Make The Best Garlic Butter Steak Ever! is all about that perfect sear, melting butter, and robust garlic flavor that brings steak night to a whole new level. Imagine a juicy, tender steak with a golden crust, topped with luscious garlic butter that just glistens and adds a rich, savory punch every time you take a bite.
I love making this steak when I want something simple that feels special. The secret is in the garlic butter—making it fresh with real garlic, a touch of herbs, and plenty of butter. I always spoon the butter over the steak while it cooks to keep it juicy and full of flavor. It’s easy but feels like a fancy treat!
My favorite way to enjoy this steak is with some roasted veggies or a crisp salad on the side, and maybe a slice of crusty bread to mop up any leftover garlic butter. It’s the kind of meal that everyone at the table asks for again, and honestly, I don’t blame them. This recipe turns any weeknight into a celebration.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I like sirloin or ribeye for their flavor and tenderness. If unavailable, you could use strip steak or even tenderloin. Just aim for cuts with some marbling for juiciness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here so you control the salt. You can swap for a good quality plant butter if dairy-free, but the flavor will be different.
Garlic & Herbs: Fresh garlic is key to getting that punchy flavor. Mince it finely or crush it for more aroma. Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh note, but dried herbs work too if you don’t have fresh.
Oil: Use a high smoke-point oil like olive or vegetable oil for that great sear. Avoid olive oil with low smoke points to prevent burning.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Searing Steak Without Overcooking?
The trick is to dry the steak well before seasoning. Moisture creates steam and stops browning, so pat them dry with paper towels first.
- Heat your skillet until very hot before adding oil – you want it shimmering.
- Place steak cubes without crowding. Crowding cools the pan and prevents a crust.
- Sear each side quickly, about 2-3 minutes, to lock in juices and get a rich brown color.
- Reduce heat before adding butter and garlic so it doesn’t burn.
- Keep spooning the garlic butter mixture over the steak to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast-iron skillet – I love it because it gets super hot and evenly sears the steak for a perfect crust.
- Tongs – They help you turn the steak cubes gently without piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Measuring spoons – Great for getting the right amount of butter and herbs for your garlic butter sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – Needed to cut the steak into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Small bowl – To mix garlic, herbs, and butter before adding to the pan if you want to prep ahead.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat and smoky depth.
- Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary when making the garlic butter for a woodsy twist.
- Use filet mignon cubes for an extra tender, buttery bite if you want a more luxurious version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions as a side to deepen the flavor and add texture.
How to Make The Best Garlic Butter Steak Ever!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steak:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) beef sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes or medallions
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For The Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and satisfying! It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes to cook and rest, totaling about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Pat the steak pieces dry using paper towels—this helps the steak get a nice sear. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet and Sear the Steak:
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Place the steak cubes in the pan in a single layer without crowding. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Use tongs to turn the pieces carefully for even cooking.
3. Add Garlic Butter and Finish Cooking:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and optional herbs, then spoon this flavorful butter over the steak continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step infuses the meat with that delicious garlic butter flavor.
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the steak from the pan onto a plate or platter. Spoon any leftover garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to settle. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like, then serve with your favorite sides such as roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your tender, juicy bites of perfectly seared garlic butter steak!
Can I Use Frozen Steak for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the steak completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to remove any excess moisture so you get a nice sear.
Can I Substitute Butter with Olive Oil?
You can, but the rich flavor of garlic butter is key to this recipe’s taste. If needed, use extra virgin olive oil, but adding minced garlic late in cooking helps keep the flavor bright.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak and garlic butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the steak tender.
Can I Use Different Herbs in the Garlic Butter?
Absolutely! Parsley is classic, but thyme, rosemary, or even chives work well and add a tasty twist.