Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Indulging in a perfectly cooked steak is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially when it’s seared to perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe highlights the best qualities of New York Strip Steaks, Ribeye, or Top Sirloin steaks. With a tender, juicy interior and a beautifully caramelized crust, these steaks are perfect for any special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 2 lbs New York Strip Steaks (or Ribeye or Top Sirloin Steaks, 1 lb each, 1 1/4” thick): Choose steaks with good marbling for maximum flavor.
• 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or any high-heat cooking oil like canola or extra light olive oil): Essential for achieving a high-temperature sear.
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the butter with aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle earthy note that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves: Offers a fragrant, pine-like flavor that complements the steak.
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a touch of freshness.
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick to balance the richness of the sauce.

Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks

• Remove Steaks from the Fridge: Allow the steaks to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Rub the steaks with vegetable oil on all sides, and generously season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help create a beautiful crust during searing.

2. Preheat the Skillet

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan. These retain heat well and are ideal for achieving a perfect sear.
• Preheat the Pan: Place the skillet on the stove over high heat and allow it to heat up for 5 minutes. The skillet should be very hot before you add the steaks, ensuring a good sear.

3. Sear the Steaks

• Sear the First Side: Place the steaks in the hot skillet and let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness. This allows the Maillard reaction to occur, creating a golden-brown crust.
• Flip the Steaks: Use tongs to flip the steaks and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). Adjust the cooking time if you prefer a different level of doneness (see tips below).

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Melt the Butter: While the steaks are searing, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped parsley and black pepper. Remove from heat once the butter is infused with the flavors of the garlic and herbs.

5. Baste the Steaks

• Add Butter to the Skillet: When the steaks are almost done, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic butter to the skillet, tilting the pan so the butter pools on one side.
• Baste the Steaks: Using a spoon, continuously baste the steaks with the melted garlic butter for about 1-2 minutes. This step adds extra richness and ensures the steaks are evenly coated with flavor.

6. Rest the Steaks

• Remove from Heat: Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the steaks against the grain to maximize tenderness. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your indulgent garlic butter steak with some crispy roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. A creamy side of mashed potatoes or a light arugula salad would also complement the richness of the steak. For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a glass of full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Cooking Tips

• Temperature Guide: For those who prefer their steaks at different levels of doneness, use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
  • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
  • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
  • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
  • Medium-Well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
  • Well-Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking multiple steaks, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a high searing temperature.
• Patience is Key: Allow the steaks to rest after cooking. Cutting into them too soon will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 600
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 900mg

Summary

This garlic butter steak is the epitome of indulgence for any meat lover. The combination of a perfectly seared steak and the rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce is nothing short of divine. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. So fire up that skillet and get ready to treat yourself to a truly decadent dining experience!