Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe will quickly become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s all about the perfect balance of juicy, tender steak layered with rich, aromatic garlic butter infused with fresh herbs. The combination of flavors is genuinely irresistible and surprisingly simple, turning an everyday steak into a gourmet experience that feels like a special occasion every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe? Let’s keep it delightfully straightforward with ingredients that are both humble and essential. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating a steak that’s bursting with flavor, tender in texture, and beautifully golden on the outside.

• 2 NY Strip Steaks (1” thick, 1 pound each): This cut offers great marbling and tenderness, perfect for soaking up the garlic butter flavors.
• 4 teaspoons sea salt flakes (divided): Using flaky sea salt adds a delicate crunch and perfectly seasons without overwhelming.
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper: Fresh cracked pepper adds punch and a subtle heat that complements the steak’s richness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (4 ounces): The star of the sauce, it’s smooth and creamy, carrying garlic and herbs beautifully.
• 8 garlic cloves (crushed): Crushing garlic releases intense, fragrant oils that infuse the butter.
• 1 shallot (chopped): Adds a subtly sweet and mild onion flavor that deepens the sauce.
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Its earthy, lemony notes brighten the butter sauce.
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Provides a piney aroma that pairs wonderfully with steak.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Start by placing your NY Strip Steaks into a baking dish and gently sprinkling each with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes. This initial seasoning is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering the meat. Letting the salt sit allows it to penetrate the steak, setting the stage for a juicy bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Heat a pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, watching as it melts to a luscious golden pool. Toss in the crushed garlic cloves, chopped shallot, thyme, rosemary, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of sea salt with coarse black pepper. Let the mixture cook gently for about 4 minutes. This slow infusion draws out the bold garlic aroma while mellowing the shallot and fresh herbs into a fragrant butter sauce that’s pure magic.

Step 3: Marinate the Steaks

Pour this irresistible garlic butter over the steaks, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Then, let the steaks rest for 1 hour. This resting period is perfect because the butter solidifies slightly on the surface while letting those herbaceous, garlicky notes sink into the meat—it’s like a calming flavor bath for the steak.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Preheat your cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan on high heat. Getting the pan screaming hot is essential to form that coveted seared crust, which locks in all those juicy flavors and creates a savory texture contrast with the tender interior.

Step 5: Prepare for Searing

Remove the steaks from the garlic butter marinade, making sure enough of the buttery goodness sticks to every surface. Don’t wipe it off—this butter basted steak is where all the flavor lives, and it helps develop that gorgeous golden crust during searing.

Step 6: Sear the Steaks

Place the steaks carefully into the hot skillet. Sear one side for 2 minutes, creating a beautiful caramelized color, then flip and sear the other side for 1 minute to build layers of flavor. Move the steaks to the top half of the pan, tilting it so the remaining butter pools on one side, ready for basting.

Step 7: Baste the Steaks

Use a spoon to continuously baste the melted garlic butter over the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes. This technique keeps the meat moist while intensifying the flavor with every spoonful. Keep an eye on your steak’s internal temperature and aim for 5ºF below your ideal doneness since it will continue cooking after resting.

Step 8: Finish with Herbs and Butter

Transfer the steaks to a plate and top each with a fresh sprig of rosemary and thyme. Pour the flavorful butter left in the skillet generously over the steaks for an extra burst of herb-infused richness. This final touch makes all the difference, turning a great steak into an unforgettable experience.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the steaks to rest for at least 10 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and full of flavor. Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve immediately. Trust me, this step is worth the wait.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary not only add a pop of color but also a fragrant lift that makes the entire dish smell heavenly. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the texture and highlights the buttery richness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Steak Recipe shines brightly alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic asparagus. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the steak. For a cozy twist, buttery sautéed mushrooms are a fantastic companion that echoes the earthy herb flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the steak thinly and fan it out on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable platter. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the top and add a cluster of roasted cherry tomatoes on the side for vibrant color. Pair with warm crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of buttery goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic butter steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice the steak before storing to make reheating easier and preserve juiciness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning reserved garlic butter over the steak as it warms. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tender texture. Bringing the steak slowly up to temperature helps preserve juiciness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While NY Strip is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or filet mignon also work beautifully. Just adjust searing and resting times slightly for thickness and fat content.

How do I know when my steak is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130ºF-135ºF internal temperature, removing the steak 5ºF before as it will continue cooking while resting.

Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before pouring over the steaks for marinating to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

What’s the best way to crush garlic cloves?

A quick tip is to firmly press the flat side of a chef’s knife blade against the clove, then peel off the skin. This method releases maximum flavor and aroma for the butter infusion.

Is it necessary to let the steak rest after cooking?

Definitely. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from spilling out when you cut into it, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making a Garlic Butter Steak Recipe at home — it’s straightforward yet packed with luscious, comforting flavors that never fail to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe. The combination of juicy, seared steak and herb-infused garlic butter creates a meal that feels both simple and extraordinary. Get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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