What Is Flat Iron Steak?

what is flat iron steak

If you’ve recently heard of a cut of steak called flat iron, and want to learn more about it, then you’re in the right place.

In this post, we answer, what is flat iron steak? To help you better understand this cut and potentially find some new information about cooking flat iron steaks.

In a nutshell, flat iron steak is a cut of meat in the beef chuck primal. Butchers often use it when breaking down a side of beef, after removing parts that can be used to produce other products like pastrami or corned beef.

The flat iron steak muscle is one of the more tender muscles in an animal’s body, so it makes sense that this particular cut is good for grilling and pan-searing without losing too much juiciness.

Once you cook flat iron steak, it has a tender texture and nice beefy flavor that can’t be beaten.

However, we’ll help you do just that by providing some tips about cooking your flat iron steaks as well as preparing and serving them.

Let’s get to it…

What Exactly Is Flat Iron Steak?

Flat iron steak is a cut of beef that comes from the steer’s shoulder between the neck and the chuck (the front, number one in the diagram below).

The reason it’s called flat “iron” steak is because it resembles an old-fashioned cast-iron flat iron [for clothes], which in turn was named after a printing tool called a “Flex Iron,” which is made of two pieces of metal that sandwich an inked sheet of paper.

Not only is flat iron steak a lean piece of meat, but it’s also relatively inexpensive and very tasty for its price point and cut of beef.

This steak is also known as top blade steak, Denver steak, or Top Chuck.

How Is Flat Iron Steak Best Cooked?

When it comes to cooking flat iron steak, it’s best to use a heavy cast-iron pan because it has the potential to sear the beef and give it a nice crispy exterior.

It’s also a good idea to get the pan nice and hot before adding the flat iron steak, turn up the heat after you’ve placed it in the pan, and let it cook for several minutes on each side.

This will ensure you have a juicy flat iron steak that is crispy on the outside, making it the perfect meal for you and your family.

It’s also recommended that you add a bit of butter or olive oil in the pan which will caramelize along with the meat and give it extra flavor.

In some cases, restaurants will marinade the flat iron steak before cooking it.

This is up to you and can be done by using a bit of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and olive oil.

Let this marinade on the beef for 30 minutes at room temperature and then cook as desired.

The flat iron steak is versatile enough that you can decide to bake it, grill it, or even cook it in a pan.

How Is Flat Iron Steak Best Prepared?

Preparing flat iron steak is easy, simply coat it in oil, salt, and pepper.

You may decide to add some form of seasonings such as teriyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce to add flavor.

Bake the flat iron steak for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grill this cut of beef over medium heat and serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables.

This cut of meat tastes great simply seasoned with salt and pepper, and some people decide to use a steak rub too.

This steak doesn’t require much preparation at all and simply requires some time, and the correct utensils.

How Is Flat Iron Steak Best Served?

Serving flat iron steak is very simple and quick.

You can serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables, some baked potatoes, some rice pilaf, or whatever else you’d like to eat on the side.

My personal preference is grilled vegetables and potatoes, but there are many other options you can use.

Ensure you use steak butter to keep the meat tasty, along with any other seasonings or marinades you’d like to use.

It’s also a good idea to serve flat iron steak with a glass of steak sauce, as this adds a little bit more flavor.

Is Flat Iron Steak Expensive?

The price of flat iron steak is going to vary depending on your geographical location, however, it is typically a cheap cut of meat.

In the United States, flat iron steak will cost about $5 – $10 per pound.

It can be more expensive in other countries, but it’s still relatively pricey compared to most cuts of beef.

It can also be cheaper, depending on where you buy it. Personally, I like to keep an eye out for sales and discounts as this way I can bulk buy and place the steak in the freezer for another time.

This way I save money, and always ensure that I have a delicious meal in the freezer ready to thaw out at any time.

Where Is Flat Iron Steak Commonly Found?

This cut of steak is very common in the US, specifically Southern California, and if you live in an area where the Costco wholesale club carries it, be aware that some stores will carry it while others will not.

It’s also found in other areas, but I wouldn’t recommend looking for it unless you live in the area where Costco carries it – this is because if you look elsewhere without any leads to go on, you’ll spend your money and time fruitlessly hunting for something that may not be available.

For the most part, flat iron steak is widely available across the US, and it’s also available in the UK (I know this because I frequently see it on the menu at pubs).

You’ll be able to find this steak in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, etc.

Wherever you are in the world – there’s a reasonably high chance that you’ll be able to find flat iron steak.

Prepared properly with simple seasonings and cooked over high heat for short time periods, this is one of the most tender cuts of beef you can cook, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for wherever your location.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Flat Iron Steak?

It’s important to take into account the nutritional value of the cut of steak you’re interested in, this is because not all cuts are the same and some are much higher in calories and fat content than others.

The flat iron steak is a relatively healthy cut of steak, it’s quite lean and also has a good amount of protein and iron.

See below the nutritional value of one serving (85g) of Flat Iron Steak:

  • Calories = 189
  • Fat = 11g
  • Saturated Fat = 4.3g
  • Carbohydrates = 0
  • Sugars = 0
  • Protein = 21g

As you can see, the flat iron steak has a pretty impressive nutritional breakdown, with high protein and 0 carbs.

This makes it a great meal for those looking to bulk up and gain muscle, and can even be eaten on a diet.

Flat iron steak can be enjoyed as part of a healthy nutritious diet and there’s no reason that anybody can’t enjoy this steak, whether you’re watching your figure or bulking up.

Other Considerations

It’s worth keeping in mind that flat iron steak is not good for people who need to avoid red meat.

Also, if you’re worried about cholesterol or sodium, you might not want to eat this steak every day.

It is pretty high in cholesterol and sodium, so probably best to have it no more than once per week (unless your doctor says otherwise).

The basic rule of thumb is that anything that is good for you in moderation is probably not good for you if consumed excessively.

That being said, this steak is definitely healthy for most people.

Another consideration is that this steak is also pretty expensive, so it isn’t something you can afford to eat all the time.

That being said, it is very tasty and nutritious so if you enjoy eating this steak, it’s probably worth saving up for.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flat iron steak is a beautiful cut of steak that has a good amount of healthy fats, leaner than most cuts of steak.

It can be very tasty if cooked properly, with its own unique flavor.

Because it is cut from the shoulder section of the cow, it is best not to eat flat iron steak more than once per week or in excessive amounts.

Also because it can be quite expensive, you might want to find an alternative way of cooking flat iron steaks that isn’t so pricey.

However, it is definitely worth getting or having tried at least once if you have the opportunity!

And as always, enjoy your steak!

Thank you for reading this article all about what is flat iron steak and where it comes from, feel free to share it with someone who may find it of value.

Other Popular Posts