Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe

If you dream of restaurant-quality steak at home, this Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce recipe is for you! Tender, juicy New York strips nestle under a rich, silky mushroom sauce, fragrant with rosemary, thyme, and just a whisper of balsamic. Every bite is an absolute event—swoon-worthy steak meets buttery, garlicky perfection.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, this dish is all about simplicity—letting great ingredients truly shine. Each component brings its own personality: steak for richness, mushrooms for earthy depth, herbs for freshness, and of course, that dreamy cream sauce that ties everything together!

• New York Strip Steaks (or Australian Porterhouse): Look for 1-inch-thick, well-marbled steaks for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
• Salt & Cracked Pepper: Don’t skimp! Generous seasoning is key for a beautifully caramelized steak crust.
• Olive Oil: Helps get that golden-brown, seared exterior—use a high smoke point oil for best results.
• Butter: Adds decadent richness and helps carry the herby, garlicky aromas throughout the steak.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Lightly crushed for maximum flavor infusion—this is your secret weapon for both steak and sauce.
• Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, or Parsley): Any of these will infuse the pan with garden-fresh aroma and subtle flavor.
• Brown Mushrooms: Sliced thick so they stay juicy and soak up the sauce—crimini or button mushrooms work well.
• Balsamic Vinegar or Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy lift that enhances those savory notes; a splash goes a long way.
• Light Cream or Heavy Cream: For luscious, velvety sauce—choose according to your richness preference.

Variations

One of the best things about Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce is just how flexible it can be. Don’t be afraid to get creative—whether you’re accommodating what’s in the fridge or tailoring it for friends with special diets, tweaking is a breeze!

• Swap Cuts: Use ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin if you prefer, just adjust cooking times to match your desired doneness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives (try vegan butter and coconut cream for richness).
• Wild Mushroom Adventure: Mix in shiitake, oyster, or porcini mushrooms for an even earthier, more intense flavor.
• Low-Carb Pairing: Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted greens instead of potatoes for a keto-friendly twist.

How to Make Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steaks

Let your steaks sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking—this helps ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness. Generously season all sides with salt and freshly cracked pepper, massaging it in to really build a flavorful crust.

Step 2: Sear for Gorgeous Crust

Heat up a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with one tablespoon of olive oil. Once you see just a wisp of smoke, carefully lay the steaks in the pan (away from you!). Sear two at a time for 3 minutes per side—don’t crowd the pan, and resist moving them so you get those beautiful, caramelized edges.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Butter and Herbs

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add two tablespoons of butter, several sprigs of thyme or rosemary, and three cloves of lightly crushed garlic. Let everything bubble and foam, then tilt the pan toward you and spoon those aromatic pan juices over the steaks for 1–2 minutes—this basting turns flavor up to eleven!

Step 4: Rest Steaks & Save Those Pan Juices

Remove the steaks and pour the golden pan juices right over them on a plate. Let them rest at least 5 minutes—this will make them even more melt-in-your-mouth tender. Meanwhile, discard the used herbs and garlic so you don’t burn them in the next step.

Step 5: Create the Mushroom Cream Sauce

To the same pan (don’t clean it!), add the remaining crushed garlic and sauté until just fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in the mushrooms and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire, then let the mushrooms soften and soak up every drop of flavor. Pour in the cream, season, and simmer briefly until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of your spoon.

Step 6: Plate & Serve

Spoon that dreamy mushroom cream sauce all over your rested steaks and any roasted potatoes or sides. The combination is pure luxury—be ready for lots of “oohs” and “aahs” around the table!

How to Serve Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Top your Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra thyme leaves for color and freshness. A final grind of black pepper or delicate flakes of sea salt also make the flavors pop right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a side of buttery garlic roasted potatoes or creamy mash, but it’s also sensational with blistered green beans, crisp-tender asparagus, or even a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon. Anything that can soak up extra mushroom sauce is fair game!

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy dinner, try slicing the steak and fanning it over a pool of sauce, then drizzle more sauce on top. Serve in individual cast iron skillets for bistro flair, or go rustic and serve family-style on a large platter so everyone can dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices of steak and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the sauce remains luscious and spoonable.

Freezing

You can freeze steak for up to two months—wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. The mushroom cream sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it too; just be sure to whisk it well after thawing to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through. Warm up the sauce separately (in a saucepan with a splash of cream or water) and stir gently before pouring it over your steak—this keeps everything luscious, not rubbery!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You truly don’t have to go out for a steakhouse experience—Pan Seared Garlic Butter Steak & Mushroom Cream Sauce brings bold, comforting flavors straight to your own kitchen. Give it a try, serve it to your favorite people, and enjoy a meal that feels like a celebration any day of the week!

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