’s taste and make it even juicier and tenderer. 

Harissa Marinade

Ingredients for 1 Cup: 

• 6 Chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 red bell Pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/4 cup fresh Mint leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup of Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp of Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp of red Chili flakes
• 2 tsp of Coriander seeds
• 1 tsp of Caraway seeds
• 1 tsp of Cumin seeds

Blend the chiles, bell pepper, Garlic, mint, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and chili flakes. 
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the coriander seeds, caraway seeds, and cumin seeds, for about 30 seconds until they start to toast. 
Stir the seeds over the chile mixture. 
Blend it until smooth. 
Refrigerate or use right away. 

Cajun Marinade 

Ingredients for ¾ Cup:

• ¼ cup of Hot sauce
• ¼ cup of Teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbp of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 tbp of Cajun seasoning

Mix the hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Garlic, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl until well-combined.
Refrigerate or use right away. 

Kebab Marinade. 

Ingredients for ¾ Cup:

• ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup of Soy sauce
• ¼ cup of Olive oil
• 1 tbp of Dijon mustard
• 1 tbp of Garlic, minced
• 1 tbp of brown Sugar
• 2 tbp of Lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried Basil
• 1 tsp dried Parsley
• 1 tsp black Pepper

Mix the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Garlic, oil, mustard, sugar, basil, lemon juice, parsley, and pepper in a bowl until well-combined.
Refrigerate or use right away. 

Flat Iron Steak Recipe: Rubs

How you choose to season your steak depends on your personal preference. These different and easy rubs go well with the thin strips of flat iron and penetrate the meat to give it a flavourful taste.

Sweet Spicy Rub

Ingredients for 1 Cup:

• ¼ cup of Kosher Salt
• ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup of Garlic powder
• ¼ cup of Onion powder
• ¼ cup of Paprika
• 3 tbp of black Pepper
• 2 tbp of brown Sugar
• 2 tbp of Cumin
• 1 tbp of Chili powder
• 1 tbp of chipotle Chili powder
• 1 tbp of ground Mustard
• 1 tsp cayenne Pepper

Mix all of the spices in a bowl until well-combined. 
Transfer the spice mix into an air-tight container.
Rub it onto your meat 30 minutes before grilling or smoking.

Caribbean Rub

Ingredients for 1 Cup:

• 1 tbp of granulated Onion
• 1 tbp of Onion powder
• 2 tsp of brown Sugar
• 2 tsp of dried Thyme 
• 2 tsp of Kosher Salt
• 2 tsp of dried Chives
• 1 tsp of freshly ground black Pepper
• 1 tsp of cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp of Nutmeg
• ½ tsp of ground Cinnamon

Mix all of the spices in a bowl until well-combined. 
Transfer the spice mix into an air-tight container.
Rub it onto your meat 30 minutes before grilling or smoking.