Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you crave a restaurant-worthy steak dinner you can pull off at home in under 30 minutes, Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter will absolutely steal your heart (and taste buds!). This is the steakhouse classic: golden crust, tender center, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce that begs for an extra slice of bread to mop it all up. Honestly, once you master this, you’ll never look at steak the same way again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter has a purpose, so don’t skip the essentials! This recipe is built on a handful of quality ingredients that bring out the steak’s rich flavor and create that luscious, crave-worthy sauce that’s pure heaven on a plate.

• New York Strip Steaks (2 lbs, about 1 1/4” thick): These deliver just the right combination of marbling, tenderness, and deep beefy flavor—but ribeye or top sirloin work beautifully too.
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 Tbsp): Choose a high-heat oil like canola or extra light olive oil to help you achieve that picture-perfect crust without burning.
• Sea Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Don’t skimp—salt brings out the steak’s natural flavors and forms that irresistible outer layer.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground): Freshly cracked pepper adds bold, spicy warmth that plays so well with garlic butter.
• Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp): This is the secret to decadent, golden steakhouse flavor—swirled with garlic and herbs as the final flourish.
• Garlic Cloves (2, peeled and quartered): Garlic melts into the butter, gently infusing each bite with aromatic depth.
• Fresh Rosemary (1 sprig): The herbaceous note from rosemary elevates the pan sauce and gives the steak its signature aroma.

Variations

The beauty of Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter is how easily you can put your own spin on it! Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your pantry, mood, or dietary preferences—there’s really no wrong way to create your dream steak dinner at home.

• Switch Up the Steak Cut: Try ribeye for ultra-juicy richness, top sirloin for a leaner bite, or even filet mignon for a splurge-worthy treat.
• Change the Herb: Swap rosemary for thyme, sage, or even a mix of your favorite fresh herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dab of Dijon mustard to the butter for a bold, spicy touch.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn when basting!

How to Make Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by thoroughly patting the steaks dry with plenty of paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust! Just before cooking, generously coat both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it makes the difference between a good steak and a spectacular one.

Step 2: Sear for a Crust

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high until it’s blazing hot (a drop of water should sizzle instantly). Swirl in the oil, then carefully lay in your steaks. Sear untouched for about 4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust, then flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Use tongs to stand the steaks on their edges to render and crisp up any fat for more flavor.

Step 3: Baste with Garlic Butter

Once both sides are gorgeously seared, reduce the heat to medium and add butter, quartered garlic, and rosemary directly to the hot pan. Tilt the pan slightly, and baste the steaks with the melted garlic butter for 1 minute, infusing the meat with herby, garlicky goodness. Stop basting when the steak is 5–10 degrees below your final desired temperature.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let them rest for a full 10 minutes—the juices will redistribute and the steak will finish cooking to absolute perfection. Slice into 1/2-inch strips, fan out on a plate, and spoon all that leftover garlic butter sauce right over the top. You know you want to!

How to Serve Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Garnishes

Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter is already a showstopper, but sprinkling it with flaky sea salt, extra fresh herbs, or a swirl of cracked pepper right before serving brings out the color and compliments the flavors. For added wow-factor, drizzle every slice with the buttery pan sauce and tuck a rosemary sprig alongside for a steakhouse touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, garlicky green beans, a simple leafy salad, or even decadent mashed potatoes. If you’re feeling cozy, a hunk of sourdough bread is a must for catching the drips of that garlicky butter sauce—trust me, not a drop should go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your weekday dinner into a date-night event by slicing the steak thin and arranging the strips on a platter with vibrant seasonal veggies. For a fun twist, serve Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter over a bed of creamy polenta, or top with sautéed mushrooms for a whole new dimension. Don’t forget a splash of wine in your sauce if you’re feeling fancy—why not?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (it’s a rare occurrence around here!), store your Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any extra butter sauce separately so you can warm it and spoon it over the steak during reheating—it keeps everything juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

Steak freezes surprisingly well! Wrap cooled, sliced steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap, stash in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture, then rewarm gently with the reserved garlic butter.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat your steak gently. Warm thin slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth and the reserved pan sauce, or use short bursts in the microwave. Avoid overheating to keep everything tender and avoid that pesky chewiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter as I am to share it with you. Comforting, bold, and just flashy enough to make any meal memorable, this steak will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. So grab your skillet—steak night just got a whole lot more delicious!

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