Flat Iron Steak

Shoulder Top Blade (Flat Iron) Steak – Cut from the Chuck. This shoulder top blade steak is cut in a way that eliminates the connective tissue that runs through the center. Each half resembles a flank steak in shape. These pieces are cut crosswise into individual steaks.

Top blade is also known as Flatiron steak, probably because the untrimmed cut has a triangular shape, reminiscent of the solid irons once used to press clothing. Top blade steak is cut from the chuck, a heavily exercised part of the beef animal. Less tender than the premium steaks, top blade steak is still the best of the chucks. The great advantage of top blade and the other chuck steaks is their combination of good flavor and economical price.

Top blade chuck steak (Flat Iron Steak) is popular in the West but somewhat less available in other parts of the country. You may have to ask the service department for the top blade, although other chuck steaks will be available in the meat case.

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Preparation, uses, and tips

Chuck and top blade steaks take well to cooking by either dry or moist heat methods, depending on the cut. If broiling or grilling, always marinate this steak first to tenderize it. Marinades are seasoned liquids containing tenderizing ingredients, either acidic foods such as lemon juice, wine, vinegar, and tomato juice, or natural tenderizers such as pineapple, papaya, or ginger. Place the steak in an acid-resistant container, add meat—and turn the meat to make sure the marinade touches all surfaces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Marinades can be added to chuck steak while cooking, but never consume marinades that have come in contact with raw meat unless they haven’t been thoroughly cooked to destroy all microorganisms.

To broil, marinate the steak first. Then preheat the broiling element and place the steak on a broiler pan 2 to 4 inches (5–10cm) from the heat source. Depending on the size, cook for 14 to 17 minutes, turning once. Remove the steak when it reaches desired degree of doneness—145°F (63°C) for medium rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. An instant-read thermometer may help you judge the time. Steaks good for broiling include top blade, shoulder, chuck eye, and seven-bone.

To grill, marinate the steak first. Then place the meat, either whole or as kabobs, directly over the heat source. Grill 8 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Good grilling steaks include top blade, shoulder, and seven-bone.

To pan broil, marinate the steak first. Then heat a skillet on the stovetop until hot. Place the meat on the skillet and cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Remove the steak when it reaches the desired degree of doneness. Good pan-broiling steaks include top blade, shoulder, and chuck eye.

To pan-fry, marinate the steak first. On the stovetop, heat oil in a skillet until medium hot and place the steak in the pan. Cook on each side until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. Good steaks for pan-frying include top blade, shoulder, and chuck eye.

To braise, heat oil in a deep skillet on the stovetop and brown the steak on both sides. Add cooking liquid and seasonings. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. All the chuck steaks lend themselves to braising.