Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Flat Iron Steak

Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Flat Iron Steak is the definition of  show stopper dish. This Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction will have your guests raving!

Oh man. This steak. This STEAK. Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Steak. It. Is. Heavenly. There are no other words to describe it, so I’m just going to tell you what it is.

First it’s marinated in balsamic vinegar, red wine, garlic and rosemary. Then grilled and then comes the best part.

That marinade, that scrumptious wine, balsamic, garlic and rosemary marinade, gets another splash of red wine and then it’s reduced down to a luscious sauce to spoon over the top. I told you balsamic steak is heavenly. I don’t lie. Lying is not nice.

Where on a cow does flat iron steak come from?

When you’re standing in front of the meat counter at the grocery store, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different cuts. This Interactive Butcher Counter from Beef It’s What’s for Dinner will help you learn more about each cut of steak, where it comes from and what cooking method is best.

For this recipe, we are using flat iron steak. Sometimes called top blade steak or shoulder top blade steak, this cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It is tender, has great marbling and is perfect for grilling.

What temperature should you cook flat iron steak?

I find that flat iron is most tender and flavorful at medium-rare. You will want to cook flat iron steak over medium-high heat until you reach your desired doneness.  Here is a list of Degree of Doneness for beef for quick reference:

  • Rare: Cool Red Center = 125 degrees
  • Medium Rare: Warm Red Center = 135 degrees
  • Medium: Warm Pink Center = 145 degrees
  • Medium Well: Slightly Pink Center = 150 degrees.
  • Well Done: Little or No Pink = 160 degrees.

Remember you will want to remove your steak when it’s a touch, about 5 degrees, below your desired temperature because it will continue to cook as you let it rest.

Does flat iron steak need to be marinated?

Traditionally, no. It doesn’t need to be marinated. I find it to be tender enough without any kind of marinade. That being said, I chose to marinade the steak in this recipe to add a little extra flavor.

 

Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Steak is perfect for summer! Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction.

Steak at home vs. Steak in a Restaurant:

Confession time: 100 to 1, I prefer to eat steak at home. It’s just better than any steakhouse or restaurant.

Case in point, I used to work for a company that owned a steakhouse. One of the best in the city. It was good. And I could basically eat there for free. But want to know something? I can probably count on my two hands the number of times I ate there in all four years that I worked there. It’s not that I didn’t like it. It was, and still is, a really good steakhouse. But with this recipe, you can make steak is better at home.

Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Steak is the perfect, easy summer meal! Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction.

How to make Flat Iron Steak:

Sure, it takes a little bit of planning because it has to sit in the marinade for a 8 hours. Put it in the marinade before you go to bed and you can sleep through it. No doubt dreaming about how delicious it will be.

Sure, you have to cook it yourself. Standing outside, in front of your grill on a warm summer evening, sipping a glass of wine, maybe even the same one you used in the marinade. OH THE HUMANITY!

Sure, you won’t have to get all dressed up. I cannot personally think of a reason this would be bad.

Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Sure, there won’t be a server bringing you your food.

OK, so the steakhouse wins on that one. But really, the fact is, this steak is so good you won’t mind.

And even better, there is no chance of leaving your leftovers on the table on your way out.

If there are any leftovers.

Which there probably won’t be. Especially if you serve the rosemary and balsamic steak with Baked Red Potatoes.

Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Steak is perfect for summer! Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction.

To learn more about how to make Flat Iron Steak check out some of my other favorite recipes:

Oregano and Garlic Steak

Sous Vide Flat Iron Steak 

Steak with Mushrooms

 

This post was originally written in 2013 and updated with new photos 2018.

Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Steak is the perfect, easy summer meal! Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic, red wine, rosemary and garlic reduction.


Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Flat Iron Steak

Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Flat Iron Steak is a show stopper! This Grilled flat iron steak topped with a balsamic reduction will have your guests raving!
4.8 from 32 votes
Prep Time 8 hrs
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 766 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/4 pound flat iron steak

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl whisk together garlic, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic, 1/4 cup red wine, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, salt and pepper.
  • Place flat iron steak in a resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over the top. Shake to coat steak in marinade. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  • When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the steak on the grill and reserve the marinade. Cook steak 3 - 4 minutes per-side for medium rare. Remove steak from grill and let rest for 10 minutes. Remember the steak will continue to cook a bit while resting
  • Meanwhile, pour marinade into a skillet over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/4 cup of red wine. Bring to a boil and allow to cook until it reduces by half, 5 - 10 minutes. Stir in remaining tablespoon of fresh rosemary. Remove from heat.
  • After steak has rested, slice it against the grain into 1/2 inch slices. Spoon sauce over the top and serve.

Notes

Nutrition facts not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Calories: 766kcalCarbohydrates: 2.4gProtein: 70.3gFat: 51.9gSaturated Fat: 16.3gCholesterol: 250mgSodium: 577mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: balsamic reduction, balsamic vinegar, bbq, beef, entree, flat iron steak, Food, grill, man food, Recipe, red wine, steak, summer

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    junior mondonos
    December 8, 2023 at 12:43 am

    OK so I’m here because you wrote “I don’t lie. Lying is not nice.” Sometimes some people say “I’m not lying” or “I won’t lie” which implies that lies will issue forth until they say otherwise. Now then I haven’t made this marinade/sauce but I shall with some modifications. I don’t have red wine and I’m not going to get any. I’ll use beer instead. I have that. I don’t have fresh rosemary etc. I’ll use dried etc. I don’t have a shallot so I’ll skip that since your version doesn’t have it either. I don’t have flat iron blah blah blah but I do have a porterhouse in the fridge right this now. And the only reason the steak gets to rest while I continue to toil is so the sauce can reduce by whatever. Give me two steaks one rested and one not, I won’t be able to tell the difference so I usually just rest my bottom and dig right in. I also might cut against the grain, I don’t know. Whichever way the steak turns on the plate from the previous cut is how the next cut happens. I have a dull knife. The steak turns. I move on with life. About those 1/2 inch slices? Yea right, 1/2 inch slice my bottom. My mouth is 2 1/2 inches wide so a 2 inch by whatever makes the cut. I’m going to make this or my name isn’t junior mondonos. I’m not lying.

  • Reply
    Kathleen Neville
    June 26, 2022 at 3:14 pm

    I made this having never eaten a flat iron steak before. So, so delicious!! Really easy too. As tender as you can ever wish for. This is going to make a repeat on my table for sure.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 29, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      I am so happy to hear that, Kathleen! Flat iron steak is one of my absolute favorite cuts, I’m glad you’ve found it now too!

  • Reply
    Shiny
    July 27, 2021 at 5:07 am

    5 stars
    This is my go-to recipe for flat-iron, bavette or even rump steak. Absolutely delicious, even if I don’t have time to marinate the meat for long.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      July 27, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      So happy to hear that, Shiny, Thank you!!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    March 10, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    5 stars
    My husband love a good steak; can’t wait to give this one a try and see what he thinks.

  • Reply
    Rebekah Niemann
    March 10, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    I love steak! I cannot wait to try this!

  • Reply
    Kim Beaulieu
    March 10, 2021 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    This looks so freaking good! I could eat steak every single day!

  • Reply
    Liz
    March 10, 2021 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for our weekend grilling! I’ll have to use flank steak, but I know it will be delicious!!

  • Reply
    Carolyn
    March 10, 2021 at 9:57 am

    5 stars
    Did you know I am a serious carnivore? This is the best flat iron steak!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    February 21, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    1 star
    Figured I would try but didn’t read the reviews first. Many are from people who is seemed hadn’t actually tried it yet. Did the exact recipe for only 4 hours and the balsamic was overpowering. Maybe could try to cut that and change it up. Or perhaps a flank steak could handle that acidity- but the cut I had absorbed it quickly and it was too much. Wouldn’t make again.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 21, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      Hi Kristen, I am so sorry you had such a poor experience with this recipe! This is one of our favorites actually. Thanks for your feedback though!

  • Reply
    Laura
    January 13, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    5 stars
    This makes amazing steak! I had 3 pounds of meat so I doubled the marinade. And I marinated over night. Reducing the sauce was fast and easy. I just used a frying pan so it had more surface area. I didn’t change a thing, but I have to admit I didn’t see the separate additions of the Rosemary. It was flavorful and delicious. I would give more stars if I could!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 15, 2021 at 10:37 am

      So happy you enjoyed it! It is definitely one of our favorites!!

  • Reply
    JC
    May 25, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    First time preparing a flat iron steak. Your recipe was delightful! Thank you.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 27, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      You are so welcome!!

  • Reply
    Kathryn
    April 28, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    5 stars
    This marinade made my first time cooking this cut of beef so easy and delicious! I cooked it in the oven under a broiler as I don’t have a grill and it turned out amazing, thank you!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 29, 2020 at 8:54 am

      You are so welcome!! I am so happy you tried a new cut of beef too, Flat Iron is one of our favorites!!

  • Reply
    Mateo Pedersen
    September 30, 2019 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    Can I use this marinade with chicken instead of steak with the same results? We don’t eat much red meat in our house.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      September 30, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      I’ve never tried it with chicken so I can’t say for sure but I don’t see why not! I would maybe not marinate as long and just make sure to bring the marinade to a boil for 5 – 10 minutes when making the sauce :)

  • Reply
    caroline
    August 3, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    what is the best red wine to use and any suggestions on brand

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 4, 2019 at 11:50 am

      I always have a zinfindel or cabernet on hand. A couple favorites are Bogel and Gnarly Head :)

  • Reply
    Jacque
    November 12, 2018 at 4:13 am

    5 stars
    This glaze sounds amazing! I love a good steak and this is right up my alley.

  • Reply
    Sri Mallya
    November 11, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    5 stars
    Look at that glaze. Looks amazing. Love the flavors. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Tatiana
    November 11, 2018 at 7:04 am

    5 stars
    Homemade steak is amazing! Your balsamic and rosemary reduction looks like it fits perfectly here, brings so much flavor!

  • Reply
    lauren
    November 10, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    5 stars
    So many good tips in this post! Sometimes knowing about the cut helps so much in cooking it perfectly. Love that you included the temps and this delicious sounding marinade.

  • Reply
    Marisa Franca
    November 10, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    5 stars
    You have to marinade a flat iron steak to have it come out as tasty as it can and your marinade does an excellent job. And other than not overcooking the steak it’s important on how you cut it. The flat iron steak is such a delicious cut. My mouth is watering just talking about it.

  • Reply
    Anna
    November 10, 2018 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    my other half is obsessed with his steaks, so I can’t wait to share this recipe with him! And that balsamic and rosemary glaze looks and sounds divine!!!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 10, 2018 at 10:37 am

    5 stars
    That marinade!! It’s perfect! This would make a really great date night dinner.

  • Reply
    Allison
    November 9, 2018 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    I love the combination of balsamic and rosemary. Yum!

  • Reply
    Kelly
    November 9, 2018 at 1:50 am

    5 stars
    This steak looks SO INCREDIBLE! So savory and rich! Definitely going on my list!

  • Reply
    Veena
    November 8, 2018 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    That looks scrumptious. Love the glaze

  • Reply
    Analida
    November 7, 2018 at 7:43 am

    5 stars
    Rosemary steak! I’m drooling. I’m always looking for new, creative ways to cook a steak. I love your little temperature/doneness guide. It can be hard to judge by the outside.

  • Reply
    Dolita
    August 16, 2018 at 9:34 am

    I was wondering if you ever tried this as a roast in a slow cooker or an oven and if so, which was more tender? I have 5.5 lbs roast and debating if I want to freeze half now or cook it and freeze for a quick meal?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 16, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Dolita- You know, I’ve never tried this as a roast in the slow cooker. I don’t know that it is enough marinade for such a large amount of meat.Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!

  • Reply
    bob
    June 20, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    too many ads and pop-ups on this page I almost could not find the recipe…

    • Reply
      Ed Prybylski
      August 16, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      1 star
      There was a recipe? With all the ads and slow loading I never found it.

      • Reply
        Deseree
        August 16, 2018 at 9:05 pm

        Bob and Ed- A lot of time and money goes into developing these recipes, writing the blog, taking the photos, making the video etc. Ads help me offset the costs. Sorry they bother you, but I do thank you for scrolling all the way to the bottom, viewing all the ads along the way. PS: The recipe is directly above the comment section, the many people that have tried this recipe have had no problem finding it.

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    May 29, 2018 at 11:47 am

    Ooo! I’m down for a little wait, and for standing in front of the grill for this! It looks fabulous!

  • Reply
    Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
    May 25, 2018 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    This looks so perfect! Definitely adding this to our next grilling!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    May 23, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    5 stars
    This needs to happen at my house very soon!!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    May 23, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    I love the texture of this steak! Delicious dinner!

  • Reply
    Dee
    May 22, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    5 stars
    Looks great! Can’t wait to make it!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
    May 22, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    A recipe like this is exactly why I love grilling season! So. Much. Flavor!!

  • Reply
    Marie Czarnecki
    May 22, 2018 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    Looks great, love steak!!!

  • Reply
    Nutmeg Nanny
    May 22, 2018 at 9:25 am

    I definitely need to make this for my husband!

    • Reply
      Marie Czarnecki
      May 22, 2018 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      Only for he not you?????? Have to think about ma ma tooooooooo.

  • Reply
    Tracy Campbell
    May 10, 2018 at 6:49 am

    I’m going to try it this weekend. I found a nice family size flat iron steak for a little over $10, I also bought two Half pork loins for around the same price. Do you have any recipes for a pork loin? It’s over a foot long and weighs over 3 lbs.

  • Reply
    Luis Tabares
    February 12, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Is possible take a marinate time in the hanova runer??

  • Reply
    John
    January 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Yummy.

  • Reply
    patti g
    January 13, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks, this was delicious. I used a flat iron steak that had actually been in my freezer for months as we were snowed in and not able to get to the store. Great ingredients for wonderful flavor and tender meat! My husband grilled on a cold , snowy night and he said it was worth it.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 13, 2018 at 9:32 pm

      Grilling in the snow?! Brave man! I am so happy to hear that it was worth it though. This is one of our favorites too!

  • Reply
    Cindy S
    December 9, 2017 at 9:31 am

    5 stars
    Holy GOD! That is some fantastic steak! I’ve made it several times and now I’m making it for my mother’s 83rd birthday tonight. I know it’ll be a hit.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 13, 2018 at 9:33 pm

      Wow Cindy! Thank you so much! I’m flattered that you chose to serve it for your Mom’s birthday! Happy Birthday to her!

  • Reply
    Karen Beth
    December 1, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    5 stars
    I added quartered baby bella mushrooms to the sauce.
    Mercy…….and merci!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 2, 2017 at 9:57 am

      OMG. That is genius!

  • Reply
    cheri
    February 17, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    OMG delicious and I used my cast iron skillet to cook it.

  • Reply
    cheri
    February 15, 2015 at 8:51 am

    Can this marinate more than 8 hours to overnight? It’ll help me determine when I can prep this ahead of time

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 15, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Sure! I wouldn’t marinate it more than 24 hours though.

  • Reply
    sofie
    August 3, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I was looking for an easy but tasty recipe for flat iron and I must say that this is soooo delicious! I roasted some zucchinis, tomatoes and carrots drizzled with olive oil salt and pepper and it was a very delicious meal and very easy to make.Thanks for the recipe it’s a keeper.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 6, 2014 at 7:27 am

      You’re welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed this!

  • Reply
    Gretchen White
    May 16, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    What side and vegetable dishes would you recommend?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 17, 2014 at 4:12 pm

      I think since you’ll have the grill going some grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes would be great with this.

  • Reply
    Megan
    April 10, 2014 at 9:35 am

    What if I dont have a grill? Is here any way around that? Maybe another way of cooking the meat? I would love to make this for Easter dinner.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 10, 2014 at 10:41 am

      Sure! If you have a cast iron skillet you can certainly make this inside using your stove and oven. Check out this post on Wanna Be A Country Cleaver she has a great tutorial http://www.countrycleaver.com/2013/07/grill-a-steak-without-a-grill.html. Hope this helps! :)

      • Reply
        embee
        January 15, 2015 at 9:50 am

        Grill is out of propane but it’s 8 degrees out anyway. I bought a 12″ Lodge cast Iron skillet at a yard sale this summer for $1 and have yet to try it.
        Today I picked up my first flat iron steak. Thanks so much for the fab sounding recipe and the link to the tutorial !!

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    April 8, 2014 at 6:16 am

    Looks great! Can’t wait to make this dish this weekend. Any specific dry red wine you prefer??

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 8, 2014 at 8:14 am

      I like to use Chianti. I hope you enjoy this dish, it’s one of our favorites!

      • Reply
        tazein
        November 10, 2014 at 2:44 pm

        Is there anyway we can skip wine. Can’t use wine :(

        • Reply
          Deseree
          November 11, 2014 at 12:05 am

          You could use beef stock as a substitute.

  • Reply
    Rachel
    February 24, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    This was amazing!! My husband loved it!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 24, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      Wonderful to hear. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    August 29, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Dan- If I was using flank steak I would make sure to do it overnight and not just the 8 hours. Other than that I think it would be a great cut to use. :)

  • Reply
    Dan K
    August 29, 2013 at 6:35 am

    Your flat iron steak looks great! Would you make any changes for a flank steak? Longer marinade time, perhaps?

  • Reply
    Laura
    July 31, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Oh, this is so easy and most of all, so delicious. My family loves it, wants it again.

  • Reply
    Peggy
    July 26, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    I definitely agree – I hardly ever order steak when we eat out because we make it so good at home! P.S. – I have some flank steak marinating in this marinade as we speak – gonna be a great dinner tonight! Thanks for the inspiration =)

  • Reply
    Aimee @ ShugarySweets
    July 25, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Gorgeous steak :)

  • Reply
    Ashley - Baker by Nature
    July 25, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Oh my god… this steak… it has me wild over here!!! Must have it.

  • Reply
    Jackie {Domestic Fits}
    July 24, 2013 at 9:24 am

    This looks SO good! Next time I’m just going to skip the steak house and go to YOUR house.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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