Reading Time: 7 minutes Back to 7 minutes version

What is flat iron? Is grilled flat iron steak easy to cook? If you’re new to the world of flat iron steak, what it’s used for, and how to cook it, this guide will set you on the right track. We’re going to dive into all the details, from the reasons we love to grill flat iron steak to the best tips for ensuring a perfectly grilled flat iron steak every time.

Table of Contents

What is Flat Iron Steak?

Flat iron steak is a part of the chuck cut, which comes from the shoulder area of a cow. It’s also known by many other names, like flank steak, hanger steak, or skirt steak, but those are actually separate (albeit similar) cuts of beef.

Flat iron is full of flavor, but it still works well with marinades, sauces, and other additions. Because it’s such a thin cut of beef, though, flat iron steak can become dry and chewy if not cooked properly. That’s one reason we love grilled flat iron steak, which cooks quickly and easily without a big learning curve.

Choosing the Best Flat Iron Steak

Your local grocery store or butcher may not have flat iron steaks readily available, so it could be something you need to ask for specifically. And in some areas, the name may not be well-known, so you might need to explain a bit. If that’s the case, try asking for a boneless top chuck or shoulder top blade steak.

You can also skip the store or butcher and order flat iron steak online from Chicago Steak Company. Our flat iron is aged between four and six weeks for maximum flavor and texture, and then flash-frozen to preserve its freshness before shipping it straight to you. It’s simple, convenient, and takes the guesswork out of ordering a flat iron!

Why Grill Flat Iron Steak?

Grilling is almost always one of the best options for cooking steak of any kind. Unlike pan-frying steak, grilling doesn’t require the steak to cook in its own fat, so it’s actually a healthier option (presuming you’re not adding a bunch of fattening sauces or marinades to the steak while you grill). Grilling also gives steak a tasty, smoky flavor that roasting and pan-frying in a skillet can’t do.

We love a good flatiron steak on the grill for the same reasons! Additionally, flat iron steak has excellent marbling (fat content) throughout the meat. On the grill, this fat renders down nicely, keeping the steak tender, juicy, and flavorful, bite after bite.

How to Prepare Flat Iron Steak for the Grill

Get everything you need to start grilling before you fire it up and get your steak ready. Have salt, pepper, olive oil, and any sauce you might want to add to the meat, ready to go. Grab a pair of grilling tongs or a spatula and a plate to set the steak on when you’re done. Don’t forget the meat thermometer! You’ll want to have it handy to check the temperature of your steak before removing it from the grill.

If you’re going to have any sides or toppings, like caramelized onion or a Dijon mustard sauce, with your flat iron steak, go ahead and prepare them before you preheat the grill. Flat iron cooks fast on the grill, and it can be difficult to manage different cook times simultaneously.

Next, it’s time to get your steak ready to grill. Remove the steak from the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil on it, and sprinkle salt and black pepper on all sides. You can also use a dash of steak seasoning or add your preferred rub for extra flavor. Don’t slice it into thin strips just yet; we’ll do that when it’s done cooking.

Tips for Success

Now you know how to make flat iron grilled steak, we’ll introduce you to a few grilling tips that can have you perfecting the process in no time.

Tip #1: Use a Steak Marinade

Flat iron steak is one of the most perfect cuts for a marinade. Because it’s so thin, the steak can easily become dried out if it’s cooked a little too long. A marinade can help prevent that because it tenderizes the meat for as long as you leave it in the bag. Try adding your flat iron steak to a vinegar-based marinade for several hours in the refrigerator before grilling it for extra tenderness and flavor.

Tip #2: Use Chilled Flat Iron Only

We usually tell you to pull the steak from the refrigerator to sit for 20-30 minutes before cooking it. This process helps the steak come closer to room temperature so that it cooks more evenly throughout. However, the thinness of flat iron steak doesn’t require it to go through the same process. Pulling the steak right from the fridge or letting it rest for a quick five minutes before grilling is okay.

Tip #3: Add Some Wood for Extra Flavor

For a more smoky and rustic steak, try adding some wood chips to your grill. There are several types you can try to add different flavors to flat iron steak. Fruity woods, like applewood and cherry, add bright, fruity flavors, while other woods, like hickory and oak, add bolder tastes.

Tip #4: Keep Your Grill Clean

We can’t stress enough the importance of cleaning your grill after every use. Clean the grates thoroughly while they’re still warm to make it easier to scrape food off. The more diligent you are about doing this, the less you’ll need to worry about food sticking later, especially with thinner steaks like grilled flat iron.

Tip #5: Serve with a Side

Some sauces and sides work perfectly with flat iron. Try a homemade salsa or chimichurri for fresh flavors. Or, make a creamy blue cheese dressing to drizzle onto your steak. Flat iron is super tasty already, but this steak only gets better with the right pairings.

Grilling Flat Iron on a Gas Grill

A gas grill makes it easy to get consistent heat when cooking flat iron steak. Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 450 degrees, and lightly oil the grates to keep the steak from sticking. Place your steak directly over the heat and let it sear for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the steak’s thickness. Use your meat thermometer to check for doneness according to the temperature chart below. Once it’s cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Grilling Flat Iron on a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills give steak that classic grill flavor, but they do take a little more time to prepare. Light your coals and let them burn until they turn white and ashy, then spread them evenly across the bottom of the grill for a nice, even heat. Place the flat iron steak directly over the hot coals, searing each side for about 3-4 minutes. If your steak is thicker, move it to a cooler side of the grill to finish cooking internally without searing the steak more. Then, rest the steak for about five minutes at room temperature.

Grilling Flat Iron on a Wood-Fired Grill

If you want big flavor, grilling over wood is the way to go. Depending on the type of wood you use, you’ll get subtle and smoky notes that infuse into the flat iron steak. Preheat your wood fire until you’ve got a steady bed of heat, then place your steak directly over the hottest spot to let the char develop. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, check the internal temp, and then let it rest before serving.

Flat Iron Cooking Temperatures and Doneness Guide

Most steak lovers will tell you that medium-rare is the sweet spot for flat iron, since it keeps the steak tender and juicy without losing flavor. But not everyone likes their beef cooked the same way, and that’s perfectly fine. If you prefer your steak more on the rare side or cooked through to well-done, you’ll just need to adjust your grill time. Thinner cuts like flat iron cook fast, so keep a close eye on the thermometer and remember that the steak will continue to rise a few degrees as it rests.

When to pull flat iron steak from the grill for different doneness levels:

Rare: 115-120°F
Medium-Rare: 120-125°F
Medium: 130-135°F
Medium-Well: 140-145°F
Well-Done: 150-155°F

Perfectly Grilled Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Ingredients

2 flat iron steaks, about 8 oz each
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder or steak seasoning

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 450 degrees, if your grill has a temperature control).
Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place steaks directly on the grill and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Remove steaks once they hit your target temperature.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

What to Serve With Grilled Flat Iron Steaks

Not sure what to pair grilled flat iron with? It’s a versatile cut, so there are plenty of sides to choose from. We love roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus as a steak side dish. If you have room on your grill, you can grill them using foil packs right alongside your steaks. And then there are the classic potato side dishes, like mashed or baked potatoes. But for something different, opt for potatoes au gratin, roasted potatoes, or even a sweet potato casserole.

Many enjoy lighter sides instead, since steak is rich on its own. A classic wedge salad, Caesar salad, or cucumber and tomato salad works well for this purpose.

Make Restaurant-Quality Grilled Flat Iron Steak at Home

Are you ready to show off your flat iron steak-grilling expertise? You can shop for USDA Prime flat iron steaks online with Chicago Steak Company! We also carry authentic American Wagyu flat iron if you want to kick up the luxury a notch. We guarantee your satisfaction and individually register each steak to commit to our quality standards. Soon, you’ll be cooking up restaurant-quality flat iron steak from your own grill.