Chili-Rubbed Flat Iron Steak

This Chili-Rubbed Flat Iron Steak is loaded with a zesty flavor and grilled to perfection. Top it off with a compound butter and savor each bite!

Welcome to our culinary exploration of the sensational Chili-Rubbed Grilled Flat Iron Steak. Today, we will lead you through the tantalizing process of crafting a perfectly grilled steak infused with the vibrant flavors of a chili rub. As you indulge in the marriage of succulent flat iron steak and the zesty kick of our homemade rub, you’ll discover a symphony of taste that’s bound to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire.

Understanding the Ingredients

At the heart of this culinary adventure lies the flat iron steak, renowned for its exquisite marbling and tender texture. Complementing this masterpiece is our signature chili rub, a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and olive oil. The steak’s richness harmonizes with the rub’s robust profile, resulting in a culinary sensation that’s both bold and refined.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before embarking on this culinary journey, gather your essential tools. A grill, tongs, mixing bowls, small sauce pan, and a reliable meat thermometer are your kitchen companions for this endeavor. Prioritize organization to streamline the cooking process, setting the stage for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Creating the Chili Rub

Crafting the chili rub is an art that elevates the steak to new heights. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder and 1/3 cup of olive oil. This symphony of spices brings forth layers of flavor, enhancing the steak’s natural richness while the olive oil binds the spices into a thick paste. Feel free to personalize the rub’s intensity according to your palate preferences.

Preparing the Flat Iron Steak

Before the rub meets the steak, some preparation is in order. Trim any excess fat from the steak and aim for an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and a balanced texture. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling, which promotes even cooking.

Applying the Chili Rub

Now comes the exciting part – applying the chili rub. Gently massage the prepared rub onto both sides of the steak, ensuring an even coating. For an intensified flavor, you can let the seasoned steak rest for at least 15 minutes, allowing the spices to meld beautifully with the meat. Refrigerate the steak, in a zip lock bag or on a plate covered with plastic rap, for 2-4 hours for a deeper flavor.

How to Grill this Chili-Rubbed Flat Iron Steak

With the steak perfectly seasoned, it’s time to hit the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the flat iron steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy – aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Compound Cilantro and Shallot Butter

Elevate your steak by topping it with some homemade compound butter. Create a mixture of softened butter, sautéed chopped fresh cilantro, shallot, and fresh ground pepper. Let it melt over the steak just before slicing.

Chili-Rubbed Flat Iron Steak-Ingredients

• 2 lbs flat iron steak (usually comes in 1 lb. portions)

Chili Rub

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Shallot Cilantro Butter

• 1 whole shallot (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 stick butter (softened)

Instructions

Chili Rub

• In a small bowl combine chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Stir until thoroughly combined. 
• Add olive oil and stir until an even paste develops.

Flat Iron Steak

• Pat flat iron steak dry with paper towels.
• Coat both sides thoroughly with chili rub. Place coated steak on a plate or dish and cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Shallot Cilantro Butter

• Chop the cilantro.
• Finely chop the shallot.
• In a small sauce pan heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the shallot and fresh ground pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring often until it is translucent.
• Add the cilantro and cook for an additional 1 minute.
• Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, cream the butter with a fork. Add the shallot and cilantro and mix together until thoroughly combined.
• Transfer the butter mixture to a 12″ X 12″ piece of wax paper and form into a log.
• Refrigerate butter log until steak is ready and resting.

Grilling Flat Iron Steak

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Use a grill brush to clean the grates.
• Grill the steak for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F for medium rare.
• Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
• Add several pats of the shallot cilantro butter to the top of the steak. Let sit for a few minutes until the butter is starting to melt. 
• Slice the steak into thin slices. Make sure to slice across the grain.
• Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Chili-Rubbed Flat Iron Steak

Consider pairing your Chili-Rubbed Grilled Flat Iron Steak with an array of accompaniments – from grilled vegetables to potatoes – to create a well-rounded culinary experience. Try these great sides!

Easy Grilled Vegetables

Easy Red Roasted Potatoes

Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

Additional Tips and Variations

As you become more comfortable with the process of creating Chili-Rubbed Grilled Flat Iron Steak, you might want to explore some additional tips and variations to further elevate your culinary experience:

1. Experiment with Heat Levels: If you’re a fan of intense heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your chili rub. Adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance for a memorable fiery kick.
2. Marinating Option: To infuse even more flavor, you can marinate the flat iron steak with the chili rub in the refrigerator overnight. Seal the steak and rub in a plastic bag or airtight container and refrigerate. The longer marination time will intensify the flavors.
3. Citrus Zest Twist: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of a lime or orange to the chili rub. The citrus notes will complement the spice blend and provide a delightful burst of brightness.
4. Vegetarian Options: If you’re catering to vegetarians, this chili rub is a fantastic way to spice up grilled vegetables, tofu, or even portobello mushrooms. Apply the rub generously and grill until tender and charred.

Fire up the grill! It’s your turn!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully embarked on a culinary adventure that celebrates the marriage of fire-kissed flavors and aromatic spices. From understanding the ingredients to mastering the grilling technique, you’re now equipped to impress your taste buds and those of your lucky guests. Remember, cooking is an art – don’t hesitate to experiment with the chili rub or sides to make this dish truly your own. As you savor each bite of your Chili-Rubbed Grilled Flat Iron Steak, revel in the satisfaction of a job well done. Bon appétit! And remember…

Life’s too short to eat bad food!

For other great grilled mains try:

Garlic and Herb Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Grilled Sesame Tuna with Soy Glaze

How to Make Carne Asada at Home

Simple Grilled Rack of Lamb

Simple Grilled Salmon