Flat iron steak is renowned for its incredible flavor and tenderness, making it a top choice for steak lovers. When cooked just right, it becomes a juicy and satisfying meal. This recipe elevates the already delicious flat iron steak with an Asian-inspired marinade, drawing inspiration from the culinary style of The Pioneer Woman. While Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is famous for her flank steak recipes, this version adapts her flavors to enhance the naturally tender flat iron steak, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and incredibly easy to make.
Marinated Flat Iron Steak
Why Flat Iron Steak Excels in Flavor and Tenderness
Often compared to more expensive cuts, flat iron steak stands out as the second most tender beef cut, right after tenderloin. Also known as top blade steak, it boasts even marbling and originates from the beef chuck shoulder clod, expertly trimmed to remove tough connective tissues.
The inherent beefy flavor of flat iron steak makes it versatile and delicious even with simple seasonings like salt and pepper. Its rich taste and affordability have made it a popular choice, offering a quality dining experience that rivals pricier options such as New York strip, and in some opinions, even surpasses filet mignon in flavor. For a truly great experience, a simple preparation of olive oil, salt, and pepper, cooked to medium-rare, highlights the steak’s best qualities. Overcooking can compromise its tenderness, so medium is the furthest you should go for optimal texture.
Grilling Flat Iron Steak: The Best Cooking Method
The ideal thickness of flat iron steak, typically around 1 inch, makes it perfect for quick and easy cooking, especially grilling. This cut is a weeknight dinner hero, whether served whole or sliced into strips for salads or tacos. Its consistent thickness ensures even cooking, making it a reliable and satisfying choice.
Grilling on a hot, preheated grill is a top recommendation for cooking flat iron steak, though pan-searing in a hot cast-iron skillet also yields fantastic results. To ensure even cooking from edge to center, let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Whether grilling or pan-searing, aim for approximately 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish, and 5-6 minutes for medium. Grilling is often favored for the smoky flavor it imparts, enhancing the steak’s natural taste.
Asian-Inspired Marinade: A Nod to The Pioneer Woman’s Style
This Asian marinade recipe takes inspiration from The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, known for her hearty, flavorful ranch-style cooking. Drummond often features flank steak in her recipes, highlighting its ability to absorb marinades beautifully. This marinade is a slight adaptation, perfectly complementing the flat iron steak with its blend of savory, sweet, and umami notes. The original recipe author even mentions being inspired by a flank steak recipe from Ree Drummond’s book, “Black Heels to Tractor Wheels,” recalling a story about preparing flank steak for her husband, the Marlboro Man.
Crafting the Asian Steak Marinade
To create this flavorful marinade, you’ll need a selection of key ingredients that bring depth and complexity to the steak:
- Soy Sauce: The base of the marinade, providing saltiness and umami.
- Sherry: Adds a touch of sweetness and nutty flavor, deepening the marinade’s profile.
- Honey: Sweetens the marinade and helps with caramelization during cooking.
- Sesame Oil: Infuses a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor, essential for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Ginger: Fresh minced ginger adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet note.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides a pungent and savory element.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat, balancing the sweetness and savory flavors.
This marinade isn’t limited to flat iron steak; it works wonderfully with other cuts of beef as well, staying true to The Pioneer Woman’s versatile approach to cooking. While The Pioneer Woman may use it primarily for flank steak, its adaptability makes it equally delicious with flat iron, enhancing its inherent tenderness and flavor. A sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions as garnish adds a final touch of elegance and flavor, though these are optional.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8-12 minutes
Marinating time: 3-6 hours
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Soy Sauce
- ½ cup Sherry
- ¼ cup Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoons (heaping) Minced Ginger
- 2 Tablespoons (3-5 cloves) Minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 Flat Iron Steaks (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
- Optional Garnish: 2 Tablespoons Roasted Sesame Seeds and 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sherry, honey, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flat iron steaks in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag, removing any excess air.
- Refrigerate: Marinate the steaks in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor penetration. For even more convenience, you can prepare the marinade the night before and marinate the steaks overnight.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 5-6 minutes per side for medium. Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks.
- Rest: Transfer the grilled steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the flat iron steaks against the grain into thin strips. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and green onion slivers, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired dish.
This Asian Inspired Flat Iron Steak recipe, drawing inspiration from The Pioneer Woman’s flavorful approach, delivers a delicious and tender steak experience. The marinade enhances the natural richness of the flat iron steak, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Enjoy this recipe as a testament to the wonderful combination of Asian flavors and classic American grilling.
