How Long to Grill Flat Iron Steak Step by Step

To grill flat iron steak perfectly, start by preheating your grill on high for 10-15 minutes and oiling the grates. This preparation ensures a great sear and prevents sticking.

Pat the steak dry to remove excess moisture, then season or marinate it to enhance flavor.

Grill the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side if you prefer it rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare.

Flip the steak every 60-90 seconds to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once grilled, let the flat iron steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Always cut against the grain to maintain tenderness.

Keep practicing, and you’ll discover more tips for perfect seasoning, timing, and checking doneness.

Key Takeaways

Preheat grill to high heat (10-15 minutes for gas or 20-30 minutes for charcoal) and clean, oil grates before grilling.
Pat flat iron steak dry, trim excess fat, marinate if desired, and bring to room temperature before grilling.
Grill the steak flipping every 60-90 seconds for even cooking and desired crust development.
Grill times: 3-4 min per side for rare, 6-7 min per side for medium, aiming for internal temps of 120-125°F to 140-145°F.
Rest steak for 5 minutes covered in foil before slicing against the grain to retain juices and maximize tenderness.

Understanding Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steak is a flavorful and tender cut from the cow’s shoulder, specifically the top blade muscle, making it the second most tender steak after filet mignon. When you choose flat iron steaks, you’re getting a well-marbled, juicy piece of meat that’s packed with rich flavor but often more affordable. Its unique thin, rectangular shape and marbling make it ideal for various cooking methods.

Whether you decide to grill your flat iron or cook it another way, aiming for a medium-rare degree of doneness guarantees the best tenderness and juiciness. Remember, it’s vital to cut against the grain when slicing the steak to maintain its tenderness. This tender steak offers versatility and value, combining great flavor with an excellent texture.

Understanding these basics will help you get the most from your flat iron steak every time you cook it.

Preparing the Steak for Grilling

Before grilling, you’ll want to properly prepare your steak to get the best flavor and texture. Start by patting dry your flat iron steak with paper towels; removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear. Next, trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups and guarantee even cooking.

If you’re using a flat iron steak marinade, be sure to marinate the steak for at least 2-4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to enhance flavor and promote ideal tenderness. When it’s time to grill, let your marinated steak come to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking. Don’t forget to season the steak generously on both sides with salt, pepper, or your preferred spices if you haven’t marinated it, as this further enhances flavor.

Proper preparation sets the foundation for a juicy, tender flat iron steak every time.

Preheating Your Grill Properly

Although it might seem straightforward, properly preheating your grill is crucial to achieving a perfect sear on your flat iron steak. To guarantee the best cooking quality, you need to preheat your grill to a high temperature, ideally above 400°F. This helps lock in juices and creates those appealing grill marks.

Here’s how to preheat your grill properly:

For gas grills, turn all burners to high and let it heat for 10-15 minutes.
For charcoal grills, wait 20-30 minutes until the charcoal is covered with white ash.
Keep the grill lid open to promote good heat circulation.

Once preheated, clean your grill grates thoroughly to remove any residue.

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent your steak from sticking.

Seasoning Tips for Flat Iron Steak

Once your grill is properly heated and ready, the next step is to focus on seasoning your flat iron steak to bring out its full flavor. Start by generously applying SPG seasoning—a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic—to enhance the steak’s natural flavor. Be sure to coat both sides evenly to achieve a balanced flavor throughout.

For added moisture and depth, consider marinating your steak in a blend of olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and red wine vinegar for 4 to 24 hours. Before placing the steak on the grill, lightly brush it with olive oil to encourage ideal browning and perfect grill marks. You can also experiment with custom seasoning blends or store-bought options that suit your taste, but always trim any silver skin to avoid toughness.

Following these seasoning tips will guarantee your flat iron steak is flavorful and ready for grilling.

Ideal Grill Temperature Settings

How hot should your grill be to cook the perfect flat iron steak? The ideal grill temperature is above 400°F to get a great sear and flavor. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, start with high heat to sear both sides for 1–2 minutes.

Grill your flat iron steak above 400°F for a quick sear that locks in flavor.

Then lower the heat for even cooking.

Keep these tips in mind for ideal grill temperature settings and cooking times:

Preheat charcoal grill on high, sear, then move steak to medium coals
On a gas grill, sear on high, then reduce to medium heat
Use a probe thermometer to check internal temperature aiming for 130°F for medium-rare doneness
Flip steak continuously every 60-90 seconds to develop an even crust
Monitor heat closely to avoid overcooking while maintaining ideal grill temperature

Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps with juice redistribution and enhances tenderness.

Following this will help you nail the perfect flat iron steak with balanced searing and doneness every time.

Grilling Time for Rare Flat Iron Steak

To get your flat iron steak rare, you’ll want to grill it for about 3-4 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 120-125°F.

Keep in mind that a 1-inch thick steak shouldn’t stay on the grill longer than 8 minutes total. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to make sure you hit the perfect rare doneness.

Rare Steak Temperature

Grilling a rare flat iron steak means aiming for an internal temperature between 120-125°F, giving you a warm, red center. To hit this rare steak doneness, keep an eye on your meat thermometer rather than relying solely on grilling time. For a 1-inch thick flat iron steak, expect about 3-4 minutes per side, but adjust as needed.

Remember to rest your steak after grilling to let the juices redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness. Here’s a quick guide:

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature accurately
Grill a 1-inch flat iron steak for 3-4 minutes per side
Flip every 60-90 seconds for even cooking
Aim for 120-125°F for rare steak
Rest steak for at least 5 minutes before serving

This guarantees your flat iron steak reaches the desired doneness perfectly.

Grill Duration Guidelines

Achieving the perfect rare flat iron steak usually means grilling it for about 3-4 minutes on each side over a high heat above 400°F. To get this right, preheat your grill to a high temperature to guarantee a great sear. While grilling, flip the flat iron steak every 60-90 seconds to promote even cooking and develop a nice crust.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 120-125°F. Once it hits 125°F, remove the steak from the grill, as carryover cooking will raise the temperature slightly. Let your steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a juicy and tender rare flat iron steak every time.

Grilling Time for Medium-Rare Flat Iron Steak

Cooking a medium-rare flat iron steak takes about 12 to 14 minutes on a high-heat grill, with flips every 1 to 2 minutes to guarantee even cooking. To get it just right, follow these key steps:

Preheat your grill to high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the flat iron steak on the grill and flip it regularly every 1 to 2 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; aim for 130°F to 135°F.
Remove the steak when it’s about 5°F below your target, as it will continue to cook while resting.
Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Grilling Time for Medium and Beyond

To reach medium doneness on your flat iron steak, you’ll want to grill it for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature between 140°F and 145°F. This cooking time works well for a 1-inch thick steak, but thickness can affect grilling time, so adjust accordingly. When you grill a flat iron steak, using a meat thermometer is essential to hit your desired level of doneness accurately.

Remove the steak from heat when the internal temperature is about 5°F below your target, as carryover cooking will raise the temperature during the steak rest. For medium-well, increase grilling time to 8 to 9 minutes per side, aiming for 155°F internal temperature. Always allow your steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the grill.

This rest period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite every time.

Checking Steak Doneness Accurately

To check your flat iron steak’s doneness accurately, start by using a meat thermometer to hit the right temperature—125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.

You can also try the finger test: a rare steak feels soft, medium-rare is slightly firmer, and medium feels firm.

Remember to pull the steak off the grill a bit early since it will continue cooking as it rests.

Doneness Temperature Guide

Although it might be tempting to rely on time alone, the most reliable way to check your flat iron steak’s doneness is by using a meat thermometer. This guarantees your steak reaches the perfect internal temperature every time you grill. Here’s a quick doneness temperature guide to help:

Rare: 125°F (remove at 120°F)
Medium-rare: 135°F (remove at 130°F)
Medium: 145°F (remove at 140°F)
Medium-well: 155°F (remove at 150°F)
Well done: 165°F (remove at 160°F)

Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding fat or bone. After cooking, let your steak rest for about 5 minutes; this resting period allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness. Using this temperature guide assures consistent doneness during your cooking and grilling sessions.

Finger Test Method

While a meat thermometer provides precise results, you might find the finger test method a handy alternative for checking your flat iron steak‘s doneness. This method lets you gauge steak firmness by comparing it to the fleshy area at the base of your thumb. When your thumb and middle finger touch, the firmness matches a medium-rare cooked steak, roughly aligning with an internal temperature of 135°F.

For rare, medium, and well-done, you compare firmness using your thumb with your index, ring, and pinky fingers, respectively. The finger test method is especially useful during grilling, allowing quick checks without cutting into the steak. To accurately gauge steak doneness, practice feeling the varying firmness levels of cooked steak so you can confidently gauge internal temperature by touch alone.

Resting the Steak After Grilling

Since you’ve just taken your flat iron steak off the grill, it’s crucial to let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing tenderness and flavor. During this time, loosely cover the steak with foil to keep it warm without causing it to steam.

The internal temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F due to carryover cooking, locking in moisture for ideal serving. Avoid slicing immediately after grilling, as this can cause valuable juices to escape.

To guarantee the best results, remember to:

Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing
Loosely cover with foil to retain heat
Allow carryover cooking to boost internal temperature
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness
Cut into thin pieces for ideal serving

Following these steps guarantees a juicy, tender flat iron steak every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Cook Flat Iron Steak on the Grill?

It usually takes you about 12-14 minutes to grill a flat iron steak to medium-rare, flipping every 1-2 minutes for even cooking. If you want it rare, cut that time to around 10-12 minutes, and for medium, aim for 14-16 minutes.

Don’t forget to let your steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in those juices and boost flavor. Using a meat thermometer helps you nail the perfect doneness.

What Is the 3 3 2 2 Rule for Steak?

The 3 3 2 2 rule means you grill your steak for 3 minutes on one side, flip it and grill another 3 minutes, then move it to indirect heat for 2 minutes per side.

This method helps you get a perfect sear and cook the steak evenly without overdoing it. It’ll give you a juicy, medium-rare result with a nice crust, especially for thicker cuts.

Don’t forget to check the temperature!

Is Flat Iron Steak Good for the Barbecue?

Flat iron steak is perfect for the barbecue, like a magnet drawing flavor out with every sear. You’ll get a tender, juicy cut that holds up well over high heat, making your grill session a success.

Just make sure to sear it quickly at high temperatures, and you’ll enjoy a deliciously caramelized crust. Marinate beforehand for extra flavor, and slice against the grain for the best, melt-in-your-mouth results.

Can You Overcook Flat Iron Steak?

Yes, you can definitely overcook flat iron steak. If you let it go beyond 145°F internally, it’ll turn dry and tough.

To avoid this, aim for medium-rare at 130-135°F, using a meat thermometer to keep track. Cooking times vary, but about 5-6 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak usually works.

Don’t forget to rest it for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.

Conclusion

Grilling the perfect flat iron steak isn’t rocket science—you just need the right timing and a little love. By seasoning well, heating your grill just right, and keeping an eye on doneness, you’ll have a juicy steak that sings with flavor.

Remember, resting your steak is the secret handshake that locks in those delicious juices. So fire up your grill, and let your flat iron steak steal the show every time!

Mastering how long to grill flat iron steak is key to achieving that tender, flavorful bite. With proper timing and technique, your grilled flat iron steak will always be a crowd-pleaser.