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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To learn more about how to make Flat Iron Steak check out some of my other favorite recipes:
This post was originally written in 2013 and updated with new photos 2018.
junior mondonos
December 8, 2023 at 12:43 amOK 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.
Kathleen Neville
June 26, 2022 at 3:14 pmI 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.
Deseree
June 29, 2022 at 9:44 pmI 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!
Shiny
July 27, 2021 at 5:07 amThis 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.
Deseree
July 27, 2021 at 4:16 pmSo happy to hear that, Shiny, Thank you!!
Sarah
March 10, 2021 at 8:23 pmMy husband love a good steak; can’t wait to give this one a try and see what he thinks.
Rebekah Niemann
March 10, 2021 at 2:14 pmI love steak! I cannot wait to try this!
Kim Beaulieu
March 10, 2021 at 10:24 amThis looks so freaking good! I could eat steak every single day!
Liz
March 10, 2021 at 10:02 amPerfect for our weekend grilling! I’ll have to use flank steak, but I know it will be delicious!!
Carolyn
March 10, 2021 at 9:57 amDid you know I am a serious carnivore? This is the best flat iron steak!
Kristen
February 21, 2021 at 1:47 pmFigured 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.
Deseree
February 21, 2021 at 5:46 pmHi 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!
Laura
January 13, 2021 at 2:54 pmThis 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!
Deseree
January 15, 2021 at 10:37 amSo happy you enjoyed it! It is definitely one of our favorites!!
JC
May 25, 2020 at 8:22 pmFirst time preparing a flat iron steak. Your recipe was delightful! Thank you.
Deseree
May 27, 2020 at 7:03 pmYou are so welcome!!
Kathryn
April 28, 2020 at 5:11 pmThis 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!
Deseree
April 29, 2020 at 8:54 amYou are so welcome!! I am so happy you tried a new cut of beef too, Flat Iron is one of our favorites!!
Mateo Pedersen
September 30, 2019 at 11:56 amCan I use this marinade with chicken instead of steak with the same results? We don’t eat much red meat in our house.
Deseree
September 30, 2019 at 6:03 pmI’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 :)
caroline
August 3, 2019 at 1:45 pmwhat is the best red wine to use and any suggestions on brand
Deseree
August 4, 2019 at 11:50 amI always have a zinfindel or cabernet on hand. A couple favorites are Bogel and Gnarly Head :)
Jacque
November 12, 2018 at 4:13 amThis glaze sounds amazing! I love a good steak and this is right up my alley.
Sri Mallya
November 11, 2018 at 6:37 pmLook at that glaze. Looks amazing. Love the flavors. Thanks for sharing!
Tatiana
November 11, 2018 at 7:04 amHomemade steak is amazing! Your balsamic and rosemary reduction looks like it fits perfectly here, brings so much flavor!
lauren
November 10, 2018 at 7:05 pmSo 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.
Marisa Franca
November 10, 2018 at 1:49 pmYou 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.
Anna
November 10, 2018 at 11:56 ammy 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!!!
Michelle
November 10, 2018 at 10:37 amThat marinade!! It’s perfect! This would make a really great date night dinner.
Allison
November 9, 2018 at 8:31 amI love the combination of balsamic and rosemary. Yum!
Kelly
November 9, 2018 at 1:50 amThis steak looks SO INCREDIBLE! So savory and rich! Definitely going on my list!
Veena
November 8, 2018 at 8:22 amThat looks scrumptious. Love the glaze
Analida
November 7, 2018 at 7:43 amRosemary 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.
Dolita
August 16, 2018 at 9:34 amI 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?
Deseree
August 16, 2018 at 8:57 pmHi 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!
bob
June 20, 2018 at 6:59 pmtoo many ads and pop-ups on this page I almost could not find the recipe…
Ed Prybylski
August 16, 2018 at 3:13 pmThere was a recipe? With all the ads and slow loading I never found it.
Deseree
August 16, 2018 at 9:05 pmBob 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.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
May 29, 2018 at 11:47 amOoo! I’m down for a little wait, and for standing in front of the grill for this! It looks fabulous!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
May 25, 2018 at 9:40 amThis looks so perfect! Definitely adding this to our next grilling!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
May 23, 2018 at 10:03 pmThis needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Catalina
May 23, 2018 at 1:50 pmI love the texture of this steak! Delicious dinner!
Dee
May 22, 2018 at 8:52 pmLooks great! Can’t wait to make it!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
May 22, 2018 at 6:20 pmA recipe like this is exactly why I love grilling season! So. Much. Flavor!!
Marie Czarnecki
May 22, 2018 at 9:39 amLooks great, love steak!!!
Nutmeg Nanny
May 22, 2018 at 9:25 amI definitely need to make this for my husband!
Marie Czarnecki
May 22, 2018 at 9:40 amOnly for he not you?????? Have to think about ma ma tooooooooo.
Tracy Campbell
May 10, 2018 at 6:49 amI’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.
Luis Tabares
February 12, 2018 at 3:41 pmIs possible take a marinate time in the hanova runer??
John
January 18, 2018 at 3:00 pmYummy.
patti g
January 13, 2018 at 6:33 pmThanks, 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.
Deseree
January 13, 2018 at 9:32 pmGrilling in the snow?! Brave man! I am so happy to hear that it was worth it though. This is one of our favorites too!
Cindy S
December 9, 2017 at 9:31 amHoly 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.
Deseree
January 13, 2018 at 9:33 pmWow Cindy! Thank you so much! I’m flattered that you chose to serve it for your Mom’s birthday! Happy Birthday to her!
Karen Beth
December 1, 2017 at 2:50 pmI added quartered baby bella mushrooms to the sauce.
Mercy…….and merci!
Deseree
December 2, 2017 at 9:57 amOMG. That is genius!
cheri
February 17, 2015 at 6:45 pmOMG delicious and I used my cast iron skillet to cook it.
cheri
February 15, 2015 at 8:51 amCan this marinate more than 8 hours to overnight? It’ll help me determine when I can prep this ahead of time
Deseree
February 15, 2015 at 9:02 amSure! I wouldn’t marinate it more than 24 hours though.
sofie
August 3, 2014 at 10:14 amI 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.
Deseree
August 6, 2014 at 7:27 amYou’re welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed this!
Gretchen White
May 16, 2014 at 10:00 pmWhat side and vegetable dishes would you recommend?
Deseree
May 17, 2014 at 4:12 pmI think since you’ll have the grill going some grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes would be great with this.
Megan
April 10, 2014 at 9:35 amWhat 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.
Deseree
April 10, 2014 at 10:41 amSure! 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! :)
embee
January 15, 2015 at 9:50 amGrill 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 !!
Vanessa
April 8, 2014 at 6:16 amLooks great! Can’t wait to make this dish this weekend. Any specific dry red wine you prefer??
Deseree
April 8, 2014 at 8:14 amI like to use Chianti. I hope you enjoy this dish, it’s one of our favorites!
tazein
November 10, 2014 at 2:44 pmIs there anyway we can skip wine. Can’t use wine :(
Deseree
November 11, 2014 at 12:05 amYou could use beef stock as a substitute.
Rachel
February 24, 2014 at 7:53 pmThis was amazing!! My husband loved it!
Deseree
February 24, 2014 at 11:09 pmWonderful to hear. Thank you!
Deseree
August 29, 2013 at 12:42 pmDan- 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. :)
Dan K
August 29, 2013 at 6:35 amYour flat iron steak looks great! Would you make any changes for a flank steak? Longer marinade time, perhaps?
Laura
July 31, 2013 at 7:48 pmOh, this is so easy and most of all, so delicious. My family loves it, wants it again.
Peggy
July 26, 2013 at 1:33 pmI 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 =)
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
July 25, 2013 at 8:42 pmGorgeous steak :)
Ashley - Baker by Nature
July 25, 2013 at 8:59 amOh my god… this steak… it has me wild over here!!! Must have it.
Jackie {Domestic Fits}
July 24, 2013 at 9:24 amThis looks SO good! Next time I’m just going to skip the steak house and go to YOUR house.