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
Scale
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.
