Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
There are few meals as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak topped with rich, buttery garlic mushrooms. This classic combination is elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re following a keto lifestyle, this recipe checks all the boxes—it’s naturally low in carbs, high in healthy fats, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor.
The secret to making restaurant-quality steak at home is choosing a good cut of meat, allowing it to come to room temperature before cooking, and finishing it with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The mushrooms absorb all the savory juices from the steak and butter, creating a side dish that’s every bit as delicious as the steak itself.
Whether you’re new to keto or simply looking for an easy, satisfying dinner, this Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally keto and low-carb.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Rich, buttery, and incredibly flavorful.
- High in protein and healthy fats.
- Perfect for date nights or family dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients found in most grocery stores.
- Pairs beautifully with keto vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (10–12 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Kitchen Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
Preparing the Steak
Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing them to reach room temperature helps them cook evenly.
Pat both steaks completely dry using paper towels. Moisture prevents a beautiful crust from forming.
Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Cooking the Steak
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot.
Add olive oil.
Carefully place the steaks into the hot skillet.
Avoid moving them for the first 3–4 minutes.
Flip using tongs.
Cook another 3–5 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.
Internal Temperatures
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
Remove steaks from the skillet and loosely cover with foil while preparing the mushrooms.
Resting the steak allows juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Making Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Using the same skillet keeps all the flavorful browned bits from the steak.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter.
Once melted, add sliced mushrooms.
Cook without stirring for about 2 minutes so they brown nicely.
Stir occasionally until mushrooms become golden.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Mix in thyme and rosemary.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Finally, stir in chopped parsley.
The mushrooms should be tender, buttery, and deeply flavorful.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small section of the skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic burn.
Pour this garlic butter over both steaks before serving.
Assemble the Dish
Place each steak onto a serving plate.
Top generously with garlic butter mushrooms.
Drizzle extra garlic butter over everything.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Perfect Steak
Choose Quality Meat
Ribeye offers excellent marbling, making it especially flavorful. New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon also work well.
Don’t Skip Resting
Five to ten minutes of resting makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.
Use High Heat
A hot skillet creates the delicious caramelized crust steak lovers crave.
Avoid Overcrowding
If cooking multiple steaks, prepare them in batches to maintain high heat.
Dry the Steak Well
Removing surface moisture creates a much better sear.
Best Mushrooms to Use
Different mushrooms create different flavors.
- Baby Bella mushrooms
- White button mushrooms
- Cremini mushrooms
- Portobello mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
A mixture provides excellent texture and depth.
Keto Side Dishes
Complete your meal with one of these low-carb favorites:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Cauliflower mash
- Steamed broccoli
- Buttered zucchini
- Creamed spinach
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Caesar salad (without croutons)
Flavor Variations
Blue Cheese Butter
Top the steak with crumbled blue cheese mixed into softened butter.
Herb Butter
Add dill, parsley, thyme, and chives to the butter.
Spicy Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Pour in a splash of heavy cream after cooking the mushrooms for a rich sauce.
Parmesan Mushrooms
Finish the mushrooms with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep the steak and mushrooms together to preserve moisture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the steak tough.
Meal Prep
Cook the mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them.
Prepare fresh steaks just before serving for the best texture.
If meal prepping, slice the steak after resting and portion it with mushrooms into containers for easy lunches.
Nutritional Benefits
Steak is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and healthy fats, making it ideal for a keto diet. Mushrooms add fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and B vitamins while remaining low in carbohydrates. Butter contributes satisfying fats that help keep you full longer and support ketosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the steak instead?
Absolutely. Grill over high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Top with the garlic butter mushrooms before serving.
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and a good sear.
What’s the best pan for steak?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and creates a beautiful crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms is proof that keto meals can be both simple and luxurious. With perfectly seared steak, golden mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and rich melted butter, every bite delivers comforting, restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress while keeping your carb count low. Pair it with your favorite keto vegetables, enjoy it fresh from the skillet, and savor a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully easy to make.
