Steak with garlic butter is the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers. The juicy, tender steak, paired with the rich and flavorful garlic butter, creates a savory, mouthwatering dish that is both simple and luxurious. While the steak is the star of the dish, the garlic butter adds the perfect finishing touch with its creamy, aromatic richness.
In this recipe, we’ll focus on how to cook the perfect steak, whether you prefer ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, or another cut, and how to make a quick and flavorful garlic butter sauce. The combination of the two will elevate your steak to a restaurant-quality level, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 2 bone-in ribeye steaks (or any steak cut of your choice, such as filet mignon, New York strip, or porterhouse)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, for flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional, for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking the steaks)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Bring the steak to room temperature: Start by removing the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. Allowing the steaks to come to room temperature ensures even cooking and helps them cook more efficiently.
- Season the steak: Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will help create a flavorful crust on the steak as it sears. If you like, you can also season the steak with some garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak seasoning blend, but a simple salt and pepper seasoning often gives the best results for this dish.
- Preheat your skillet: For the best results, use a heavy-duty skillet, such as cast iron, which retains heat well and gives the steak a great sear. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until it’s very hot.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
- Sear the steak: Once the skillet is hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil) and allow it to heat up. Carefully place the steaks in the skillet, being mindful of the sizzling oil. You should hear a loud sizzle as the steak hits the pan.
- Sear the first side: Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for a sear that gives a golden-brown crust. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you may need to sear it a little longer.
- Flip the steak: After the first side is seared, flip the steak using tongs. Add the fresh thyme and smashed garlic to the pan for extra flavor as the steak cooks. Continue cooking the second side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Add butter: During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter, garlic, and thyme. This will enhance the flavor and give the steak a rich, buttery finish.
- Check the doneness: To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer. Here are the internal temperatures for various levels of doneness:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
- Rest the steak: Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
- Mix the garlic butter: While the steak is resting, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon juice (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Set aside: Once mixed, set the garlic butter aside. You can also chill the butter in the refrigerator to firm it up if you want to serve it as a dollop on top of the steak. However, if you’re serving it right away, you can spoon the butter directly onto the hot steak.
Step 4: Serve the Steak with Garlic Butter
- Plate the steak: After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain (especially for tougher cuts like flank steak). This helps tenderize the meat and makes it easier to eat. Alternatively, you can serve the steak whole if you prefer.
- Top with garlic butter: Spoon a generous amount of garlic butter on top of the hot steak. The butter will melt over the steak, adding richness and flavor. You can also drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan over the steak for added flavor.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. You can also serve the steak with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
- Serve: Serve the steak immediately while it’s hot. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Steak with Garlic Butter:
- Choose the right cut of steak: For the best flavor and texture, opt for steaks that have good marbling (the fat within the meat). Ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon are excellent choices. They offer a balance of tenderness and rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter.
- Let the steak rest: Resting the steak after cooking is essential for keeping it juicy. Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking will cause the juices to escape, leaving the meat dry.
- Use fresh garlic: For the best garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic in the butter. Pre-minced garlic doesn’t provide the same depth of flavor, so fresh is always best.
- Adjust the garlic butter flavor: You can customize the garlic butter to your taste by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Experiment with the ingredients to create a flavor profile that complements your steak perfectly.
- Monitor the heat: When cooking steak, be mindful of the heat level. Too high a heat can burn the outside before the inside is properly cooked, and too low a heat can cause the steak to cook unevenly. Aim for medium-high heat to get a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: Steak with garlic butter pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or creamy mac and cheese. Roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad are great options to balance the richness of the steak.
- Wine pairing: A bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, pairs beautifully with steak. If you prefer white wine, try a full-bodied Chardonnay to complement the richness of the garlic butter.
- Bread: Serve the steak with crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion:
Steak with Garlic Butter is a simple yet decadent dish that elevates the steak-eating experience to new heights. The combination of a perfectly seared steak with the rich, aromatic garlic butter makes for a satisfying and indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!