There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked steak, and when that steak is infused with garlic butter, it elevates the entire experience. I still remember the first time I tried pan-seared steak with garlic butter. The sizzle of the meat, the aroma of garlic filling the kitchen, and the luscious richness of butter was simply unforgettable. This dish isn’t just a dinner; it’s an event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe promises to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and elegance. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can achieve a steakhouse-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to indulge without the fuss of a complicated recipe. Plus, the combination of garlic and rosemary butter adds a luscious depth of flavor that takes the dish to new heights.

"I made this for a dinner party and my guests couldn’t stop raving about it! The garlic butter makes all the difference!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Cooking pan-seared steak with garlic butter is a straightforward yet rewarding process. You’ll start by seasoning the steak generously and heating your cast-iron skillet to the right temperature. Once the steak is in, it’s all about that perfect sear and basting it with melted butter and aromatics. This guide will walk you through every step of the way, ensuring juicy, flavorful results.

What You’ll Need

Steaks: 2 lbs New York Strip Steaks (you can also use Ribeye or Top Sirloin, each weighing about 1 lb and 1 1/4” thick)
Oil: 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or any high-heat oil like canola or extra-light olive oil)
Salt: 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
Pepper: 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Butter: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
Herb: 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried rosemary can work in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity a bit, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
Sear the Steaks: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steaks in the skillet. Let them sear on one side for about 4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the steaks and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Sear the Edges: Using tongs, turn the steaks on their sides, rendering the fat and searing the edges for about a minute each.
Infuse with Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, quartered garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the butter over the steaks for about a minute, or until the steaks are 5-10 degrees below your desired doneness.
Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Slice and Serve: Cut the steaks into 1/2-inch strips and spoon the remaining butter sauce over the top.

Best Way to Serve

For an impressive presentation, serve your pan-seared steak on a warm platter, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce. Pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A nice red wine will also complement the rich flavors perfectly.

Storage Tips

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its juiciness, wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container. When reheating, it’s best to use low heat to avoid drying them out.

Pro Chef Tips

Make sure your skillet is hot enough! A hot pan is essential for a good sear.
Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps with even cooking.
Don’t rush the resting period; this step is key for juicy steak.

Creative Twists

This recipe can easily be adapted for different flavor profiles. Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the butter for tanginess or swapping rosemary for thyme for a different herbal note. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of smoky paprika for an extra kick!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to cook a 1 1/4” thick steak?

Cooking times can vary, but generally, you’ll want to see about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on your stove’s heat levels and the steak’s thickness.

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

While it’s possible, it’s best to thaw steaks completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.

What is the best way to tell when my steak is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook a bit while it rests.

With these tips and insights, you’re ready to impress yourself—and anyone lucky enough to share your delicious pan-seared steak with garlic butter. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A simple and elegant pan-seared steak infused with garlic butter for a steakhouse-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs New York Strip Steaks (or Ribeye/Top Sirloin)
1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Instructions

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
Carefully place the steaks in the skillet and sear on one side for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Turn the steaks on their sides to sear the edges for about 1 minute each.
Reduce heat to medium, add the butter, garlic, and rosemary. Basque the butter over the steaks for about 1 minute.
Remove steaks from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes.
Slice into 1/2-inch strips and serve with remaining butter sauce.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Pair with red wine for a perfect combination.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: steak, garlic butter, pan-seared, easy recipe, special occasion