Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that’s juicy, flavorful, and layered with rich aroma, the Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is your new go-to kitchen hero. This dish brings together the perfect symphony of tender NY strip steaks infused with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and butter that seals in every ounce of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe promises a steak experience that’s both easy to master and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a handful of simple yet essential ingredients to create a spectacular steak that sings with flavor. Each component plays its vital role, whether it’s enhancing texture, boosting aroma, or adding layers of bold taste.

• 2 NY Strip Steaks (1” thick, 1 pound each): The star of the dish, these tender cuts provide a beautiful balance of marbling and meatiness.
• 4 teaspoons sea salt flakes (divided): Coarse flakes add a satisfying crunch and perfectly season the steaks.
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and peppery bite that complements the butter and garlic.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (4 ounces): The rich, creamy base that captures the garlic and herb flavors for incredible depth.
• 8 garlic cloves (crushed): Adds aromatic intensity and a warm, savory punch to the butter.
• 1 shallot (chopped): Brings a sweet, mild onion flavor that enhances the overall profile without overpowering.
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Offers earthy, subtle notes that pair perfectly with beef.
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Infuses a piney, fragrant essence that elevates the steak’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Start by placing your NY strip steaks in a small baking dish and sprinkling each one with a teaspoon of sea salt flakes. This simple step allows the salt to begin penetrating the meat, enhancing the natural flavor and preparing the steaks for a succulent crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Heat a pan over medium heat and gently melt your unsalted butter. Toss in the crushed garlic cloves, chopped shallot, fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs, along with the remaining sea salt and coarse black pepper. Let this aromatic mixture cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into the butter—this is the heart and soul of your Garlic Butter Steak Recipe.

Step 3: Marinate the Steaks

Pour your fragrant garlic butter over the salted steaks in the baking dish. Let them rest for an hour as the butter begins to solidify on the surface, soaking into every fiber and promising a rich, buttery finish when cooked.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Preheat a cast iron or large heavy skillet over high heat to ensure a sizzling hot surface. This is key to achieving a perfect sear that locks in juices and creates the iconic, caramelized crust that steak lovers dream about.

Step 5: Prepare for Searing

Remove steaks from the garlic butter marinade, making sure to coat all sides with the buttery goodness clinging to them. This step guarantees that the flavor travels with the meat straight onto the pan.

Step 6: Sear the Steaks

Place the steaks carefully in the hot skillet and let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes on one side. Flip and sear for another minute on the other side. Then position the steaks at the top half of the pan, tilting it to pool that delicious butter on one side, ready for basting.

Step 7: Baste the Steaks

Using a spoon, continuously ladle the melted garlic butter over the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes. This technique bastes the meat, keeping it luxuriously moist and intensifying the garlic flavor. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, removing the steaks when they’re about 5ºF shy of your preferred doneness, allowing for carryover cooking.

Step 8: Finish with Herbs and Butter

Transfer the steaks to a plate, garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, and drizzle the remaining butter from the skillet over the top for an extra burst of rich, herbaceous flavor.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Resting the steaks for 10 minutes is essential—it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Slice against the grain and serve immediately, savoring the fruits of your culinary labor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are the perfect garnishes, adding not just beauty but an aromatic, mouthwatering layer to your plated steak. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving can add that extra pop of crunch and flavor punch.

Side Dishes

This steak shines brightest alongside simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables balance out the richness beautifully, while a crisp green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the buttery, robust flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the steak thinly and fan it out on a platter, drizzled generously with the garlic herb butter and sprinkled with microgreens. Another fun idea is plating atop a warm bed of sautéed mushrooms, letting the juices mingle for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooked steaks tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Stored properly, they remain tender and flavorful for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Remember to keep any leftover garlic butter on the side to reheat and drizzle later.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Garlic Butter Steak Recipe ready for a future treat, freezing is an option. Wrap steaks securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or vacuum-seal them. For best results, freeze no longer than 2 months to maintain taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or on the stovetop with a bit of leftover garlic butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the steak tough. Slow reheating will preserve that tender, juicy bite you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! Ribeye, filet mignon, or even sirloin can work well. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness.

What’s the best way to tell when my steak is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Aim for 125ºF for rare, 135ºF for medium-rare, and 145ºF for medium. Remember to remove steaks about 5ºF before your target as they rest and continue cooking.

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes! You can make the garlic butter a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to use, gently reheat to melt before pouring over your steaks.

Is it necessary to let the steak rest after cooking?

Definitely. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak. Skipping this step can lead to dry steak when sliced.

How do I make the steak crust extra crispy?

Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the steak, and avoid overcrowding it to let the surface caramelize properly. A cast iron skillet works wonders for that perfect crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a Garlic Butter Steak Recipe that’s both simple and luxurious. This recipe is a wonderful way to treat yourself or impress loved ones with a meal that feels like a special occasion, any night of the week. I truly hope you dive in and savor every buttery, garlicky bite!

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