Garlic-Butter Steak
Garlic-Butter Steak is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for steak lovers. This recipe highlights a perfectly cooked steak topped with a savory garlic butter sauce, ideal for a special dinner or a treat-yourself meal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making Garlic-Butter Steak at home:
Garlic-Butter Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick, around 12 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- For the Garlic-Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steaks:
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the Pan:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until it’s very hot. A hot pan is crucial for a good sear.
- Cook the Steaks:
- Add the olive oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat.
- Place the steaks in the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time for your preferred doneness (see Steak Doneness Guide below).
- For an even sear, avoid moving the steaks around in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed until they develop a deep brown crust.
- Make the Garlic-Butter Sauce:
- While the steaks are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the chopped rosemary or thyme and the Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar (if using). Remove from heat.
- Rest the Steaks:
- Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Top with Garlic-Butter:
- Drizzle the garlic-butter sauce over the rested steaks. You can also spoon some of the sauce onto the steaks and let it melt into the meat.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Steak Doneness Guide
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Cooking Time (per side) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F (49-52°C) | 2-3 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 125-130°F (52-54°C) | 3-4 minutes |
| Medium | 130-135°F (54-57°C) | 4-5 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 135-145°F (57-63°C) | 5-6 minutes |
| Well-Done | 145°F+ (63°C+) | 6+ minutes |
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with a touch of garlic to complement the steak.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy.
- Asparagus: Sautéed or roasted asparagus for a light and crunchy side.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy, simple vegetable side.
- Salads:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and croutons.
- Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information (per 6-ounce steak, without sauce):
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: ~40g
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
Variations and Tips
- Different Cuts of Steak:
- New York Strip: A leaner option that still offers great flavor.
- Filet Mignon: A tender and more luxurious cut.
- Butter Variations:
- Herb Butter: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the butter for additional flavor.
- Spicy Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Add-On Toppings:
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Add to the garlic butter for an extra umami boost.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory onions make a delicious topping.