Flat Iron: The Premium Cut for an Unforgettable Barbecue

Many believe that only the hind cuts of beef are high-quality noble meats for Brazilian barbecue; however, flat iron has arrived to demystify this idea. This forequarter cut surprises with its tenderness and juiciness, competing directly with traditional cuts.

Curious to know more about this meat that is gaining ground in Brazilian barbecue pits? Keep reading and discover why flat iron is the ideal choice for a high-level barbecue.

What is Flat Iron steak?

Flat iron is a cut of meat that comes from the front part of the cow, near the chuck or shoulder steak. It is considered one of the tenderest beef cuts, offering a unique experience.

This cut has good characteristics, such as good marbling (interspersed fat) and little external fat. It cooks quickly, so it’s important to pay attention not to overcook it. Although it is already widely consumed in other countries, this cut is starting to become popular here in Brazil. A great choice for those looking for a juicy meat for their barbecue.

Why is flat iron a new meat in Brazil?

Flat iron is relatively new in Brazil because it was first popularized in other countries, such as the United States, where the meat industry invested in research to identify cuts that could maximize the use of the beef carcass.

In Brazil, the most traditional barbecue cuts have always been the hind cuts, such as picanha (top sirloin cap), maminha (bottom sirloin cap), and fraldinha (flank steak). Over time, flat iron was introduced as a distinctive and accessible option, offering an equally tender and flavorful alternative to the already known cuts.

With the improvement of cutting techniques and greater dissemination of its characteristics, such as the tenderness and juiciness of flat iron, Brazilian grill masters began to include this meat in their options, especially in specialized restaurants and butcher shops.

How to prepare Flat Iron Steak

This cut provides a special juiciness, ideal for those looking for new options to impress at a barbecue. Preparing it correctly requires some simple care, but they will make all the difference in the result. Check out the step-by-step guide to make the most of your flat iron.

1. Cut the piece

Flat iron is taken from the piece known as "racquet" (or shoulder), which is located in the front part of the cow. This piece has a connective tissue membrane right in the center, which needs to be removed to release the flat iron.

With a very sharp knife, make a cut along the central membrane to separate it. After this step, you will obtain two long, thin steaks, which are the flat iron.

After separating the flat iron, it is important to remove the rest of the membrane and any excess external fat, ensuring that the meat is clean and ready for barbecue or any other cooking method.

For precise and efficient cutting, use CIMO barbecue knives, renowned for their quality and durability.

2. Season the meat

Flat iron has a naturally rich and tender flavor, so it doesn't need many seasonings. For a good barbecue seasoning, use coarse salt or parrilla salt. If you prefer, add minced garlic, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil to further enhance the flavor.

3. Grill it

Flat iron cooks quickly, so it's important not to overcook it to maintain its juiciness. Heat the grill very hot before placing the meat on it.

If you are grilling, place the flat iron initially on the lowest part of the grill for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just to sear the meat and create that golden crust.

Then, move the meat to a higher grill and continue grilling until it reaches the desired doneness. Ideally, the meat should be medium-rare, to preserve its juiciness and tenderness.

4. Let the meat rest

After removing from the heat, let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This allows the internal juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.

5. Slice and serve

Slice the flat iron into thin pieces, always against the grain of the meat, ensuring that each slice is tender and easy to chew. Serve immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Serve your flat iron with sides

Flat iron, with its tender texture and distinctive flavor, deserves side dishes that complement and enhance its juiciness without overwhelming the palate. Here are some suggestions for barbecue sides:

Light Sides

To balance the intense and juicy flavor of the flat iron, opt for light accompaniments that complement the meat without overwhelming the palate. Fresh salads, such as the traditional green salad with lettuce, arugula, and cherry tomatoes, are ideal options.

Or delicious options like simple purees, such as potato or mandioquinha (Andean potato) puree, can add a creamy texture to the dish, without stealing the spotlight from the main star: the flat iron.

Meat Sauces

Sauces are a great way to enhance the flavor of the meat. You can opt for classic options, such as chimichurri, an herb sauce usually prepared with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, which adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to grilled meats.

Another excellent choice is the mustard and honey sauce, which offers a harmonious balance between sweet and sour. The combination of mustard with the delicate touch of honey creates an extra layer of flavor, perfect for those looking for something different and slightly sweet to contrast with the meat.

Drinks to accompany the barbecue

Like any good Brazilian, a beer is always welcome at a barbecue. If you want to enhance the experience, try a craft beer. Pale Ale or IPA (India Pale Ale) style beers, with their distinctive bitterness and fruity notes, pair well with the juiciness of the flat iron, balancing the intense flavor of the meat.

For wine lovers, an excellent option is an Argentine Malbec or a Syrah. These full-bodied red wines bring strong tannins and fruity notes, perfectly complementing the tenderness and flavor of the flat iron, elevating the barbecue experience to another level.

So, did you enjoy learning more about flat iron? This delicious and extremely tender cut will certainly win over your palate. We hope the information has been useful for your next barbecue. For more tips and content about the world of barbecue, cuisine, adventure, and camping, explore our website!

Oh, and be sure to also check out our post on "How to choose and prepare picanha for barbecue?"!