If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering a steak that’s bursting with flavor, tender in every bite, and finished with a rich, aromatic garlic butter, then you’re in for a treat. This Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is truly my go-to when I want to impress or simply indulge in some hearty comfort food. The magic lies in the beautiful crust formed by searing, paired with the luscious garlic butter melting over the top, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never look at steak the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and all play a key role in bringing your steak to life. Each one enhances the flavor, adds depth, or helps create the perfect texture, making the cooking process simple yet incredibly satisfying.
- 1–2 steaks (Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon): Choose a good quality cut for tenderness and flavor.
- 2–3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed: Adds a fragrant aroma and a punch of garlicky goodness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Richness that melts beautifully over the steak, enhancing its juiciness.
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs bring a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic and beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon canola or avocado oil: These oils have high smoke points, perfect for searing without burning.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the beef’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to your steak’s surface.
How to Make Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Bring Your Steak to Room Temperature
Before cooking, take your steak out of the fridge about 30 to 60 minutes ahead of time. This simple step helps your steak cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside warms through just right.
Step 2: Season with Salt and Pepper
Pat the steak dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Then, generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This not only flavors the meat but also helps develop that irresistible crust when searing.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Use a cast iron or heavy skillet, heating it over medium-high heat. Pour in the canola or avocado oil and swirl it around the pan to coat it evenly. A hot pan is key for creating the caramelized, smoky crust that makes this Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe shine.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Place your steak in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. This lets the surface caramelize beautifully. Flip it over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting for your preferred doneness. The sizzle and aroma at this stage are simply irresistible.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter and Herbs
In the last minute of cooking, add the butter, crushed garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the flavorful mixture over the steak repeatedly. This step transforms the steak by infusing it with rich, garlicky herb flavors, making every bite decadently delicious.
Step 6: Rest Your Steak
Once cooked, transfer the steak onto a plate and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting is crucial to let the juices redistribute, ensuring that the steak is juicy and tender rather than dry when you slice into it.
How to Serve Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can add a lovely visual contrast and fresh flavor notes. Sometimes, a light drizzle of the leftover garlic butter from the pan on top enhances the steak’s juiciness and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. The simplicity of these sides allows the rich flavors of the Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe to truly take center stage without overwhelming your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your steak sliced thinly on a wooden board or rustic plate, fanning out the meat for an inviting look. Add a small ramekin with extra garlic butter for dipping. This presentation is perfect for sharing or impressing guests at your next dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any steak leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover steak is best enjoyed within 3 days, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. For best taste and texture, use within 2 months. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, warm your steak gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny bit of butter to keep it moist. This way, you preserve the steak’s juiciness and flavor without drying it out.
FAQs
What type of steak is best for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon are excellent choices because they balance flavor and tenderness well, allowing the garlic butter to enhance their natural richness.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola or avocado oil?
While olive oil can work, it has a lower smoke point and may burn during high-heat searing. Using canola or avocado oil helps achieve a better crust without unwanted bitterness.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Cooking times vary based on thickness, but 4 to 5 minutes per side typically gets you medium rare. You can also use a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) is medium rare, and 140°F (60°C) is medium.
Why do I need to rest the steak after cooking?
Resting helps the juices redistribute evenly throughout the steak, making it juicier and more flavorful when you cut into it. Cutting too soon causes the juices to run out.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs?
Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and flavor for basting, but if you don’t have any on hand, a small pinch of dried thyme or rosemary will still add some herbal notes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe a try soon. It’s a straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly exceptional. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this steak will become your new favorite way to indulge, impress, and savor every bite with joy.
Print
Perfect Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Perfect Pan-Seared Steak recipe delivers tender, juicy steaks with a flavorful garlic butter finish. Featuring ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, the method involves searing in a hot skillet and basting with fresh garlic and herbs for a restaurant-quality steak experience at home in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1–2 Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon steaks
Garlic Butter
- 2–3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
Other
- 1 tablespoon canola or avocado oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and better sear.
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Heat the Pan: Place a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola or avocado oil and swirl the pan to coat the surface evenly.
- Sear: Place the steak in the hot pan. Cook it undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a rich, brown crust. Flip the steak and cook another 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare or adjust time for desired doneness.
- Add Garlic Butter: During the final minute of cooking, add the unsalted butter, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs to the pan. Continuously baste the steak by spooning the melted garlic herb butter over the top to infuse flavor and keep it moist.
- Rest: Transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy bite before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Allowing the steak to come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for the best sear.
- Basting with garlic butter adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Letting the steak rest is crucial to retain juiciness.
- Adjust the searing time slightly depending on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
