Garlic Butter Steak Recipe: A Simple Steakhouse Favorite
You’re craving steak right? But not just any steak you want something juicy, flavorful, and full of that garlic butter goodness. Skip the steakhouse bill and make it at home. This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is all about easy steps with big flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe that’ll make you the hero of your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe hits all the right spots. It’s simple, flavorful, and doesn’t take all night. Perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Rich in Flavor: The garlic butter sauce takes the steak to the next level.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of stuff—just steak, butter, and garlic.
Prefect Garlic Butter Steak Recipe key points
Simple Ingredients: Steak, butter, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional: rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Prep the Steak: Let the steak reach room temperature and season generously with salt and peppers
Hot Sear: Sear the steak in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side to get a crispy, golden crust.
Garlic Butter Magic: Melt butter with minced garlic, and baste the steak while cooking for extra flavor.
Rest Before Cutting: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Flexible Cut Options: Ribeye is recommended, but other cuts like sirloin or filet mignon work to
Quick and Easy: The entire recipe can be made in 20 minutes.
Serve with Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad to complete the meal.
How to Pan-Sear a Steak with Butter
Pan-searing a steak is similar to cooking it in a cast-iron skillet. Start by letting your steak sit at room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Right before cooking, make sure to pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This helps the steak sear perfectly and develop that beautiful crust.
Next, heat up your pan ideally a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for consistent heat. Since butter has a low smoke point, set the burner to medium heat rather than high. Cooking steak with butter should be done at temperatures below 350°F to avoid any unwanted flavors.
Once your steak reaches the doneness you prefer, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy instead of spilling onto the cutting board. Finally, slice the steak against the grain and top it off with a pat of garlic butter for that classic finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak
Step 1: Season and Rest
Before you cook, let your steaks rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures a more even cook. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Add olive oil, then gently lay your steaks in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until you get that beautiful, crisp crust. The key is not to disturb the steaks while they’re searing—let the heat work its magic.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Butter
Lower the heat and add the butter to the pan, followed by the minced garlic. As the butter melts and sizzles, spoon it over the steaks. This is where the magic happens: the garlic infuses the butter, creating a rich sauce that elevates the steak to new heights of flavor.
For an herbaceous note, add fresh rosemary or thyme to the pan as you baste the steaks. These herbs complement the richness of the butter and garlic, creating a gourmet experience in every bite.
Step 4: Rest, Slice, and Serve
After cooking, let the steaks rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tenderness. When ready to serve, slice the steak against the grain and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak recipe is designed for food lovers who crave sophistication in every bite without the stress of complicated techniques. It’s perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
- Easy but Elegant: With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll create a dish that feels upscale but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Versatile and Budget-Friendly: Ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin—this recipe works with any cut of steak, letting you choose based on your preference or budget.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a deep, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural juiciness of the steak.
“A great steak isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. With garlic butter melting over a perfectly seared cut, every bite tells a story of flavor and comfort.”
Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak
- Don’t skip the rest: I know, you want to dig in. But letting the steak sit for a few minutes locks in those juices.
- Sear with confidence: Get your pan really hot before adding the steak. That’s how you get that crispy, golden crust.
- Baste, baby, baste: Keep spooning that melted garlic butter over your steak while it cooks. The more, the better.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. Want to add a little kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes with the garlic. Craving a bit of tang? Squeeze a lemon over the steak right before serving. The options are endless, but the heart of the recipe—the buttery, garlicky goodness—stays the same.
Perfect Pairings
You can’t go wrong pairing this steak with some simple sides. A buttery garlic steak deserves some good company on the plate:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, the perfect canvas for soaking up any leftover garlic butter.
- Roasted veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Caesar salad: Crisp lettuce, Parmesan, and a zesty dressing to balance out the richness of the steak.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe Worth Repeating
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe isn’t just a dinner—it’s an experience. You’ve got the juicy steak, the rich garlic butter, and a recipe that’s practically foolproof. Best part? It doesn’t take all night to make. So the next time you’re craving steakhouse vibes, but not steakhouse prices, you know exactly what to do.
Now, fire up that skillet and get cooking. Your next great steak is just a few steps away.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Q: What cut of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak?
A: Ribeye is a top choice because it’s rich and flavorful, thanks to its marbling. But other cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, or even sirloin will work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Q: How do you make sure steak is tender?
A: To get a tender steak, don’t skip the resting step after cooking. This allows the juices to settle into the meat, making it juicier and more tender. Also, using a good cut like ribeye or filet mignon helps a lot.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Sure! If you use salted butter, just go easy on the additional salt when seasoning the steak. The butter will already add some saltiness to the dish.
Q: Should I cook steak in butter or oil?
A: Start by searing the steak in oil, since it has a higher smoke point. Once you’ve seared both sides, add butter to the pan for flavor. Butter burns faster, so adding it later helps prevent it from getting too brown or bitter.
Q: How do you know when the steak is done?
A: The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. If you like it more well-done, let it cook a bit longer until it reaches 150°F or more.
Q: What can I serve with Garlic Butter Steak?
A: Some great sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, and a crisp Caesar salad. Anything that can soak up the garlic butter sauce works great!
Q: How can I make the steak more flavorful?
A: Besides using garlic butter, you can marinate the steak beforehand. Try a mix of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme. Also, don’t forget to season the steak generously with salt and pepper before cooking—it’s the foundation of great flavor.
Pairing Ideas for Your Garlic Butter Steak
You’ve got your steak, but what about the sides? Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These soak up the garlic butter and balance out the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, tossed with olive oil and salt.
- Caesar Salad: Crunchy, refreshing, and a perfect contrast to the rich steak.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To
With this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe, you’ll bring the steakhouse home. No stress, no fuss—just juicy, buttery steak that’s perfect every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a killer weeknight dinner, this recipe is the one to keep in your back pocket. Grab your skillet, get that garlic butter sizzling, and treat yourself!
Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American4
servings5
minutes10
minutes300
kcal45
minutesIngredients
2 (12 oz) Ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 1/4-inches thick)
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Directions
- Let steaks rest at room temperature 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (you want to let it get hot oil should be shimmering near smoking, preheating should take about 3 minutes if using a gas stove, longer for electric).
- Dab both sides of steak dry with paper towels then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place steaks in skillet and using metal tongs press down over top surface of steaks to ensure the entire bottom surface is making direct contact with skillet.
- Let cook until browned on bottom, about 3 minutes.
- Flip and continue to cook until steak is about 10 degrees away from desired doneness, approximately 3 minutes longer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, garlic and thyme.
- Using an oven mitt grasp pan and tilt pan so butter pools to one side, spoon butter over steaks and continue to cook until steaks registers desired doneness (see notes below for temps, keep in mind they’ll rise about 5 more degrees of heat), about 1 minute longer.
- Transfer to plates. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Steak degree of doneness:
- 135 degrees medium rare
- 145 degrees medium
- 150 degrees medium well
- 160 degrees well
- For safety the FDA recommends cooking to at least 145 degrees