Spicy Lemon Pesto Flat Iron Steaks
Flat iron steak is one of the most underrated cuts of beef. Exceptionally tender, richly flavored, and affordable, it rivals ribeye when cooked correctly. Pair it with a spicy lemon pesto—bright citrus, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and a kick of heat—and you have a steak dish that feels both Mediterranean and modern.
This recipe delivers intense flavor, perfect char, and juicy texture, making it ideal for grilling, cast-iron cooking, or elevated weeknight dinners.
Why Flat Iron Steak Is Perfect for This Recipe
Flat iron steak (cut from the chuck) is prized for:
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Natural tenderness (second only to filet)
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Deep beef flavor
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Even thickness for consistent cooking
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Excellent absorption of marinades and sauces
Its robust profile stands up beautifully to spicy, herbaceous pesto without being overwhelmed.
Flavor Profile: Spicy Lemon Pesto
This pesto isn’t just a sauce—it’s a flavor amplifier.
Expect:
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Bright lemon zest and juice
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Fresh basil and parsley
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Garlic and toasted nuts
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Extra-virgin olive oil
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Chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste for heat
The result is fresh, fiery, and luxurious, cutting through the richness of the beef.
Ingredients
Flat Iron Steaks
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1½–2 lb flat iron steaks
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1½ tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Spicy Lemon Pesto
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2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
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½ cup fresh parsley
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⅓ cup toasted pine nuts or almonds
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3 cloves garlic
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Zest of 1 large lemon
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½–¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
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½ tsp kosher salt
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¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Spicy Lemon Pesto Flat Iron Steaks
1. Make the Spicy Lemon Pesto
In a food processor, combine:
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Basil, parsley, nuts, garlic
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Lemon zest and juice
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Red pepper flakes and salt
Pulse until finely chopped.
With motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth but slightly textured.
Stir in Parmesan. Adjust salt and heat to taste.
Set aside at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Steaks
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Pat steaks dry thoroughly.
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Rub lightly with olive oil.
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Let rest at room temperature 20–30 minutes.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface
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Grill: High heat (450–500°F / 230–260°C)
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Stovetop: Cast-iron skillet over medium-high until smoking hot
Lightly oil grates or pan.
4. Cook the Flat Iron Steaks
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Cook steaks 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
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Avoid moving them until a deep crust forms.
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Target internal temperature: 130–135°F (54–57°C).
5. Rest & Slice
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Rest steaks 5–8 minutes.
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Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
6. Finish with Spicy Lemon Pesto
Spoon pesto generously over sliced steak or serve on the side for dipping. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Steak Doneness Guide
| Doneness | Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 140–145°F |
⚠️ Flat iron steak is best no more than medium.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Lemon Pesto Flat Iron Steaks with:
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Roasted potatoes or crispy smashed potatoes
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Grilled asparagus or broccolini
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Mediterranean couscous or orzo
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Fresh tomato-arugula salad
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Warm crusty bread to mop up pesto
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
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Toast nuts for deeper pesto flavor
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Don’t over-blend—texture matters
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Let pesto come to room temperature before serving
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Slice against the grain every time
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Reserve extra pesto for sandwiches or pasta
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerate pesto up to 5 days
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Steak keeps 3–4 days, tightly wrapped
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Leftovers make excellent steak salads or wraps
Final Thoughts
Spicy Lemon Pesto Flat Iron Steaks deliver everything a modern steak dish should—bold flavor, balance, tenderness, and visual appeal. This is a recipe that works equally well for grilling season, date-night dinners, or premium food blog content.
Grill Recipes for Steak Ingredients:
* 4 beef shoulder top blade (flat iron) steaks (6 to 8 ounces each)
* Spicy Lemon Pesto:
* 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto sauce
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel, optional
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
* 3 large cloves garlic, minced
* Salt
Grill Recipes for Steak Instructions:
Combine Spicy Lemon Pesto ingredients in small bowl. Set aside.
Press garlic evenly onto beef steaks.
grilled-irish-flank-steaks.
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