Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are few things in life as satisfying as slicing into a perfectly cooked, juicy steak—especially when it’s topped with rich, golden garlic butter that melts over the meat like liquid gold. Whether you’re making dinner for a special occasion or just craving that steakhouse experience at home, this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is going to be your new favorite.
I still remember the first time I made this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe at home that actually tasted like something from a restaurant. I was nervous—afraid of overcooking it or missing that gorgeous crust you see in steakhouses. But once I learned a few simple techniques, everything changed. Now, every time I make steak, my kitchen fills with the aroma of sizzling butter, seared beef, and garlic—and it always feels a little bit like magic.
This Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe gives you the secrets to cooking a perfectly seared steak, finished with an irresistible homemade garlic butter that takes it to the next level. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hours of prep — just a few high-quality ingredients and some simple steps.
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Ingredients for Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
The key to a great Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is quality ingredients. Choose a good cut of beef, use fresh garlic and herbs, and you’ll have a dish that tastes incredible with minimal effort.
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 to 1½ inches thick) — or use New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice or zest (optional, for brightness)
How to Prepare Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Cooking steak perfectly is all about balance — heat, timing, and patience. With these easy steps, you’ll be making beautifully seared, tender, and flavorful steaks every time.
Step 1: Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Take your steaks out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the inside from being cold while the outside sears too fast.
Pat them dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a perfect crust — and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Lemon juice (if using)
Mash everything together until smooth. Set aside — or roll it in parchment paper and chill while you cook the steak.
This flavorful butter will be your finishing touch, melting over the hot steak to create a luxurious, herby sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot — you should see a faint wisp of smoke.
Add the olive oil and let it heat for 30 seconds. Place the steaks in the pan (carefully, they’ll sizzle!) and don’t move them for 3–4 minutes. This creates that gorgeous crust.
Flip the steaks and sear for another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness and your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic for Basting
Once the steaks are almost done, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter, along with a few smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs (optional).
Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly for about a minute. This technique, called basting, infuses the steak with garlic-herb flavor while keeping it juicy.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat instead of running out when you cut into it.
Step 6: Serve with Garlic Butter
Place a generous dollop of the prepared garlic butter on top of each steak while it’s still warm. The butter will melt into a silky sauce, coating the meat in flavor.
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or a lemon wedge, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
This Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is incredibly versatile — it can be served as an elegant main course or as part of a comforting homemade meal. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower mash or a crisp garden salad.
- Date night dinner: Add a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, and roasted vegetables.
- Steakhouse-style: Plate it with baked potatoes loaded with sour cream and chives, and buttery corn on the cob.
- Casual meal: Slice the steak and serve over rice, pasta, or even inside a crusty sandwich roll.
Pro tip: Spoon any leftover pan juices over the steak before serving — they’re packed with flavor.
Tips for Perfect Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Use a cast iron skillet. It retains and distributes heat evenly, creating the best crust.
- Dry the steak before seasoning. Excess moisture prevents browning.
- Generously season with salt. Salt enhances flavor and helps draw out surface moisture for a better sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook two steaks at a time to maintain high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s the most accurate way to check doneness.
- Let the steak rest. This keeps it juicy and tender.
- Add butter at the end. Butter can burn easily, so add it in the final minutes for best flavor.
- Experiment with herbs. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even sage work beautifully in garlic butter.
- Don’t skip the basting. It creates that mouthwatering steakhouse-style flavor.
Variations to Try
This Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is simple enough to make often but, easy to customize. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
1. Garlic Herb Compound Butter
Make a big batch of flavored butter using garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Keep it in the fridge and slice off a pat anytime you make steak.
2. Blue Cheese Butter
Add 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese to your garlic butter for a rich, tangy twist.
3. Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Add ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika to the butter for a spicy, smoky version.
4. Asian-Inspired Garlic Butter Steak
Mix in a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced green onions for a fusion flavor.
5. Lemon Garlic Butter Steak
Add extra lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness.
6. Oven-Finished Steak
For thicker cuts like filet mignon, sear for 2–3 minutes per side, then finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–8 minutes.
7. Grilled Garlic Butter Steak
Grill the steak over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then brush with garlic butter before serving for a smoky outdoor twist.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of steak for this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe?
Ribeye is my top choice because it’s juicy and flavorful. New York strip, T-bone, and filet mignon also work beautifully.
2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but skip adding extra salt to the butter mix so it doesn’t become too salty.
3. Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Slice as needed.
4. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
Use any heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan. Avoid non-stick pans — they don’t create the same crust.
5. How do I know when my steak is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer:
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
Remember that the temperature rises a few degrees as the steak rests.
6. Can I make this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute vegan butter or olive oil for the butter—it won’t be as rich, but still delicious.
7. How do I reheat leftover steak?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a pat of butter or in the oven at 275°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can dry it out.
8. Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
9. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but ½ teaspoon garlic powder can work in a pinch.
10. How do I make this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe a complete meal?
Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for a satisfying, balanced dinner.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
(Based on 2 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutritional values may vary depending on cut and portion size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe—it’s indulgent yet simple, elegant yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that sometimes the best meals don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. All you need is a good piece of steak, a bit of butter, and a few cloves of garlic.
The moment that garlic butter melts over the hot steak, creating that glossy, flavorful finish—you’ll understand why this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is such a keeper. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re dining at a five-star steakhouse, but you can enjoy it right in your own kitchen.
Whether you serve it for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or just because you deserve something delicious—this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe will never let you down. It’s rich, tender, and absolutely packed with flavor.
So next time you’re craving a juicy steak, skip the restaurant and make this Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe instead. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never cook steak any other way.