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Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak glistening with melted butter and herbs, ready to be served.

Garlic Butter Steak

This Garlic Butter Steak recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfectly seared steak is bathed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, creating an unforgettable dish. Simple techniques and helpful tips ensure success every time.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 800
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped optional
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels
  • Small saucepan
  • Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • Spoon
  • Meat thermometer
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the parsley, thyme (if using), lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
  8. Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  9. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  10. During the last minute of cooking, add a generous spoonful of the garlic butter to the pan and tilt the pan so the melted butter pools.
  11. Use a spoon to baste the steaks with the garlic butter.
  12. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
  13. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
  14. Slice the steaks against the grain and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan.
  15. Serve immediately.

Notes

Choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick for the best sear. Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Customize the garlic butter with smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce. Store leftover garlic butter steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.