Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seared steak, the rich, savory juices mingling with an intensely flavorful garlic butter sauce. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Unforgettable! With this recipe, you’ll be creating restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Steak in your own kitchen – I promise, it’s easier than you think!
The Star of the Show: The Ingredients
Steak
- 2 (8-10 ounce) steaks (Ribeye, New York Strip, or Sirloin work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Choosing Your Cut: Steak Selection 101
Picking the right steak is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. I personally love ribeye for its rich marbling, which renders down beautifully during cooking, creating a super flavorful and juicy steak. New York strip is another excellent choice – it’s leaner than ribeye but still packs a flavorful punch. Sirloin is a more budget-friendly option, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become a bit tough. For Garlic Butter Steak Bites you can consider using sirloin, as the smaller size helps with tenderness.
Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready for Steak Night
Before you even think about turning on the stove, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to come closer to room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is a crucial step for achieving a good sear! Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful crust. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – this is your chance to build flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Sizzle to Savor
Get Started
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. You want it hot enough to create a good sear!
Sear the Steak
- Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – if necessary, cook them in batches.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Make the Garlic Butter
- While the steaks are searing, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is bitter!
- Stir in the parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baste and Rest
- During the last minute of cooking, add the garlic butter to the skillet and spoon it over the steaks, basting them continuously. This infuses them with that incredible garlic butter flavor.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slice and Serve
- Slice the steak against the grain and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Doneness Guide: Finding Your Perfect Steak
Not everyone likes their steak cooked the same way. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve your desired level of doneness:
- Rare: 125-130°F (red center)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (warm red center)
- Medium: 135-145°F (pink center)
- Medium-Well: 145-155°F (slightly pink center)
- Well-Done: 155°F+ (no pink)
Remember to use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results!
Troubleshooting Tips: Steak Night Saviors
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Steak isn’t searing properly: Make sure your skillet is hot enough and that your steak is dry. A screaming hot pan and a dry steak are key for a good sear.
- Garlic butter is burning: Keep the heat low and watch the garlic carefully. If it starts to brown too quickly, remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds.
- Steak is overcooked: Use a meat thermometer and err on the side of undercooking. You can always cook it a little longer, but you can’t uncook it!
Spice It Up: Flavor Variations
Want to add a little extra pizzazz to your Garlic Butter Steak? Here are a few ideas:
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the garlic butter. This adds a depth of umami flavor that’s irresistible.
- Stir in some chopped rosemary or sage. These herbs pair beautifully with beef.
- Top the steak with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese. The tangy cheese complements the rich garlic butter.
- Consider a Garlic Butter Beef recipe with mushrooms for a more earthy tone.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
Garlic Butter Steak is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots)
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- A simple green salad
- Garlic bread (because you can never have too much garlic!)
Things To Do With Beef Stew Meat
While this recipe focuses on premium steak cuts, there are plenty of amazing things you can do with beef stew meat too! Consider slow cooking it into a hearty stew, or using it as the base for flavorful tacos or enchiladas. You can also try making a delicious Salisbury Steak with ground beef. Even cheaper cuts of beef can be transformed into culinary delights with the right preparation.
Quick Dinner Ideas Steak
Need a fast and satisfying meal? Garlic Butter Steak is a fantastic option! It cooks quickly, and the intensely flavorful sauce elevates it to something special. If you are looking for Quick Dinner Ideas Steak, consider slicing your steak before cooking to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Serve with a simple salad or some sautéed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal in under 30 minutes. Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos are also surprisingly quick to prepare!
Beef Tip Steak Recipes
Beef tip steak is another versatile cut that’s perfect for quick and easy meals. It’s delicious pan-seared, grilled, or even stir-fried. You can also use it in stews and casseroles for a more budget-friendly option. Experiment with different marinades and sauces to find your favorite way to prepare beef tip steak. Remember, tenderizing tougher cuts like beef tips is key – marinating overnight works wonders!
Final Thoughts: Your Steakhouse Secret Weapon
There you have it – my ultimate recipe for Garlic Butter Steak. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality steak in your own kitchen, any night of the week. So go ahead, fire up the stove and get cooking – you’ve got this!
What are the best steak cuts to use for Garlic Butter Steak?
Ribeye is recommended for its rich marbling, New York strip is a leaner flavorful option, and sirloin is a budget-friendly choice. Be careful not to overcook sirloin.
Why is it important to let the steak rest after cooking?
Resting the steak for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
What is the ideal internal temperature for a medium-rare steak?
For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
What can I do if my steak isn’t searing properly?
Ensure your skillet is hot enough (shimmering hot) and that the steak is patted dry with paper towels before searing. Moisture prevents a good sear.
Garlic Butter Steak Ultimate Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over high heat until it’s shimmering hot.
- Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – if necessary, cook them in batches.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- While the steaks are searing, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- During the last minute of cooking, add the garlic butter to the skillet and spoon it over the steaks, basting them continuously.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the steak against the grain and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet. Serve immediately.