Thrifty Flat Iron Steak
Free Range Beef Flat Iron Steaks
A popular "new" Cut of Steak that is cheaper and surprisingly more flavourful than some more expensive Steaks. Flat Iron Steaks initially gained popularity in the US and have now come into very fashionable demand here.
Given its name
It was given its name because the Steak muscle is the same shape as the plate of an old-fashioned Flat Iron.
Also known as
Also known as Butler's Steak, Oyster Blade Steak, Top Blade Steak, Feather Steak, Book Steak, Lifter Steak, Petite Steak - depending where you are - the Flat Iron Steak was developed by teams at the University of Nebraska and the University of Florida in the early 2000’s.
Flavourful and relatively tender
The problem presented to these researchers was what to do with a waste Cut of Beef from the Shoulder of the animal. Though a flavourful and relatively tender Cut of Meat, the top blade roast has a serious flaw in the middle of it - an impossibly tough piece of connective tissue running through the middle.
An amazing cut of Beef
So, after developing a method for cutting and presenting this Steak, these friendly scientists have offered to us an amazing Cut of Beef. More than that, they have developed a nearly perfect Steak for the grill. The Flat Iron is uniform in thickness and rectangular in shape.
The only variation is the cut into the middle of the Steak where the connective tissues have been removed.
A perfect candidate for grilling
Also like Flank, Flat Iron Steaks are cut originally with the grain revealing long, parallel, evenly spaced muscle fibres. Although the Cut should really be too tough to grill, but by slicing the meat against the grain we shorten the tough muscle fibres and tenderize every slice. Which means it's a perfect candidate for grilling.
Deep, rich flavour
The Flat Iron Steak has a deep, rich beefy flavour with a bit of a bite - which makes it perfect not only on its own, but also as Meat for many dishes. It is very similar to any of the Flat Steaks so anything calling for Skirt, Flank, Bavette or Onglet Steak will benefit from a Flat Iron Steak.
Relax into tenderness
Dry-aging in our own state of the art Maturation Rooms enables the grain of the meat to relax into tenderness, then to darken, and to finally lose excess moisture - resulting in more concentrated beefy flavours and textures
Best grilled
This Cut is best grilled over a medium high heat. We don't suggest going as hot as possible unless you have chosen a particularly thin Cut. We like to get them thick so grill or fry at a little lower temperature to keep from charring the outside before it heats through the middle.
Like any non-loin Steak, the Flat Iron also benefits from marinating and is best if it isn't cooked too well beyond medium.
Apart from our basic How to Cook instructions - please do also have a look at the Cuts Related Recipes tab - however as a taster here are some recipes you may want to consider :
As this Steak originated in the States we have gone over the pond for some of these recipes - for added authenticity
• Grilled Balsamic and Rosemary Flat Iron Steak
Heavenly - there is no other word to describe this!
Marinated in Balsamic Vinegar, Red Wine, Garlic and Rosemary - and when cooked - finished off with another dash of Red Wine - and then reduced down to a luscious Sauce to spoon over the top.
As we said - heavenly!
Preparation time 10 mins - plus overnight marinating : Cooking Time 15 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Grilled Flat Iron Steak - by Linda Larsen
When you are stumped as to what to make for dinner, a grilled Steak is always a good choice. It is quick to put together and just needs a few minutes to cook. This recipe for grilled Flat Iron Steak calls for only Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil to marinate, which you can do for as little as one hour or overnight. In under 10 minutes, you will have a flavourful, juicy Steak that is perfect accompanied by grilled Vegetables, served over a Salad, or as a Taco filling.
Preparation time 5 mins : Cooking time 8 mins - plus marinating time. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Broiled Asian-style Flat Iron Steak - by Jenn Segal
Thrifty, moreish - and quick!
Flat Iron Steak broiled and topped with a rich Asian-style Brown Sauce - made from fresh Ginger, Sherry, Soy Sauce and Garlic
Feel free to grill it if you prefer.
An elegant dinner that is on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Preparation Time 10 mins : Cooking time 20 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Spicy Herb Marinated Flat Iron Steak
Mouth watering Flat Iron Steaks marinated to Perfection.
Prepared with Red Onion, Mint, Thyme, Honey, Cumin, Lemon, and freshly milled Black Pepper.
Ideal for the Barbecue, but also a great Thrifty alternative Cut for those who love their Steak cooked in their favourite way.
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 15mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Flat Iron Steaks with Date infused Barbecue Sauce
A fantastic Barbecue recipe with the Sauce made from Onion, Garlic, Tomato Ketchup, Honey, Cayenne Pepper, Dates and Lemon Juice.
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 50 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Flat Iron Steaks with Olive Tapenade
Cooked with fresh Rosemary or Thyme Leaves and served with a delicious Tapenade made with Olives, Garlic, Anchovies, Lemon Juice and sun-dried Tomatoes.
Perfect for the Barbecue - or under the Grill.
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 10 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Tomato Salad
Simply season with Salt and Pepper - that’s it! - then grill it - and your done!
A recipe that lets the quality of the ingredients shine through.
An amazingly simple, rustic - but gorgeous Summer meal!
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 12 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Cumin & Onion Marinated Beef - by Jennifer Joyce
Based on the Brazilian dish Churrasco, Steak is flavoured with tangy Worcestershire Sauce, Spices, Citrus and Garlic. Gluten-free
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 10 mins - plus up to 1 day marinating and resting. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Flat Iron Steak with Mushroom Sauce - by Alrayna
A wonderful Beefy flavoured and inexpensive Flat Iron Steak with a creamy Mushroom Sauce. Wonderful served over Roasted Potatoes
Preparation time : 20 mins : Cooking time 35 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Beef & Pasta Salad with Chilli & Coriander Dressing
This beefy Salad is packed with flavour and great cooked on the barbecue or grill. Flat Iron Steak combines with Pasta, Peas, Courgettes and Tomatoes with a Chilli and Coriander Dressing.
Preparation time 20 mins : Cooking time 20 mins. Click here for Flat Iron Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Blue Cheese Flat Iron Steak
This is a favourite Flat Iron Steak recipe. If you haven't already enjoyed the rich, creamy pairing of Blue Cheese with your favourite Steak, stop reading and get cooking! Take it a step further by folding in a little Butter to make the dish even more drool-worthy
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 10 mins - plus marinating time. Click here for Flat Iron Steaks
(Click here for recipe)
Whatever your choice - do enjoy this relatively new and absolutely delicious Thrifty Cuts discovery
Not easy to find - Free Range Beef Flat Iron Steaks - a taste experience just waiting to be discovered
Now live and fresh Online
Godfreys Free Range Beef Flat Iron Steaks are now live on www.godfreys.co
Give it a Click
So why not give it a Click - and experience a whole new way to enjoy Godfreys Free Range Premium Meats and Poultry - all week - or month long - by ordering from the comfort of you own home - or workplace - at a time that is convenient to you
We do the rest - be it if you would prefer delivery to your door Nationwide - or to personally visit our Highbury Shop - or collect from our Finsbury Park Collection Point
Bon Appétit!