Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Steak
This Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Steak recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy steak with a rich garlic butter flavor and a crispy golden crust. Using simple, quality ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings restaurant-quality steak to your home in under 30 minutes. Ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners, the method works great with various steak cuts and can be customized with herbs, spices, or sauces.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 high-quality steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), at least 1-inch thick
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Butter and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed or sliced
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Cooking Oil
- Prepare Your Steak: Remove the steak from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels for a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt and fresh ground pepper.
- Heat Your Pan: Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat until very hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan, preparing it for the steak to develop a crispy crust.
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the hot pan and do not move it to allow a golden-brown crust to form. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use tongs to flip carefully without piercing the meat.
- Add Garlic Butter and Herbs: Lower the heat slightly and add unsalted butter, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and baste the steak repeatedly with the melted garlic butter using a spoon to lock in flavor and moisture.
- Check Doneness and Rest: Use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare) or use the finger test. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness.
Notes
- Allow the steak to reach room temperature to ensure even cooking and a better crust.
- Pat the steak dry to eliminate moisture that prevents browning.
- Use a heavy pan like cast iron for superior heat retention and searing.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook one or two steaks at a time for even heat distribution.
- Baste frequently with garlic butter to infuse flavor and maintain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: steak, pan-seared steak, garlic butter steak, sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, easy steak recipe, quick dinner, gluten free