Indulge in the ultimate steak experience with this Garlic Butter Steak Perfection recipe. A perfectly seared ribeye or NY strip steak, enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with fragrant herbs—this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a luxurious, tender steak in under 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a steak lover’s dream. The combination of a golden, crispy crust and a decadent garlic butter sauce makes every bite an absolute delight. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy steakhouse-worthy flavors at home. The rich butter, fragrant garlic, and herbs bring out the steak’s natural juices, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
2 ribeye or NY strip steaks (1-inch thick)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
3 garlic cloves, smashed
-
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
directions
-
Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
-
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
-
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steaks with the garlic-infused butter for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender, juicy steak.
-
Serve the steaks with the garlic butter sauce from the pan, and enjoy!
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 2 servings
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
-
Total Time: 15 minutes
-
Calories per serving: 520 kcal
Variations
-
Different Cuts: Use a different cut of steak like filet mignon or sirloin for a different flavor profile or tenderness.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
-
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the steak for a tangy contrast to the rich butter sauce.
-
Cheese Topping: Add a slice of melted blue cheese or Parmesan on top of the steak for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Steak is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a hot pan for a minute or two on each side, basting with any leftover garlic butter for added flavor. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but it may affect the steak’s texture.
FAQs
How can I tell if my steak is cooked to the right doneness?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
-
Rare: 120–125°F
-
Medium rare: 130–135°F
-
Medium: 140–145°F
-
Medium well: 150–155°F
-
Well done: 160°F and above
Can I use a different kind of butter?
Yes, you can use flavored butter, like herb-infused or garlic butter, for an extra boost of flavor.
Do I need to use a cast-iron skillet?
A cast-iron skillet provides the best results for searing due to its heat retention and even cooking, but you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet.
Can I make this recipe without garlic?
While garlic enhances the flavor, you can leave it out or replace it with other aromatics like shallots or onions for a different taste.
What side dishes go well with this steak?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For a more indulgent option, try creamy mac and cheese or sautéed mushrooms.
How long should I rest the steak before cutting?
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful, tender steak.
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh steak, but if you use frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even cooking and flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of fresh. Use about 1/3 of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How can I make the garlic butter sauce more flavorful?
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the garlic butter for an extra depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
Yes! This garlic butter method works wonderfully with chicken breasts, or even salmon fillets.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Perfection delivers a luxurious meal in under 15 minutes, bringing bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a steakhouse-worthy dinner at home. The crispy, golden crust, combined with the rich garlic butter sauce, makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations, this steak will surely become your go-to recipe.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Perfection
Garlic Butter Steak Perfection delivers restaurant-quality steak with a golden, crispy crust and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. In under 15 minutes, you can enjoy a tender, juicy steak, perfectly seasoned and enhanced with fragrant herbs like thyme or rosemary. Whether you’re cooking for two or impressing guests, this quick and easy recipe is sure to satisfy your steak cravings.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
2 ribeye or NY strip steaks (1-inch thick)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, smashed
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
-
Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
-
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
-
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steaks with the garlic-infused butter for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender, juicy steak.
-
Serve the steaks with the garlic butter sauce from the pan, and enjoy!
Notes
-
Variations:
-
Different Cuts: Use a different cut of steak like filet mignon or sirloin for a different flavor profile or tenderness.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
-
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the steak for a tangy contrast to the rich butter sauce.
-
Cheese Topping: Add a slice of melted blue cheese or Parmesan on top of the steak for extra richness.
-
-
Storage/Reheating: Steak is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a hot pan for a minute or two on each side, basting with any leftover garlic butter for added flavor. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but it may affect the steak’s texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
