Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner trick – garlic butter steak! It’s one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but takes barely any time at I swear I swear, once you try this method, you’ll never look at steak the same way again. The secret? That golden, garlic bath bath at the end that transforms a simple ribeye into something truly special.
I learned this technique from my dad, who could make the most incredible steak with just a cast iron skillet and a few basic ingredients. After years of testing (and eating!), I’ve perfected the timing so you get that perfect crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Trust me, this garlic butter steak recipe will become your go-to when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen>>
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak
Let me count the ways this recipe will rock your world:
- Weeknight magic: From fridge to plate in 15 minutes flat – even faster than waiting for takeout!
- Foolproof flavor: That garlic butter bath makes even beginner cooks look like steakhouse chefs
- Minimal ingredients: Just steak, butter, garlic, and a few pantry staples – no fancy marinades needed
- Restaurant quality at home: That sizzling, golden crust will have your family thinking you trained under a Michelin-starred chef
The first time I made this, my husband actually asked if I’d ordered it from our favorite steakhouse. Now that’s what I call a win!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak
Here’s everything you’ll need for the most amazing garlic butter steak of your life:
- 2 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick): The marbling makes them perfect for this recipe – trust me, it’s worth splurging on good quality
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Real butter only – this is where the magic happens!
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh is best – that pre-minced jarred stuff just won’t give you the same punch
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds that bright pop of color and freshness
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For that perfect sear – I like extra virgin for its flavor
- 1 tsp each salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the steak shine
See? Nothing fussy – just quality ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably already have everything you need to make this garlic butter steak – that’s the beauty of it! Here’s your short and sweet checklist:
- A heavy skillet: Cast iron is my go-to for that perfect sear, but stainless steel works great too
- Tongs: Essential for flipping that beautiful steak without losing any juices
- Cutting board: For prepping your garlic and parsley
- Sharp knife: Makes mincing garlic a breeze – no mushy bits here!
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just good old-fashioned tools that get the job done right.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak
Alright, let’s get down to business! This garlic butter steak method is so simple, but I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure you get it perfect. The key is paying attention to heat and timing – but don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
First things first – take those gorgeous ribeyes out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Room temp steaks cook more evenly, promise! Pat them dry with paper towels (super important for a good crust), then generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – this is your flavor foundation!
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s smoking hot – I test by flicking a few water droplets that should sizzle instantly. Add the olive oil, then carefully place your steaks in. Now leave them alone! Resist poking! After 3-4 minutes, you’ll see that beautiful brown crust forming. Flip once using tongs (no forks that pierce!) and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
This is where the magic happens! Reduce heat to low and add butter, garlic, and parsley. The butter will foam up – that’s good! Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with that golden goodness for 1-2 minutes. Watch the garlic doesn’t burn – we want it fragrant, not bitter!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. I know it’s hard to wait, but this lets the juices redistribute. Pour any remaining garlic butter over top when plating – you’ll thank me later. Now grab your fork and prepare for steak heaven!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Patience is key: Letting steaks come to room temp ensures even cooking – no cold centers!
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook one steak at a time if needed – overcrowding steams instead of sears
- Finger test for doneness: Press the steak – it should feel like the base of your thumb when your hand is relaxed for medium-rare
- Butter timing: Add it at the end so it doesn’t burn – we want golden, not blackened!
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll nail restaurant-quality garlic butter steak every single time. Pinky promise!
Garlic Butter Steak Variations
Don’t have parsley? No worries! Fresh thyme or rosemary make fabulous swaps in the garlic butter. If ribeye’s not your thing, sirloin works great too (just watch the cook time). Feeling adventurous? A splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes adds delicious zing!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve this garlic butter steak is with a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that glorious butter sauce. Roasted asparagus or crispy Brussels sprouts make perfect veggie sides too. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some garlic bread – because you can never have too much garlic, right?
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? (Though I doubt you’ll have any!) Store cooled steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – I like using a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. Microwaving will make it tough, so resist the urge! Pro tip: Save that leftover garlic butter to drizzle over reheated steak – it brings back all that fresh-cooked magic.
Garlic Butter Steak Nutrition
Here’s the scoop on nutrition – these are estimates based on a 1-inch ribeye with all the garlic butter goodness! Remember, values change depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. The butter adds richness (obviously!), but that’s what makes this recipe so darn delicious. Everything in moderation, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! I’ve done it many times when fresh parsley wasn’t handy. Use 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead of 1 tablespoon fresh. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but it still works great. Just add it when you’re mixing the garlic butter so it has time to soften and release its oils.
How do I adjust cooking time for different doneness levels?
Here’s my quick guide: For rare, cook 2-3 minutes per side; medium-rare 3-4 minutes (my personal sweet spot); medium 4-5 minutes. Press the steak – if it feels like your cheek (soft), it’s rare; like your chin (springy), medium-rare; like your forehead (firm), well-done. Remember, it keeps cooking while resting!
What if I don’t have ribeye steaks?
No problem! NY strip or sirloin work beautifully too – just look for steaks with good marbling. Filet mignon is delicious but leaner, so you might want to add an extra pat of butter. Thin cuts like flank steak cook much faster, so adjust timing accordingly. The garlic butter magic works on any cut!
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
You bet! Any heavy-bottomed skillet will do the job – stainless steel works great. Just make sure it’s oven-safe if you’re finishing thicker steaks in the oven. The key is getting it screaming hot before adding the steak for that perfect sear. Even a grill pan works in a pinch!
Now that you’ve got all the answers, what are you waiting for? Try this garlic butter steak recipe tonight and tag me in your photos – I can’t wait to see your delicious results!
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Steak That Melts in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and delicious garlic butter steak recipe that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Reduce heat to low and add butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Spoon melted butter over steaks for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove steaks from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room-temperature steaks.
- Adjust cooking time based on preferred doneness.
- Letting the steak rest ensures juiciness.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak, ribeye steak recipe, easy steak dinner
