Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Steak is the ultimate indulgence for steak lovers. Juicy, tender, and seared to perfection, this recipe takes a classic steak and elevates it with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and butter. The combination of golden-browned crust, aromatic herbs, and melted garlic butter creates a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that requires just a handful of simple ingredients, yet delivers bold, unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty meal, this steak is guaranteed to impress. Easy to make on the stovetop or grill, it gives you that juicy inside with a perfectly seared outside every time. If you want a foolproof recipe that balances elegance with comfort, this Garlic Butter Steak is the best you’ll ever make.
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Make the Best Garlic Butter Steak Ever – Juicy, Tender, and Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A perfectly seared, juicy steak smothered in rich garlic butter and herbs for the ultimate restaurant-quality meal made at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add olive oil.
- Place steaks in the skillet and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep crust forms. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, and herbs to the skillet.
- Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Remove steaks from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Slice against the grain, spoon over extra garlic butter, and finish with flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate steaks in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best searing results.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
A quality ribeye steak or New York strip steak is the star of this recipe, prized for marbling and tenderness.
Rich unsalted butter is the key to creating the garlic butter sauce, basting the steak with flavor and moisture.
Fresh garlic cloves, smashed or minced, infuse the butter with deep aromatic richness.
A sprig or two of fresh thyme or rosemary adds earthy, herby notes to balance the richness of the meat.
Olive oil helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents the butter from burning too quickly.
Kosher salt enhances the natural beef flavor and helps create a caramelized crust.
Freshly cracked black pepper provides a bold kick and balances the buttery finish.
Optional lemon juice can be drizzled at the end to brighten and cut through the richness.
Directions
Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the steak in the skillet. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes. Reduce the heat slightly and add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak repeatedly, basting it for extra flavor and juiciness.
Cook to your preferred doneness, using a meat thermometer for accuracy (medium-rare: 130°F, medium: 140°F). Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve with extra garlic butter spooned over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 10 minutes, and resting takes 10 minutes, bringing the total time to about 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftover steak should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to preserve juiciness. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat. Cooked steak can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Butter Filet Mignon
Use filet mignon instead of ribeye for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth version.
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the butter for subtle heat.
Blue Cheese Finish
Top the steak with crumbled blue cheese just before serving for a bold, tangy twist.
Grilled Garlic Butter Steak
Cook the steak on a hot grill and brush with garlic butter during the last minutes of grilling.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cut the steak into cubes, sear quickly in a skillet, and toss with garlic butter for a quick appetizer.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Serve the steak with sautéed mushrooms simmered in garlic butter and cream.
Surf and Turf
Pair with garlic butter shrimp or scallops for an indulgent restaurant-style meal.
FAQs
What is the best cut of steak for garlic butter steak?
Ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are all excellent choices.
Should I let the steak rest before slicing?
Yes, resting ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
Can I cook this recipe on the grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, grill the steak and brush with garlic butter during cooking.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Is basting the steak necessary?
Yes, it enhances flavor and helps keep the steak juicy.
What side dishes pair best with garlic butter steak?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments.
Conclusion
The Best Garlic Butter Steak is a foolproof recipe that transforms a simple cut of beef into a restaurant-quality masterpiece. With its perfectly seared crust, juicy interior, and indulgent garlic butter flavor, it is a dish that impresses every time. Whether served for a special occasion or as a quick weeknight indulgence, this steak recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying comfort. Once you master this method, you’ll never want to cook steak any other way. Juicy, rich, and packed with flavor, it truly is the best garlic butter steak ever.