Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Pistachio Pesto Butter
This recipe features grilled flat iron steaks elevated with a rich, aromatic pistachio pesto butter. The butter, a blend of basil, garlic, Asiago, and pistachios, is prepared in a food processor and chilled into a log, then sliced over the hot, rested steaks for a burst of flavor.
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor For making the pesto butter
- 1 Rubber Spatula For transferring butter mixture
- 1 Parchment Paper For shaping and chilling butter log
- 1 Grill For cooking the steaks
- 1 Platter For resting cooked steaks
Ingredients
Main
- 2 sticks butter room temperature
- 1 cup packed basil leaves
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch coarse ground black pepper
- Dash fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Asiago cheese
- 2 tablespoons pistachios
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- 4 8-ounce flat iron steaks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the butter:
- In a food processor add, butter basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse a few times until well combined. Add lemon juice and drizzle oil. Pulse again. Add cheese, pistachios and red pepper flakes. Remove from processor with a rubber spatula onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape into a log. Place in the refrigerator and allow to set for at least 30 minutes.
- For the steak:
- Preheat grill to medium.
- Drizzle the steaks with olive oil. Put on the grill, and while cooking season with sea salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the grill to a platter and allow to rest for a few minutes. Slice disks of butter, put on steaks while still hot and serve.
Notes
1. Ensure butter is at true room temperature for optimal emulsification and smooth texture in the food processor. If too cold, it won't combine properly; if too warm, it won't hold its shape when chilled.2. For the best sear on your steak, pat it very dry with paper towels before drizzling with olive oil. Moisture on the surface inhibits browning.3. Always allow your steaks to rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.4. Flat iron steaks are excellent cooked to medium-rare for tenderness; adjust grill time accordingly for desired doneness.