Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Blue Cheese Chive Butter: A Flavor Explosion

Flat iron steak, a cut prized for its tenderness and rich flavor, is elevated to new heights when kissed by the flames of a grill and crowned with a decadent blue cheese chive butter. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a summer barbecue, a special occasion dinner, or even a weeknight treat when you’re craving something extraordinary. The combination of the savory steak, the pungent blue cheese, and the fresh herbaceousness of chives creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

## Why Flat Iron Steak?

The flat iron steak, also known as a butler steak or top blade steak, is cut from the shoulder of the cow. What makes it special? Here’s why it’s a fantastic choice for grilling:

* **Tender Texture:** It’s one of the most tender cuts after the tenderloin, making it incredibly enjoyable to eat.
* **Rich Flavor:** It boasts a robust, beefy flavor that stands up well to grilling and bold toppings.
* **Relatively Affordable:** Compared to other premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, flat iron steak is often more budget-friendly.
* **Uniform Shape:** Its flat and relatively even shape allows for even cooking on the grill.

## The Star of the Show: Blue Cheese Chive Butter

The blue cheese chive butter is what truly transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It adds a creamy, tangy, and savory dimension that perfectly complements the richness of the steak. Here’s what makes it so good:

* **Blue Cheese:** The pungent, slightly salty flavor of blue cheese provides a bold and complex counterpoint to the steak’s savoriness. Choose a good quality blue cheese for the best flavor; Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or a creamy domestic blue will all work well.
* **Butter:** Butter acts as the perfect carrier for the blue cheese and chives, creating a luscious and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
* **Chives:** Fresh chives add a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of vibrant green color. Their mildness balances the intensity of the blue cheese.
* **Optional Additions:** Feel free to customize your blue cheese butter with other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

## Ingredients:

**For the Steak:**

* 2 Flat Iron Steaks (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
* 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika for extra seasoning

**For the Blue Cheese Chive Butter:**

* 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter, softened
* 2 ounces Blue Cheese, crumbled
* 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, finely chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
* Pinch of Black Pepper

## Equipment:

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Grill brush
* Small bowl
* Fork or spoon
* Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife

## Instructions:

### Step 1: Prepare the Blue Cheese Chive Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped chives.
2. Add garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce, if using. A dash of Worcestershire sauce will help deepen the savory flavour of the butter.
3. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
4. Using a fork or spoon, mash the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be relatively smooth, but some chunks of blue cheese are perfectly fine.
5. Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a log, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You can also simply put it in a small bowl and cover it.
6. Refrigerate the butter for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This will make it easier to slice and place on the hot steak. The butter can be made several days in advance.

### Step 2: Prepare the Steak

1. Remove the flat iron steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the steaks to come closer to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps to achieve a better sear.
2. Lightly brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. This helps the seasonings adhere and prevents the steaks from sticking to the grill.
3. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! The salt helps to draw out moisture and enhances the flavor of the beef. If desired, add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.

### Step 3: Prepare the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). For a gas grill, preheat with all burners on high, then reduce to medium-high. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat grilling. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with a light gray ash, indicating they are ready for cooking.
2. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush. This helps to prevent the steaks from sticking and ensures even cooking.

### Step 4: Grill the Steak

1. Place the seasoned flat iron steaks directly onto the hot grill grates.
2. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
* **Rare:** 125-130°F (52-54°C)
* **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C)
* **Medium:** 135-145°F (57-63°C)
* **Medium-Well:** 145-155°F (63-68°C)
* **Well-Done:** 155°F+ (68°C+)
3. For beautiful grill marks, rotate the steaks 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side. This creates a crosshatch pattern that enhances the presentation.
4. Avoid overcooking the flat iron steak, as it can become tough. Medium-rare to medium is generally recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.

### Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the grilled steaks from the grill and place them on a clean cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it!
2. While the steaks are resting, slice the chilled blue cheese chive butter into rounds.
3. After resting, slice the flat iron steaks against the grain into thin slices. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak even more tender.
4. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter.
5. Top each steak with a slice or two of the blue cheese chive butter.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Marinade:** For even more flavor, marinate the flat iron steaks for 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs works well.
* **Spice Rub:** Instead of just salt and pepper, try using a spice rub to season the steaks. Experiment with different combinations of spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
* **Garlic Butter:** If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, substitute it with minced garlic for a classic garlic butter.
* **Herb Butter:** Use other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary instead of chives for a different flavor profile.
* **Serve with Sides:** Grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese chive butter pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or grilled corn on the cob.
* **Wine Pairing:** A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is a great complement to this dish.
* **Sous Vide:** For an incredibly tender steak, consider cooking it sous vide before searing it on the grill. This ensures perfectly even cooking throughout.
* **Cast Iron Skillet:** If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the flat iron steak in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. Heat the skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot, then sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side.

## Make Ahead Instructions:

* The blue cheese chive butter can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on the day of cooking.
* The steaks can be seasoned and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

## Storage Instructions:

* Leftover grilled flat iron steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or in the oven to avoid drying it out.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion:

This grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese chive butter is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion! With its tender steak, pungent blue cheese, and fresh herbs, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!

Bon appétit!