If you’re craving a steak that’s nothing short of spectacular, then you’re in for a treat with this Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe. This dish brings together a beautifully seared crust, juicy and tender meat, and a luxuriously rich garlic butter that punches up the flavor to steakhouse perfection right from your own kitchen. Whether it’s a special occasion or a much-needed midweek indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for steak night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma – from the rich marbling of the steak to the fragrant herbs infused in the garlic butter.
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thick): Choose steaks with good marbling for optimum juiciness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps create a perfectly crisp sear without smoking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the steak.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and earthy aroma.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves smashed: Adds deep, aromatic garlic flavor to the butter.
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs provide an incredible fragrant finish to the garlic butter.
How to Make Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Steak
Start by patting your steaks dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so make sure they’re as dry as possible. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes; this helps cook your steak more evenly and promotes a tender bite. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper – don’t be shy here as the seasoning is crucial for flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it shimmers. This high heat is what creates that coveted caramelized crust that steak lovers adore. Place the steaks in the hot pan and resist the urge to move them around – allowing the steak to develop a beautiful crust takes about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side.
Step 3: Flip and Finish the Sear
Flip the steaks carefully using tongs, then sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. This quick sear locks in all those juicy flavors while ensuring a perfect crust on both sides. Keep the heat high at this stage but be mindful not to burn the butter later on.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter and Herbs
Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and continuously spoon the fragrant garlic butter over the steaks for 1 to 2 minutes. This basting step infuses the steak with incredible richness and depth, taking your pan-seared steak to an entirely new level.
Step 5: Check for Doneness and Rest
For a perfect medium-rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. Adjust the cooking time if you like your steak more or less done. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is essential so the juices redistribute, keeping your steak juicy and tender when you slice into it.
How to Serve Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving elevates the steak by adding a slight crunch and bursts of salty flavor. Fresh chopped parsley or microgreens add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich garlic butter wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette. These sides help balance the richness of the steak without overwhelming its star status.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and arrange the slices fanned out on a warm plate. Drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter from the pan over the slices for extra indulgence. For a dinner party, serve on a wooden board with bowls of mustard, horseradish cream, and pickled veggies for a rustic steakhouse vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep it separate from the garlic butter sauce to prevent sogginess; you can reheat and add fresh butter later.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to avoid freezer burn. Use within 2 months for best flavor retention.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or beef broth. Add a pat of butter near the end to refresh the garlic butter flavor. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the steak.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye and New York strip steaks are ideal because of their perfect balance of marbling and meatiness. They hold up beautifully to high heat and stay juicy inside with a nice crust outside.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for their vibrant flavor and aroma. However, if you only have dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount and add them earlier in the cooking process to let them bloom.
How do I know when my steak is medium-rare?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 130°F. It’s the most reliable way to get your perfect doneness. Alternatively, the finger test method can help once you get comfortable with it.
Is cast iron necessary for this recipe?
A cast-iron skillet is preferred because it retains and distributes heat evenly, which is key to a great sear. If you don’t have cast iron, use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan for best results.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
While you can prepare garlic butter beforehand, the magic happens when it’s melted fresh in the pan with the steak drippings. Prepare it fresh for maximum flavor and aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe. It’s simple, it’s elegant, and every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this steak will deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. So go ahead, fire up that skillet, and enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course, Steak
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse-Style
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter is an easy yet elegant recipe featuring ribeye or New York strip steaks seared to develop a rich crust and finished with aromatic garlic butter. Ideal for steak lovers seeking a juicy, tender, and flavorful main course with a steakhouse-style experience from the comfort of home.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and better searing.
- Seasoning: Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Steaks: Place the steaks carefully into the hot skillet and sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep, golden-brown crust forms on the underside.
- Flip and Sear Other Side: Flip the steaks and sear the other side for about 3 minutes to develop a crust as well.
- Add Garlic Butter and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the unsalted butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and continuously spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks to impart flavor and moisture for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare, adjusting cooking time if you prefer a different level of doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender, juicy steak.
- Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, finish the steaks with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving.
- Pair this steak with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time.
- Letting the steak rest is crucial to keep it juicy and tender.
