Roasted Garlic Flat Iron Steak: A Flavorful and Tender Delight

Flat iron steak, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, is a fantastic cut of beef that’s often overlooked. When paired with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, it elevates to a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe for roasted garlic flat iron steak will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flat Iron Steak’s Natural Tenderness:** Flat iron steak comes from the shoulder of the cow, but it’s surprisingly tender, second only to the tenderloin. Its marbling contributes to a juicy and flavorful result.
* **Roasted Garlic’s Sweetness:** Roasting garlic transforms its pungent bite into a sweet, mellow, and almost caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the steak.
* **Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor:** This recipe focuses on showcasing the quality of the steak and garlic, using minimal additional ingredients to let their flavors shine.
* **Versatility:** Serve this steak with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, making it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

* 1.5-2 lbs Flat Iron Steak (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
* 2 heads of Garlic
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
* 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, plus more to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground, plus more to taste
* Optional: 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar or Worcestershire Sauce

Equipment

* Oven
* Baking Sheet
* Aluminum Foil
* Large Skillet (cast iron preferred, but oven-safe is required)
* Meat Thermometer
* Cutting Board
* Sharp Knife

Instructions

Part 1: Roasting the Garlic

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Garlic:** Cut off the top 1/4 inch of each garlic head, exposing the cloves. Place each head of garlic on a square of aluminum foil. Drizzle each with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. **Wrap and Roast:** Wrap the garlic heads tightly in the foil, sealing them completely. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
4. **Roast:** Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are very soft and easily squeezed out of their skins. The roasting time will depend on the size and freshness of the garlic. The cloves should be golden brown and fragrant.
5. **Cool:** Once the garlic is roasted, carefully remove the packets from the oven and let them cool slightly before handling.

Part 2: Preparing the Steak

1. **Prepare the Steak:** While the garlic is roasting, prepare the flat iron steak. Remove the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly.
2. **Pat Dry:** Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
3. **Season Generously:** In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Mix well. Rub the mixture generously all over the steak, ensuring an even coating. If desired, brush the steak with balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to add another layer of flavor.
4. **Prepare the Roasted Garlic:** Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash the cloves with a fork or the back of a spoon to create a smooth paste.
5. **Garlic Paste Application:** Rub half of the roasted garlic paste all over the steak, reserving the remaining half for later.

Part 3: Cooking the Steak

1. **Preheat the Skillet:** Place your oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get very hot before adding the steak. A hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear.
2. **Sear the Steak:** Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steak in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the steak around while it’s searing, as this will prevent it from developing a good crust.
3. **Oven Finish (Optional):** If your steak is thicker than 1.5 inches, or if you prefer a more well-done steak, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (400°F/200°C). Cook for an additional 3-7 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C); for medium-well, aim for 145-155°F (63-68°C); and for well-done, aim for 155°F (68°C) or higher. Thinner steaks may not need the oven finish. If the steak is cooked to the desired doneness during the searing process, skip this step.
4. **Rest the Steak:** Remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Place the steak on a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

Part 4: Serving

1. **Slice the Steak:** After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This will shorten the muscle fibers, making the steak even more tender.
2. **Top with Remaining Garlic Paste:** Spread the remaining roasted garlic paste over the sliced steak. This will add another layer of garlic flavor and moisture.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a pop of color and aroma. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the flavors.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a simple salad are all excellent choices.

Tips for Success

* **Choose High-Quality Steak:** The quality of the steak will greatly impact the final result. Look for a flat iron steak with good marbling (the white flecks of fat within the muscle). Good marbling means more flavor and tenderness.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Flat iron steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
* **Rest is Key:** Resting the steak after cooking is crucial for retaining its juices and tenderness. Don’t skip this step!
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the garlic paste before applying it to the steak and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs.
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** A hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear. Make sure the skillet is preheated properly before adding the steak.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and marinades to customize the flavor of your roasted garlic flat iron steak.

Variations

* **Garlic Herb Butter:** Instead of roasted garlic paste, make a garlic herb butter by combining softened butter with roasted garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the butter over the steak after slicing.
* **Spicy Garlic Steak:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic paste for a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Garlic Steak:** Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic paste for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Mushroom Garlic Steak:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and herbs and serve them over the steak.
* **Chimichurri Steak:** Replace the garlic paste with a vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Serving Suggestions

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roast a medley of vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to steak. Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Creamy Polenta:** Polenta is a comforting and versatile side dish that pairs well with steak. Top the polenta with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
* **Simple Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
* **Grilled Asparagus:** Grilled asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for summer. Simply toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill until tender.
* **Mac and Cheese:** For a more indulgent meal, serve the steak with creamy mac and cheese. Roasted garlic mac and cheese would be an especially delicious pairing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 500-700
* Protein: 50-60g
* Fat: 30-50g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g (depending on sides)

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

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C). Avoid overcooking the steak when reheating, as this can make it tough.
* **Freezing:** While technically possible to freeze, the quality of the steak may suffer. It’s best to enjoy the steak fresh.

Enjoy your delicious roasted garlic flat iron steak! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.