Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Get ready to experience steak night at its absolute best with the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter. This dish delivers a steakhouse-quality meal right from your kitchen, bringing together juicy, beautifully crusted steaks and an irresistibly aromatic garlic butter finish. A cast-iron pan transforms simple ingredients into dinner magic, resulting in a steak that’s rich, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to impress—whether it’s a special date night or just a Wednesday evening treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of familiar staples to create the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter. Each ingredient pulls its weight, adding a vital layer of flavor or texture. Trust me, from the steaks to the fresh herbs, every choice here makes a delicious difference.
- Ribeye or New York Strip Steaks: Choose steaks about 1 1/4 inches thick for a perfect sear and a juicy pink center.
- Olive Oil: A little oil gives the steak that signature sizzling crust while keeping it from sticking to the pan.
- Salt: Kosher or sea salt seasons the meat deeply and helps enhance the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a subtle, spicy kick and lovely texture on the crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into a rich, velvety sauce that bathes every bite in buttery goodness.
- Garlic Cloves: Smashed whole to infuse the butter with deep, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: A few sprigs add gorgeous, herbaceous aroma and a restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Make Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature
Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels, which helps the crust form more easily. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes—this simple step ensures even cooking all the way through and makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle both sides of your steaks generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy here! The salt and pepper create that deliciously savory crust and help draw out the natural beefy flavors as your steak sears.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering with excitement (just like you are). Carefully place the steaks into the pan and don’t touch them for 3 to 4 minutes. This patience is the secret to a deep, golden crust that makes the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter so addictive.
Step 4: Flip and Sear Again
When that first side looks irresistible, flip the steaks and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. That rich, savory color means flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Infuse with Garlic Butter and Herbs
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter, smashed garlic cloves, and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the sizzling garlic-herb butter over the steaks for 1 to 2 minutes, enveloping them in flavor.
Step 6: Check Doneness and Rest
For medium-rare, you want your steak to reach an internal temperature of 130°F. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred doneness; a quick-read thermometer is your friend here! Immediately transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest keeps the juices where they belong—inside your steak!
How to Serve Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving adds an extra pop of texture and elevates the steak’s natural flavors. A few extra fresh herb sprigs or even a dab of leftover garlic butter makes a gorgeous crowning touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The steak’s richness is beautifully balanced by lighter, brighter sides and a glass of your favorite red wine never hurts either!
Creative Ways to Present
For a true restaurant feel, slice the steak and fan the slices across a platter, drizzling all those herb-infused pan juices over top. Or, keep it rustic and serve right on the cutting board for a cozy, family-style vibe. Try topping with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dollop of blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store cooled steak slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly to lock in those juices and flavors from your Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter.
Freezing
Steak can be frozen for up to two months. Let leftovers cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, warm steak slices gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or even a splash of beef broth. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a low oven. This way, the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter stays juicy and flavorful, not tough.
FAQs
What kind of steak is best for this recipe?
Ribeye and New York strip are top picks for the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter thanks to their marbling and flavor. Look for steaks about 1 1/4 inches thick for the ideal balance of sear and tenderness.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh thyme or rosemary bring unmatched aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, a half-teaspoon of dried herbs adds good flavor. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use sparingly!
How do I know when my steak is ready?
A meat thermometer is your secret weapon: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Pressing gently, medium-rare feels soft yet springy, but a thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time.
Why let the steak rest after cooking?
Resting lets the juices redistribute through the steak instead of running out when you slice. This means juicier, more flavorful bites in your Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter every single time!
Can I make this in a different pan if I don’t have cast iron?
A heavy stainless steel skillet works too—just make sure it’s oven-safe and can handle high heat. Nonstick pans don’t give quite the same crust, but you’ll still get a tasty, buttery steak!
Final Thoughts
Steak night doesn’t get any better than the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter. It’s a simple, soul-satisfying recipe that’s always a hit, whether you’re new to cooking steak or have grilled hundreds before. Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a celebration any night of the week!
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Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus resting time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the perfect pan-seared steak with garlic butter at home. This simple yet elegant recipe results in juicy, flavorful steaks that are seared to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Steaks:
- 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 Steaks: Pat steaks dry and let rest at room temperature. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Steaks: Heat oil in a skillet, sear steaks on high heat for a deep crust.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and thyme. Baste steaks with the melted butter.
- Rest and Serve: Cook to desired doneness, rest, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Finish steaks with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus resting time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Steak
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse-Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
