Pan Seared Flank Steak Recipe

Christina Lane | Dessert for Two

Pan Seared Flank Steak is simply incredible. Add some spicy pepitas, and you've got one amazing dinner.

Pan Seared Flank Steak Photo

How are your grill skills? Are you itching to fire up the grill and sear up some meat? I welcome grilling season with open arms. I love cooking outside because it keeps the heat out of my house.

Since I’m usually grilling for two, with the exception of the weekends when I’m cooking for friends and family, I have a few tips on how to grill for two.

Tip #1: When you get your meat home from the butcher, divide it up into portions and freeze what you won’t use right away. I know it seems like a good idea to cook it all at once, but that creates A LOT of leftovers for two people. I can only add sliced steak to so many meals throughout the week before I’m looking for something new.

Tip #2: Don’t waste that extra grill space! Our protein for two is only going to take up so much room on the grill. Use the excess grate space for your side dishes: vegetables take on a delicious flavor when charred over high heat. Plus, dessert on the grill is fun! Try my grilled peaches with Frangelico sauce and homemade cinnamon ice cream.

Tip #3: Out of propane or charcoal? Don’t fret! Our small portion of protein can easily cooked inside in a blazing hot cast iron skillet, or even under the broiler in the oven. In fact, my favorite way to cook a fatty cut of beef, like a ribeye, is under the broiler. If you scoff at the lack of charcoal flavor in a steak, remember that most steak house restaurants cook their meat this way.

Pan Seared Flank Steak Picture

Since a flank steak is a lean cut of meat, I recommend searing it in a cast iron skillet if you’re not up for grilling.

For this flank steak, I cut it in half when I got home from the butcher. I froze the other half for another day. Be sure to cut against the grain when doing this. This left me with about 3/4 pound of meat.

Finish this amazing meal with Christina's grilled peaches, skillet peach cobbler, or slow cooker cobbler with all the berries!

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Pan Seared Flank Steak Recipe

    2 Servings

Ingredients

For the Steak:
  • 3/4 pound Flank Steak
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
For the Pepitas:
  • 1/2 cup Raw Pepitas, (shelled pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice
For Serving:
  • Cooked White Rice, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat the grill to high, or place a cast iron skillet on the stove and turn the heat to high. When you can only hold your hand over the cooking surface for 3 seconds, you’re ready to cook.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pan (or grease the grates with the oil using a paper towel).
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, then place it in the pan (or on the grill). Turn the heat down to medium.
  4. Let cook for 8-10 minutes without touching.
  5. Flip the steak, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, depending on how you like your steak. Use a thermometer for precise cooking. I pull my steak off at 120, and then cover it with foil to rest for at least 10 minutes.
  6. While the steak rests, make the chile pepitas. If you’re grilling, use a heavy (NOT nonstick pan), place it on the grates.
  7. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the pepitas to the pan. Stir to coat the seeds in the oil and beef drippings. Add the spices and a pinch of salt. Cook until fragrant and toasted, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the lime juice.
  8. Slice the steak against the grain, and sprinkle the pepitas on top. Serve with rice, if desired.

Recommended

Published:
Modified:
Author:
Cooking Method:
Seared
Cuisine:
Cast Iron Cooking
Category:
Dinners
Tags:
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Related Recipes:
Cooking for Couples Recipes, Cast Iron Cooking Recipes, Seared Recipes, Grilled Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Steak Recipes, Beef Recipes, Pumpkin Recipes
Recipe Yields:
2 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Christina Lane
Recipe Yields: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 280
Calories 526

% Daily Value*
54%
Total Fat 35g
22%
  Saturated Fat 4g
4%
Sodium 99mg
2%
Total Carbohydrate 5g
1%
  Dietary Fiber 1g
  Sugars 0g
87%
Protein 43g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Christina Lane

About Christina

Christina grew up in Texas, but now lives in Missouri.You may know her best for her Dessert for Two, but here on Food Fanatic, she’s famous for her fantastic Dinners for Two.

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