If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up at home, this Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the rich, tender ribeye steaks soak up the flavors of garlic and herbs while the luscious creamy garlic sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a special weekend dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe never fails to impress.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such an indulgent experience. You’ll find that the creamy garlic sauce elevates each bite of steak, making it juicy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Trust me, once you master this combo, it’ll become your go-to for fuss-free yet elegant dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender, Flavorful Steaks: The searing technique locks in juiciness while garlic and herbs add depth of flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Magic: A silky sauce with Parmesan and mustard compliments the steak beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Everyday pantry staples come together to create a gourmet meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether casual or fancy, this recipe fits right in at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find but combine to create a fantastic balance of savory steak and creamy sauce. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and quality ribeye steaks for the best results.
- Ribeye steaks: I prefer about 1-inch thickness for quicker cooking and great juiciness.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor in searing.
- Unsalted butter: Key both for cooking steak and making the sauce silky.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant punch; I like smashing some for the pan and mincing others for the sauce.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: These herbs infuse the steak with an earthy aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t be shy; generous seasoning enhances every bite.
- Heavy cream: Essential for that velvety sauce texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Just a touch to brighten and balance the creaminess.
- Smoked paprika (optional): A subtle smoky note that I love adding for warmth.
Variations
I love playing around with this Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak the sauce or try different cuts of steak—it’s really forgiving and versatile.
- Variation: Swap ribeye for filet mignon if you want an even more tender, leaner cut—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Variation: For a lighter sauce, replace half the heavy cream with chicken broth or use half-and-half instead.
- Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for extra umami and texture.
- Variation: If you prefer a dairy-free option, try a coconut milk cream sauce with fresh herbs and garlic.
How to Make Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steaks
First things first, pat your ribeye steaks dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting that perfect sear. Then, season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. I always let my steaks sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When it’s shimmering, place the steaks in and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. While cooking, toss in butter, smashed garlic cloves, and rosemary or thyme sprigs. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks repeatedly — this basting trick helps infuse flavor and keeps the meat moist.
Step 3: Rest the Steaks
Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5-7 minutes. Resting is a game changer—it lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays juicy. Trust me, skipping this step is where many people lose moisture.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t burn it! Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be rich, velvety, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Slice and Serve with Sauce
Slice your rested steaks against the grain into thick strips and spoon your creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. This is the moment you’ll be so grateful for that sauce—it’s the perfect partner to your juicy steak.
Pro Tips for Making Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Bring Steak to Room Temp: This ensures even cooking and prevents a cold center, which I learned after some early disappointing batches.
- Don’t Skip Basting: Continuously spooning melted butter over the steaks keeps them moist and infuses extra flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I recommend 130°F for medium-rare—this little gadget takes the guesswork out.
- Rest Before Slicing: Give those juices time to redistribute so your steak stays juicy instead of drying out.
How to Serve Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top — it adds a bit of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to side because they soak up every drop of that creamy garlic sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully, balancing the richness with a little crunch and earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating the steak slices fan-style on a warm plate, spooning the sauce artistically along the edges. Adding edible flowers or microgreens gives it that restaurant feel, perfect for impressing guests or a date night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I tightly wrap leftover steak slices in foil or airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce I keep separate when possible to avoid over-thickening or separation.
Freezing
Freezing works best if you freeze the steak and sauce separately. I freeze the sauce in small containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning — it reheats beautifully when thawed gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the sauce slowly in a pan over low heat, stirring to keep it smooth. For steaks, gently reheat in a low oven or in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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What cut of steak is best for this Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?
I recommend ribeye steaks because their marbling keeps the meat tender and juicy when cooked, but you can also use sirloin, filet mignon, or strip steaks depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
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Can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a non-dairy cheese alternative or omit the Parmesan cheese. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium. Also, touch tests can be helpful once you’re familiar with steak doneness.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the garlic sauce a bit ahead and reheat gently before serving, but for best steak results, cook the steaks just before serving to keep them juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is definitely a favorite in my kitchen because it feels fancy without stressing me out. I hope you have as much fun making it (and eating it) as I do. It’s one of those dishes that makes any meal feel special, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and share with loved ones. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can transform into something so satisfying!
PrintJuicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and juicy pan-fried ribeye steak served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This dish combines perfectly seared steaks with a flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard, garnished with fragrant herbs. Ideal for a comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor and promote a good sear.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting cooking time for your preferred doneness.
- Butter Basting: Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and rosemary or thyme to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks continuously as they cook to infuse extra flavor and keep them juicy.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks against the grain and plate them. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over the steak. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust consistency by adding a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: Fifty grams
- Saturated Fat: Twenty-eight grams
- Unsaturated Fat: Seventeen grams
- Trans Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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