If you have ever wanted to make a restaurant-quality steak at home, then this Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly the game-changer you need. It’s an easy yet indulgent way to enjoy a perfectly cooked ribeye (or any favorite cut), enhanced by the rich, aromatic blend of garlic-infused butter and fresh herbs. Every bite bursts with flavor and a beautiful crust that locks in juiciness, making this dish a true showstopper for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the steak’s robust flavor and silky finish, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
- Ribeye steaks: Choose thick, well-marbled cuts for juicy, tender results.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear without burning the steak.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and creating the steak’s crust.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible aroma and subtle spice to the butter.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, vibrant note and color contrast.
- Fresh thyme, chopped (optional): Offers an earthy, fragrant hint that complements the garlic beautifully.
How to Make Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your skillet
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat; this sets the stage for achieving a mouthwatering sear. A hot skillet means the steak’s exterior will caramelize quickly, locking in all those delicious juices.
Step 2: Season the steaks
Generously season both sides of your steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt draws out the steak’s natural flavors, while the pepper adds a hint of spice and crunch to the crust.
Step 3: Sear the steaks
Add olive oil to your hot skillet—it should shimmer but not smoke—and carefully place the steaks in the pan. Sear them for 4–5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. This step creates that signature golden-brown crust you crave.
Step 4: Prepare the garlic butter
While the steaks cook, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add in the minced garlic and let it cook gently for 1–2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. This infuses the butter with deep garlic flavor without burning it.
Step 5: Rest the steaks
Once seared, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is key because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Step 6: Finish with garlic butter and herbs
Drizzle the fragrant garlic butter over your rested steaks, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thyme on top. This final touch adds freshness and a beautiful pop of color, making your dish look as incredible as it tastes.
Step 7: Serve immediately
Serve your Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe while warm, alongside your favorite sides. The sizzling garlic butter sauce melds perfectly with every slice, raising the entire meal to unforgettable heights.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this steak from delicious to extraordinary. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme not only brightens the plate visually but also adds subtle herbal notes that balance the richness of the garlic butter. For a touch of elegance, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few flakes of sea salt right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. Alternatively, try roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp, refreshing salad to introduce some fresh textures and vibrant flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your steak dinner feel extra special by playing with presentation. Serve the steak atop a bed of sautéed greens or place slices on a warmed wooden board. Drizzle extra garlic butter around the plate for a restaurant-style flourish, or top with a pat of compound herb butter for a beautiful finishing touch that melts over the steak as soon as it hits the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this glorious Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe left over, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture. This helps maintain the steak’s juiciness and prevents the garlic butter flavors from fading.
Freezing
While steak freezes well, the garlic butter sauce can change texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, wrap steaks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’s best to freeze the garlic butter separately in a small container or ice cube tray to preserve its flavor and freshness.
Reheating
To reheat your steak without drying it out, gently warm it in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the meat. Reheat the garlic butter sauce separately, then drizzle it over the warmed steak just before serving for that freshly cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you can use sirloin, strip steak, or filet mignon. Adjust searing times slightly depending on thickness and desired doneness.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Warm it gently before drizzling over the steak to revive that fresh garlic aroma.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried?
You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh parsley and thyme add a brighter, livelier flavor and better texture. If using dried, sprinkle sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is olive oil the best choice for searing steak?
Olive oil works well because of its flavor and relatively high smoke point. However, you can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for an even higher smoke point if you want to sear at a slightly higher temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is the perfect way to turn any meal into a celebration. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, boasting incredible flavor with minimal fuss. I promise once you try this, it will become your go-to steak recipe. So grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this beautifully simple yet decadent dish!
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Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for pan-seared ribeye steak topped with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your favorite cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for a perfect sear on the steaks.
- Season steaks: Generously season both sides of the ribeye steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear steaks: Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil shimmers, place steaks in the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness level.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the steaks cook, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Rest steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Finish with garlic butter: Drizzle the prepared garlic butter over the rested steaks. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and thyme for added freshness and aroma.
- Serve: Serve the pan-seared steak hot alongside your preferred sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
- You can substitute ribeye with sirloin, filet mignon, or New York strip depending on preference.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your taste for a more or less intense flavor.
- For extra crispness, pat the steaks dry before seasoning to promote a better sear.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor results, but dried herbs can be used if fresh is unavailable.
