Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that delivers steakhouse flavor with weeknight simplicity, this Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) is about to become your go-to recipe. The juicy, robustly seasoned flank steak gets a beautiful sear before soaking up garlicky, herby butter, then finishes to melt-in-your-mouth perfection in the oven. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, every slice is full of savory goodness that’s designed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) is all about using just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one making a big impact. These essentials work together to build irresistible flavor layers while keeping prep refreshingly simple.
- Flank steak (1½ pounds): The star of the show, its beefy flavor and tender texture shine when sliced against the grain.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick, while encouraging that golden-brown sear.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the steak’s flavor—don’t be shy here.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a spicy, aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the savory notes and reinforces the fresh garlic’s punch later on.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds luxurious richness and creates the luscious garlic-herb basting sauce.
- Fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves): The real flavor hero—fresh garlic infuses the butter and steak with mouthwatering aroma.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (1 tablespoon): Either herb brings a fragrant, woodsy note that lifts the buttery sauce.
- Optional lemon wedges or fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the final dish with color and zesty freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished)
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, making sure it’s fully ready when the steak needs to finish. Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a gorgeous crust. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, massaging the seasonings in well. Give the steak about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature; this takes off the chill and sets you up for an even sear.
Step 2: Sear the Steak for Flavor
With your oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) heating over medium-high, place the seasoned steak in and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Sear the flank steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side without moving it, so a deep brown crust forms and those flavors really lock in. This initial sear is all about texture and color, crucial for the signature Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) experience!
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter and Herbs
With both sides beautifully seared, slide in the butter, minced garlic, and your choice of chopped rosemary or thyme. As the butter melts, tilt the skillet and use a spoon to baste the steak with the garlicky, herby goodness for about a minute. This is where the fragrance really explodes and the flavors start to layer.
Step 4: Oven-Finish to Perfect Doneness
Transfer the skillet to the heated oven and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 130 to 135°F for medium-rare. Adjust the roasting time depending on how you like your steak cooked. Oven-finishing keeps the inside juicy while maintaining that irresistible crust from searing.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Pull the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps all those flavorful juices inside, not on your cutting board! Slice thinly against the grain, then spoon the aromatic garlic butter from the pan right over the top for a glossy, crave-worthy finish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished)

Garnishes
A scattering of fresh parsley or a few squeezes of lemon juice does absolute wonders for this dish, brightening every bite and adding a pop of color. The vibrant green of parsley contrasts beautifully with the rich steak, while lemon’s acidity balances the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
Serve Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) with classic roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad for a comforting, complete meal. Grilled or sautéed vegetables—think asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers—are also fantastic, soaking up the garlicky juices and adding freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping family-style presentation, fan the sliced steak on a wood cutting board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side. Or pile juicy slices over a bed of dressed arugula, letting the peppery greens soak up that savory garlic butter. For a casual twist, tuck slices into warm tortillas with a spoonful of pan sauce for unforgettable steak tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) at its best, let it cool to room temperature, then store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or salads.
Freezing
If you end up with extra, this steak freezes beautifully! Slice it first for faster reheating, then layer with parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its tenderness and flavor for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up again.
Reheating
To bring your Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or a dab of extra butter to keep things juicy. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak delivers wonderful flavor and texture, you can substitute with skirt steak or even flat iron steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness and always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Should I marinate the steak first?
Marinating is optional but can add even more depth to your Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished). A quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a few hours (or overnight) will tenderize the steak and bump up the herbal flavor—just be sure to pat it dry before searing.
How do I know when my steak is done?
The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, look for 130–135°F after oven finishing. Remember, the steak will continue to cook a little as it rests, so don’t be afraid to pull it out just shy of your target doneness.
Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, you can sear the steak in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a preheated baking sheet to finish in the oven. Just pour all those garlicky pan juices over the steak before roasting to get that same amazing flavor.
What can I do with leftover steak?
Leftover Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) is incredibly versatile! Toss slices into salads, roll them into wraps, serve with eggs for a hearty breakfast, or add to grain bowls for a protein boost. The flavors hold up beautifully in a variety of dishes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) enough—it’s honestly one of those recipes that turns a regular night into something worth savoring. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a trusty skillet, you’ll have a steakhouse-worthy meal right at your table. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every succulent bite!
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Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak (Oven-Finished) Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Flank Steak that is seared to perfection on the stovetop and finished in the oven. This flavorful and tender steak is the perfect main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Flank Steak:
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Optional: lemon wedges or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare steak: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat the flank steak dry and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Sear the steak: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until a brown crust forms.
- Add garlic butter: Add butter, minced garlic, and herbs to the skillet. Baste the steak with the garlic butter for 1 minute.
- Roast in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 5–7 minutes for medium-rare.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the steak rest before slicing thinly against the grain. Spoon the garlic butter over the steak before serving.
Notes
- Serve with roasted potatoes, salad, or grilled vegetables.
- Marinate the steak ahead of time in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Oven-Finishing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg