Creamy Garlic Butter Steak is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender, juicy steak smothered in a luxurious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a fancy dinner at home or when you want to elevate your steak night with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Meal: Impress your family or guests with a steakhouse-style dish made right in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic butter sauce adds depth and decadence to the steak.
- Customizable: Pair it with your favorite sides or adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- Steaks (ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Steaks:
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Steaks:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a different doneness.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside, covering them with foil to rest.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return the Steaks:
- Place the steaks back into the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the steaks to serving plates and drizzle with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2–4 (depending on steak size)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Herb Substitutions: Swap parsley or thyme with rosemary or chives.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the sauce.
- Bacon Upgrade: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for extra richness.
- Spicy Version: Include cayenne pepper or sriracha in the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the steak.
- Freezing: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh as the creamy sauce may not freeze well.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin work beautifully due to their tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk is not recommended as it lacks the richness needed for the sauce, but half-and-half is a good alternative.
3. How do I know when the steak is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, add spinach, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use coconut cream for the sauce.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook the sauce over medium heat and avoid boiling it. Stir continuously while adding the cream.
7. Can I grill the steaks instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Grill the steaks and prepare the sauce in a skillet separately.
8. How do I thicken the sauce further?
Add more Parmesan cheese or a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
10. What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with creamy garlic butter steak.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Steak is a luxurious, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or treating yourself to a fancy meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its tender steak and rich, garlicky sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
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