Flat Iron Steak

This coming holiday weekend we will be grilling flat iron steaks.

Before our Memorial weekend I had not heard of a flat iron steak. My daughter-in-law's family was grilling the steaks as part of their holiday BBQ. I looked up flat iron steak recipes, and I found a few basic tips for grilling the steaks. After reading all the reviews about what a great tasting steak, and how tender this cut of meat is, I was comfortable purchasing steaks for my family.

Grilling the steaks:
First get the coals going. I wait until the coals in my charcoal grill are all coated with white ash. When I see none of the coals are black anymore, I spread the coals out in an even layer. When the coals are going, while I'm waiting for them to get all ashy, I sprinkle the staks with a steak seasoning I purchased at the grocery store. After I season them, I leave them out at room tempurature while I'm waiting on the charcoal grill to get to the right stage. The flat iron steaks do not need meat tenderizer or a tenderizing marinade.

When the coals are ready, I put the steaks on the grill, close the lid, and leave them for 5 minutes. (Set the timer) I turn them over, close the lid on the grill, and set my timer for 6 minutes. At 11 minutes grilling time, the steaks are done perfectly for me. One of my boys likes his steak left on the grill another minute to get it done to his taste. If you are grilling the steaks, and you like yours fairly rare, be sure to check it before the 11 minutes.

The timing all depends on the heat generated on the grill, and how far from the heat the rack is. I've grilled them enough times, I'm very comfortable with my cooking method, and I don't even check them once the lid on the grill is closed.

The steaks are very flavorful, and extremely tender. I have a hard time chewing most steaks, so when the family is grilling steaks I usually stick to chicken or salmon, but these are so tender, I enjoy my beef steak.

In my local grocery store the steaks run 5.99 a pound. This week they are on sale for 4.99 a pound. At that price, I can purchase flat iron steaks and all the side dishes for my entire family for less than one entree at our favorite steak house.