Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

If you are after a show-stopping, mouthwatering dinner that feels both luxurious and surprisingly simple, this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine juicy NY strip steaks infused with a rich, aromatic blend of garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, and velvety butter, all culminating in a perfectly seared crust that locks in incredible flavor and tenderness. This recipe transforms a humble steak dinner into an unforgettable experience, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor that balance richness, freshness, and seasoning perfectly. These simple but essential pantry staples and fresh herbs come together to elevate the steak in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable.

• 2 NY Strip Steaks (1” thick, 1 pound each): The star of the dish, these steaks have the ideal thickness and marbling for even cooking and deep beefy flavor.
• 4 teaspoons sea salt flakes (divided): Coarse salt seasons the meat deeply and crisps the crust during searing.
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper: Adds a bold, slightly spicy kick to balance the richness of the butter.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (4 ounces): The luscious base of the garlic butter that infuses the steaks with creamy, rich flavor.
• 8 garlic cloves (crushed): Garlic’s pungent warmth is mellowed through cooking and seeps into every bite.
• 1 shallot (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the garlic butter marinade.
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Herbaceous and earthy, thyme complements the beef perfectly.
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Its pine-like aroma enhances the fragrance of the steak and butter.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Start by placing your NY strip steaks into a small baking dish. Sprinkle each steak evenly with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes. This initial salting lightly seasons the meat and helps tenderize it, setting the stage for all the delicious flavors to come.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Heat a pan over medium heat and melt your unsalted butter until it starts to sizzle gently. Add the crushed garlic cloves, chopped shallot, thyme, rosemary, the remaining 2 teaspoons of sea salt, and the coarse black pepper. Let everything cook together for about 4 minutes, allowing the butter to soak up all the aromatic flavors and transform into a heavenly garlic butter marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Steaks

Pour this glorious garlic butter over the steaks in your dish, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, let the steaks rest for 1 hour. During this time, the butter will begin to solidify on the surface and infuse the meat deeply, making every bite bursting with herby, garlicky richness.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Before cooking, preheat a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. A thoroughly heated pan is your secret weapon for developing the crispy, flavorful crust that makes this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe truly exceptional.

Step 5: Prepare for Searing

Take the steaks from the marinade, making sure enough of the garlic butter clings to all sides. This coating not only adds flavor but also helps create that gorgeous golden crust as you sear the steaks.

Step 6: Sear the Steaks

Place your steaks in the hot pan and sear one side for 2 minutes until beautifully browned. Flip and sear the other side for 1 minute. Then move the steaks to the cooler part of the pan, tilting it slightly to pool melted butter on one side for basting.

Step 7: Baste the Steaks

Using a spoon, continuously baste the steaks with the melted garlic butter for 2 to 3 minutes. This hands-on technique bathes the meat in flavor and ensures it cooks evenly. Keep an eye on the internal temperature—you want to remove the steaks when they’re about 5ºF shy of your preferred doneness, as they will continue to rest and cook a bit more off the heat.

Step 8: Finish with Herbs and Butter

Transfer the steaks to a plate and adorn each with fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Pour the remaining melted butter from the skillet over the top, giving your steaks one last luxurious coating of flavor before resting.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender and juicy. Slice against the grain for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve immediately and savor every buttery, garlicky bite that makes this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs really amplify the rustic herb aroma. You can also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a grind of fresh black pepper right before serving to enhance the layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp tossed salad. The rich, savory steak needs sides that provide contrast—whether creamy, fresh, or crunchy—to balance the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a celebration by plating the steak atop a bed of garlic whipped potatoes, drizzled with herb-infused pan juices. For a rustic look, serve the steak on a wooden board with plenty of herbs scattered around and a bowl of compound butter on the side for extra decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover steaks tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and remain flavorful thanks to the garlic butter coating.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked steaks wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or use vacuum sealing. Properly stored, they’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture when reheating, warm the steak gently in a low oven (around 250ºF) until heated through. You can baste briefly with a little butter to refresh that rich garlic flavor without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While NY strip steaks are recommended for their balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye, filet mignon, or even sirloin can also work well with the garlic butter preparation. Just adjust cooking times as needed for thickness and fat content.

Is it necessary to marinate the steaks for a full hour?

Marinating for an hour lets the garlic butter deeply infuse the steaks, enhancing flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add noticeable richness, though longer is better here.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?

Using an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135ºF, keeping in mind you should remove the steak 5ºF before, as it will continue to cook while resting.

Can I make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Before adding to the steaks, gently warm it to melt the butter and revive the flavors.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Any heavy-bottomed skillet that can tolerate high heat will work. Cast iron is preferred because it retains heat evenly and helps create that perfect sear, but a stainless steel pan can also do the job well.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is an absolute gem that combines elegance with simplicity in the most delicious way. Its luscious garlic butter marinade and perfectly seared crust make every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—whether for a casual weeknight feast or a special occasion—and experience firsthand how easy it is to create steakhouse-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

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