Are you craving a juicy, flavorful flank steak but don’t have access to a grill? Don’t worry, because I’ve got you covered! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking a delicious flank steak on the stovetop. From seasoning the steak to perfectly searing it to mouthwatering perfection, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you elevate your cooking skills and impress your family and friends with a delectable meal. So, grab your apron and get ready to master the art of cooking flank steak on the stove!Learn the perfect steak cooking process with tips on seasoning, searing, flipping, and resting for a juicy, flavorful result.
Seasoning the Steak
Before you start cooking your flank steak on the stove, it’s important to properly season the meat to enhance its flavor. Start by generously sprinkling the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. This will give the meat a well-rounded taste and bring out its natural flavors.
Additionally, you can add other spices and herbs to complement the flavor of the steak. Consider using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a blend of your favorite herbs to create a unique and delicious seasoning for your flank steak.
Once you’ve seasoned the steak, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will help ensure that the seasoning has a chance to fully meld with the steak, resulting in a more flavorful end result.
By taking the time to properly season your flank steak before cooking it on the stove, you’ll be able to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Heating the Pan
Before you start cooking your flank steak on the stove, it’s important to properly heat your pan. Heating the pan prior to searing your steak will ensure a nice and even crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To begin, place your skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and let it warm up for a few minutes. You can tell if the pan is hot enough by hovering your hand a few inches above the surface – if you can feel the heat radiating off the pan, it’s ready to go.
When you’re confident that the pan is adequately heated, you can add a small amount of oil to the surface. Whether you prefer using olive oil, vegetable oil, or another type of cooking oil, be sure to swirl it around to coat the entire bottom of the pan. This step will help prevent the steak from sticking and aid in the searing process.
After adding the oil, let the pan heat up for another minute or two before carefully placing your flank steak onto the hot surface. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the meat hits the pan, indicating that it’s hot enough to create a delicious sear. Now that you’ve properly heated the pan, it’s time to focus on searing the steak to perfection.
Remember, the key to a great sear is starting with a hot pan, so take your time to ensure that your cooking surface is adequately heated before moving on to the next step. By properly heating the pan, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating a mouthwatering flank steak on the stove.
Searing the Steak
When it comes to cooking a delicious flank steak on the stove, searing the steak is a crucial step in achieving that perfect crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To begin, make sure your flank steak is at room temperature. This will ensure even cooking throughout the steak.
Next, heat a pan on high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the flank steak in the pan. Allow the steak to sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes, until a beautiful crust forms on the bottom.
After the first side is seared, flip the steak over and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. This high-heat cooking method helps to lock in the juices and flavor of the steak, resulting in a mouthwatering crust on the outside and a perfect medium-rare inside.
Once the searing process is complete, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Follow these tips for searing the flank steak on the stove, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Flipping and Cooking
After searing one side of the flank steak for 3-4 minutes, it’s time to flip it over and continue the cooking process. Using a pair of tongs, gently lift and turn the steak over, making sure to place it on a different section of the hot pan to ensure even cooking.
As the steak continues to cook on the second side, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, you’ll want to aim for a temperature of around 130-135°F. If the steak isn’t quite there yet, continue cooking and checking the temperature every minute or so.
It’s important not to overcook the steak, as this can result in a tough and dry texture. Keep a close eye on the steak as it cooks, and remove it from the pan once it reaches the desired temperature.
Once the flank steak is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final result.
Resting and Slicing
After the steak has been cooked to perfection, it is crucial to allow it to rest before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into it.
When slicing the flank steak, be sure to cut against the grain. This helps to ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. Use a sharp knife and cut the steak into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
Once the steak has been sliced, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or in a salad or sandwich, the perfectly cooked and rested flank steak is sure to be a hit.