If you are craving a restaurant-quality, indulgently flavorful steak dinner right at home, this Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of juicy NY Strip Steaks slathered in a rich, aromatic garlic butter infused with fresh herbs makes every bite a celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re a steak lover looking for a simple yet impressive meal or cooking for friends who deserve a special treat, this recipe brings unforgettable flavor without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a spectacular steak experience. Each has a crucial role—from the salt enhancing the natural beef flavor to the fresh herbs adding fragrant complexity and the garlic butter marrying everything together in pure deliciousness.
- NY Strip Steaks (2, 1” thick, 1 pound each): Choose good quality steaks for that perfect balance of marbling and tenderness.
- Sea salt flakes (4 teaspoons divided): Coarse salt provides texture and draws out deep flavor from the steak.
- Coarse black pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds just the right amount of spicy warmth to complement the meat.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, 4 ounces): The base for the garlic butter sauce, delivering richness and silky texture.
- Garlic cloves (8, crushed): Provides that classic punch of garlicky aroma and taste.
- Shallot (1, chopped): Offers a sweet, mild onion flavor that blends beautifully with garlic and herbs.
- Fresh thyme (4 sprigs): Brings a lovely earthy, almost lemony fragrance to the butter.
- Fresh rosemary (4 sprigs): Adds a piney, robust herbal note that pairs wonderfully with beef.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Steaks
Start by placing your NY Strip Steaks into a small baking dish. Sprinkle each steak generously with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes. This early seasoning allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing its natural flavor and improving texture as it rests.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it’s fully liquid. Add the crushed garlic cloves, chopped shallot, thyme, rosemary, 2 teaspoons of sea salt, and coarse black pepper to the butter. Let everything cook together for about 4 minutes so these bold flavors infuse perfectly into the butter, creating the heart of your sauce.
Step 3: Marinate the Steaks
Pour your homemade garlic butter mixture over the salted steaks. Allow the steaks to rest for 1 hour, giving the butter time to begin solidifying on the surface and thoroughly seasoning the meat in a rich layer of flavor.
Step 4: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat a cast iron or heavy skillet over high heat. A properly heated pan is essential for developing that sought-after golden crust on the steaks, locking in juices and flavor with a satisfying sear.
Step 5: Get Ready to Sear
Remove the steaks from the butter marinade, ensuring plenty of buttery goodness clings to all sides. This not only amplifies taste but also helps the steaks develop an irresistible crust when seared.
Step 6: Sear the Steaks
Place your steaks into the hot pan. Sear one side for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for about 1 minute. Once both sides have a nice crust, move the steaks to the upper half of the pan and tilt it to pool the flavored butter on one side.
Step 7: Baste for Perfection
Use a spoon to continuously ladle the melted garlic butter over the steaks for 2-3 minutes. This basting process not only builds layers of flavor but also helps cook the steaks to your preferred doneness. Remember to remove the steaks from the heat when they’re about 5ºF shy of your desired internal temperature, as they will continue to cook while resting.
Step 8: Final Touches
Transfer the steaks to a plate and add a fresh sprig of rosemary and thyme on top. Pour any remaining garlic butter from the skillet onto the steaks for an extra flavor boost that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 9: Rest and Slice
Let your steaks rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy bite. Slice against the grain and serve immediately for the absolute best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make lovely visual and aromatic garnishes. A sprinkle of finishing sea salt flakes right before serving can also heighten the flavors and add a delicate crunch that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe pairs spectacularly with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables. Each side balances the richness of the steak and complements the bold garlic butter beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate your sliced steak fan-style on a warmed platter with a drizzle of the leftover garlic butter sauce and a handful of microgreens. Serving with artisan bread to mop up the extra butter sauce creates an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage keeps the steak tender and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick, luxurious meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked steak wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your delicious steak, warm it slowly in a low oven or gently pan-sear on low heat with a splash of leftover garlic butter. This method keeps the steak moist and preserves the amazing flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While NY Strip is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin steaks can also shine with this garlic butter preparation. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and fat content.
How do I know my steak is cooked to the right doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135ºF when you remove it from heat. Remember, the steak will continue cooking as it rests.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Yes! Making the garlic butter ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even more. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring back to room temperature before using it to marinate and baste.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried?
Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and vibrant flavor, but you can substitute dried thyme and rosemary in smaller amounts. Add them during butter infusion but lessen the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest before slicing?
Letting the steak rest is key for juiciness. It helps redistribute the meat’s juices so they don’t run out when sliced, resulting in a tender and moist steak every time.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Recipe is truly a showstopper that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and brings joy to the dining table with its rich, comforting flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and enjoy the wonderful experience of making a juicy, fragrant steak in the comfort of your own kitchen.
