Nothing quite compares to the mouthwatering sizzle of a steak meeting a hot skillet; it’s the kind of sound that promises a flavorful, satisfying meal ahead. If you're aiming to elevate your next dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. It's rich, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make; the kind of go-to meal that feels like a steakhouse experience at home.
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is more than just a quick fix; it’s a foolproof way to get that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The secret? A high-heat sear followed by a generous butter baste, infused with fresh garlic and herbs. It’s a simple method that delivers seriously delicious results every time.
Whether you're cooking to impress on date night or just treating yourself to a weeknight upgrade, this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is all about flavor and ease. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps; just one trusty skillet and a few pantry basics are enough to make something truly memorable.
Why You Will Love This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is a standout favorite for good reason; it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any skill level. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques—just everyday ingredients and one pan to create steakhouse-quality results right at home.
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe lies in the garlic herb butter; it adds rich flavor and helps develop that irresistible golden-brown crust. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your dinner table feel special.
What truly sets this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe apart is its flexibility. Whether you're working with ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, the method stays the same. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a side of asparagus; making it a complete meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Once you try this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Ingredients
For the Steak:
- Ribeye or sirloin steaks (1-inch thick)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- Sea salt
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep and Heat
- Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until very hot, then add oil and swirl to coat.
Pro Tip: The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately.
Sear the Steaks
- Place steaks in the hot skillet and don't move them! Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip using tongs and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.
Internal Temperature Guide:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-145°F
Add Garlic Butter
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. As butter melts and foams, tilt the pan and continuously baste the steaks with the aromatic garlic butter for 1-2 minutes using a spoon.
Rest and Serve
- Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Strain the garlic butter and drizzle over the rested steaks before serving.
- Step 1: Prep and Heat
Get your pan hot and prep your ingredients for searing.
- Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Sear steaks over high heat until browned on both sides.
- Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
Add garlic butter and baste for deep flavor.
- Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let steak rest before slicing and plating for best results.
Expert Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Temperature is Everything: Invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer. Guessing doneness leads to overcooked or undercooked steaks.
- The Finger Test: Press the center of the steak gently. Rare feels soft and squishy, medium-rare has slight resistance, medium feels firm but gives slightly, and well-done feels very firm.
- Butter Basting Technique: Keep the butter moving to prevent the garlic from burning. If it starts browning too quickly, remove the pan from heat temporarily.
- Resting is Crucial: Never skip the resting period. Cutting immediately causes all those delicious juices to run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
Keto-Friendly Version
- This garlic butter steak recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Serve with cauliflower mash, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete low-carb meal.
Dairy-Free Option
- Replace butter with ghee or coconut oil for those avoiding dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Herb Variations
- Italian Style: Use basil, oregano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar
- Mediterranean: Add lemon zest and fresh parsley
- Spicy Version: Include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
Steak Cut Alternatives
- Garlic butter steak bites: Cut steak into 1-inch cubes and reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side
- Thin steaks: Reduce cooking time to 1-2 minutes per side
- Thick cuts: Use the reverse sear method – start in a 275°F oven, then finish in the skillet
Essential Equipment Recommendations
- Cast Iron Skillet: The gold standard for steak cooking. Lodge and Victoria are excellent budget-friendly options, while Le Creuset offers premium performance.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: ThermoWorks Thermapen or OXO Good Grips provide accurate readings in seconds.
- Long-Handle Spoon: Essential for safe butter basting without burning your hands.
- Sharp Knife: A good chef's knife makes slicing easier and safer. Keep it sharp for clean cuts that don't tear the meat fibers.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Leftover cooked steak keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers. Slice before storing to make reheating easier.
Reheating Methods
- Oven Method: Place sliced steak on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 250°F for 10-15 minutes
- Skillet Method: Quickly sear in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side
- Avoid Microwaving: This tends to make steak tough and rubbery
Freezing Instructions
- Raw seasoned steaks freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.onths.
The Secret Behind My Sizzling Steak
It all started on a rainy Friday night when I was craving something comforting—but bold. I didn’t want takeout; I wanted that rich, steakhouse flavor in my own kitchen. After a few trial runs and one too many overcooked steaks, I discovered the game-changing secret: a sizzling hot pan and a generous swirl of garlic herb butter. That’s when this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe was born—simple, quick, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Now, it’s my go-to for last-minute date nights and cozy dinners at home. The aroma alone turns heads, and the taste? Let’s just say no one believes it only takes 15 minutes. This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s my secret weapon for turning an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
FAQ
How do you cook steak with garlic butter?
To cook steak with garlic butter, sear the steak in a hot skillet with oil until browned on both sides. Add garlic, butter, and herbs like rosemary or thyme; then baste the steak with the melted butter for rich flavor and a golden crust.
How to make creamy garlic sauce for steak?
Sauté minced garlic in butter, then stir in heavy cream and a splash of beef broth. Simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper, and finish with grated Parmesan or herbs for extra richness.
How to make garlic butter?
Combine softened butter with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate or use immediately as a flavorful topping or basting sauce.
How to make garlic butter Gordon Ramsay?
Gordon Ramsay-style garlic butter blends softened butter with roasted garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, lemon zest, and a touch of salt. It's whipped until smooth and used to finish steaks or grilled meats.
Steak Night, Upgraded
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe proves you don’t need a reservation to enjoy a rich, restaurant-quality steak at home. With a hot skillet, a few fresh ingredients, and the magic of butter basting, you can whip up a steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright impressive.
Want to round out your weeknight dinner menu? Along with this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe, be sure to check out our crowd-pleasing Hamburger Recipe and the cozy, flavorful Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe; both are easy favorites that pair well with the same garlic herb notes.
The next time you’re craving something rich and satisfying, treat yourself—or impress your guests—with this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe. It’s the kind of Garlic Butter Steak Recipe that delivers bold flavor, juicy texture, and steakhouse-quality results right from your own kitchen. Don’t forget to rate this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe and drop a comment to let us know how your sizzling masterpiece turned out—we’d love to see your version of the ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Recipe!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast-iron skillet For even searing and crust
- 1 Instant-read thermometer For checking doneness
- 1 Long-handle spoon For butter basting
- 1 Chef's knife For slicing steak
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 Ribeye or sirloin steaks 1-inch thick, ~8 oz each
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil Or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder Optional
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 4 Garlic cloves Minced
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 pinch Sea salt Optional, to taste
Instructions
- Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat cast iron skillet until hot; add oil and sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side.
- Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme; baste steaks for 1–2 minutes.
- Rest steaks for 5 minutes; drizzle with garlic butter and serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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