If you’re looking for a show-stopping steak dinner that bursts with juicy flavor, you’re in the right place! This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home—crusty, succulent steak slathered with aromatic garlic butter, all made in one pan for minimal mess. The combination of pantry-friendly spices and fresh herbs offers both depth and zing, while the quick oven finish guarantees the perfect doneness every time. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven lies in its short, smart ingredient list. Each component has a key role: from infusing the steak with robust seasoning to lending the finishing touch of melty, herb-flecked garlic butter. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you shouldn’t skip any!):
- Flank Steak (1½ pounds): Lean, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all that garlic butter goodness—make sure to pat it dry for the best crust.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that crave-worthy sear and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting natural beefy flavor—don’t be shy!
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with steak.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the entire steak with mellow, savory notes right from the start.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): The heart of the garlic butter—always use unsalted so you control the seasoning.
- Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): There’s nothing like fresh garlic for that deeply aromatic punch.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Lively, green, and just a bit peppery—perfect for flavor and color.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (1 teaspoon, optional): A pinch provides wonderful herbal fragrance—use whichever you prefer, or both!
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds brightness so the garlic butter lifts every bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab your flank steak and pat it dry with paper towels to help develop a beautiful crust. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Massage this spice blend evenly on both sides of the steak—it’s your foundation for flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Next, set a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, gently lay in the steak. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving it; you’re looking for that irresistible golden-brown crust. This step sets up the steak for delicious caramelization in your Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven journey.
Step 3: Oven Finish
Transfer your skillet (carefully, it’s hot!) into the preheated oven. Roast for 5–7 minutes, monitoring with a meat thermometer until the steak reaches the perfect doneness for you—about 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F if you prefer medium. Keep in mind that flank steak cooks quickly, so check carefully!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak works its magic in the oven, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and optional rosemary or thyme in a small bowl. Stir in a splash of lemon juice if you love a bit of citrusy lift. This simple garlic butter transforms your Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven into a five-star meal.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once the steak is done, pull the skillet from the oven and immediately spread the garlic butter on top. Tent loosely with foil and let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and the juices settle. Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness, and don’t forget to spoon the glorious melted garlic butter from the skillet over each serving!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven
Garnishes
Sprinkle your steak with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley or extra rosemary for eye-catching color and fresh herb aroma. A few thin slices of lemon on the side can amp up the vibrance, especially if you included lemon juice in the butter.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven is wonderfully versatile—pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, crunchy roasted veggies, or even a tangy arugula salad. Crusty bread is great for soaking up every last bit of that buttery pan sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your sliced steak on a rustic wooden board with tiny bowls of extra garlic butter. Or artfully splay slices over a bed of herbed rice, letting the melty butter drip temptingly down the sides. Top with some microgreens for a chef’s kiss finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven, store sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra garlic butter separately, so you can reheat and drizzle for maximum flavor.
Freezing
Flank steak freezes well! Place cooled, sliced steak in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Store the garlic butter in a small freezer jar. Freeze for up to 2 months—ideal for meal prepping or a make-ahead dinner rescue.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftover steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little of the reserved garlic butter to revive its juicy richness. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered, to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak in this Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is lean and flavorful, skirt steak or even flat iron steak work wonderfully with these seasonings and cooking technique. Just watch the cooking time, as thickness may vary.
Do I need a cast iron skillet for success?
Cast iron is ideal for getting that gorgeous crust and seamless oven transition, but any heavy, oven-safe skillet will do in a pinch. Just preheat the pan well before adding your steak.
Can I marinate the steak in advance?
While this Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven recipe uses a dry rub for speed, you can marinate the steak in the spice blend with a splash of olive oil a few hours ahead for deeper flavor. Just pat it dry before searing to get a good crust.
What internal temperature is best for flank steak?
For flank steak, aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Overcooking can make it tough, so use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Remember, steak continues to cook a bit as it rests!
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! All of the ingredients in Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy and safe option for those who avoid gluten. Always double-check your spice labels just in case.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a steak lover or just want an impressive yet easy main course, give Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven a try. I promise, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and full hearts. Happy cooking—and don’t forget a little extra garlic butter for good measure!
PrintGarlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak Oven Recipe
This Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak recipe combines the rich flavor of flank steak with a savory garlic butter topping, creating a delicious and satisfying main course. Perfectly seared and finished in the oven, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Flank Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the 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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels.
- Season the steak: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spice blend evenly on both sides of the steak.
- Sear the steak: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the flank steak for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Roast in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 5–7 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Make the garlic butter: While the steak cooks, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Rest and serve: Remove the steak from the oven, top with garlic butter, tent loosely with foil, let it rest for 5–10 minutes, slice thinly against the grain, and serve, spooning extra garlic butter from the skillet over the steak.
Notes
- Flank steak cooks quickly—avoid overcooking for the best tenderness.
- Pairs well with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches or wraps!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg