Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parmesan Peppercorn Smothered Flat Iron Steak?
It is a gourmet dish featuring flat iron steak marinated in zesty Italian dressing, topped with a creamy Parmesan peppercorn sauce and caramelized onions.
How long should I marinate the flat iron steak?
You should marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for a deeper and richer flavor profile.
What ingredients are needed for the Parmesan pepper sauce?
The sauce consists of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of zesty Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and coarse black pepper.
How do I prepare the savory onions?
Sautรฉ thinly sliced onions in a skillet with Italian dressing and minced garlic over medium heat until they are golden brown and caramelized.
Can I add seafood to this recipe?
Yes, you can create a surf and turf experience by adding cooked medium or large shrimp to the onion mixture before serving.
What temperature should I use to cook the steak?
After removing the onions, increase the skillet heat to medium-high to sear and cook the steak properly.
How long does the steak take to cook?
Cook the steak for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side to reach a medium level of doneness.
Why should I let the steak rest after cooking?
Letting the steak rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender when sliced.
How should I slice the flat iron steak for serving?
Slice the steak crosswise into thin strips against the grain to maximize tenderness.
What type of dressing is used for the marinade?
The recipe uses zesty Italian dressing as both a marinade for the steak and a base for the sauce and onion sautรฉ.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the sliced steak topped generously with the Parmesan pepper sauce, with the caramelized onions on the side or on top.
Is full-fat sour cream required for the sauce?
While not strictly required, using full-fat sour cream is recommended to achieve the best creaminess in the sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese for the peppercorn sauce.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends 3/4 teaspoon of coarse black pepper, preferably freshly cracked for the best flavor.
Can I use sea salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt is included in the sauce, though you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of garlic, minced or chopped, to flavor the onions.
What type of onion should I use?
One large onion, thinly sliced, is required for the savory onion component.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
The sauce is prepared cold and refrigerated until it is time to top the warm, freshly cooked steak.
What sides pair well with this steak dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.
How much steak is needed for this recipe?
The recipe is based on using 1 lb of flat iron steak.
What is the total amount of Italian dressing used?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 cup of zesty Italian dressing, divided between the marinade, sauce, and onions.
Do I need a special pan to cook the steak?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup of the onions and steak.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is considered a sophisticated and gourmet dish that is easy to make for friends and family.
What do I do with the marinade after soaking the steak?
You should drain the steak and discard the used marinade before cooking the meat.
How do I know when the garlic is ready?
Sautรฉ the garlic just until it becomes fragrant before adding the sliced onions.
Can the onions be made in advance?
The onions are best made fresh while the steak is marinating, but they can be set aside while the steak cooks.
What texture should the onions have?
The onions should be sautรฉed until they are golden brown, soft, and caramelized.
Is the steak trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 lb of trimmed and marinated flat iron steak.
Can I adjust the doneness of the steak?
Yes, while the instructions suggest 3-4 minutes per side for medium, you can adjust the timing to your preference.
Does this dish have a specific category?
It is categorized as a steak dish and is often associated with tags like gourmet, easy dinner, and savory.