Steak with Garlic Butter
Short Description
This classic Steak with Garlic Butter recipe delivers juicy, pan-seared or grilled steak topped with rich, herbaceous garlic butter. Perfectly tender and full of flavor, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home with minimal ingredients and effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bold Flavor: The garlic butter adds richness and depth, enhancing the natural taste of the steak (AllRecipes).
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions (Chasing the Seasons).
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Versatile: Works with a variety of steak cuts and cooking methods (grill or skillet) (The Speckled Palate).
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Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a few kitchen staples to achieve gourmet results (Simply Recipes).
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Customizable: Easily adaptable with herbs, citrus, or spice blends to match your preferences (Jess Pryles).
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Steak (ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Unsalted butter
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Fresh garlic, minced
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Fresh herbs (optional: parsley, thyme, rosemary)
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Lemon zest or juice (optional)
Sources:
Directions
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Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Remove steak from the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
(The Speckled Palate) -
Season Generously
Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or other seasonings, if desired.
(Simply Recipes) -
Preheat Pan or Grill
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat until very hot.
(Chasing the Seasons) -
Sear the Steak
Place steak in hot pan or on grill. Sear for 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
(AllRecipes) -
Prepare Garlic Butter
While steak is cooking, melt butter and add minced garlic and herbs. Cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
(Jess Pryles) -
Baste or Top with Garlic Butter
Spoon the butter over the steak or top immediately after removing from heat.
(The Speckled Palate) -
Let it Rest
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
(The Speckled Palate)
Servings and Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 10–15 minutes |
| Cook | 6–10 minutes |
| Rest | 5–10 minutes |
| Total | ~25–35 minutes |
Serves: 2
Note: Cooking time varies with steak thickness and doneness preference.
Variations
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Browned Butter: Cook garlic in butter until golden for a nutty aroma. (Jess Pryles)
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Cut steak into cubes before searing. Great for serving with rice or pasta. (Simply Recipes)
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Grilled Version: Use the same method on an outdoor grill for added smokiness.
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Add Heat: Include crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne in the garlic butter.
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Lemon-Herb Finish: Add lemon zest and parsley for a fresh flavor twist.
Storage / Reheating
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Storage: Refrigerate leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
(The Speckled Palate) -
Freezing: Garlic butter can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap in parchment and seal tightly.
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Reheating: Warm steak gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 275°F (135°C) oven until heated through. Add butter or broth to keep moist.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip are top choices for their balance of marbling and tenderness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or skip added salt in the seasoning.
How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook garlic on medium-low heat and remove from heat once it turns fragrant.
Is garlic butter steak good for meal prep?
Yes, but steak is best fresh. Garlic butter can be made in advance and refrigerated.
Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just apply the garlic butter after grilling.
Should I marinate the steak first?
Not necessary. Simple seasoning and garlic butter provide plenty of flavor.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
Can I make garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it in portions.
What sides go well with garlic butter steak?
Roasted potatoes, asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad are all excellent.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less — dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Conclusion
Steak with Garlic Butter is an elevated yet accessible dish that fits any occasion, from weeknight dinner to special celebration. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it delivers maximum flavor. Use your favorite cut, tailor the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal at home — all backed by trusted sources and proven techniques.
PrintSteak with Garlic Butter
Juicy and tender steak seared to perfection and topped with a rich, flavorful garlic butter. A simple yet indulgent dish perfect for any special occasion or a hearty weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Instructions
- Remove steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat until very hot.
- Place steaks in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until a crust forms and the desired doneness is reached.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet.
- Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks repeatedly for about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, drizzled with remaining garlic butter from the pan.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain juices.
- Fresh herbs provide more flavor but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with butter
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: steak, garlic butter, ribeye, pan-seared steak, easy steak recipe

