Skillet Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you’re craving a steak night that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen, this Skillet Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute game changer. I love this because it’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and that garlic butter finish? Pure magic. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through each step so your steak turns out juicy, tender, and kissed with those irresistible browned edges every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients can make or break your skillet seared steak with garlic butter recipe. For best results, I always pick thick-cut, good-quality steaks and fresh aromatics because they infuse that rich flavor we’re after.

• Ribeye or New York Strip steaks: I prefer ribeye for its marbling and rich taste, but New York strip shines with a beefy punch and firm texture.
• Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point so it won’t burn during searing.
• Kosher salt: It seasons evenly and gives that satisfying savory crust.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery bite that complements the butter without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter: Melts perfectly for basting without making your steak overly salty.
• Fresh thyme: Just a couple of sprigs add an earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with garlic and beef.
• Garlic cloves: Smashing them releases all the flavor; trust me, don’t skip this.

Variations

I like to tweak this skillet seared steak with garlic butter recipe to keep things interesting or to suit different tastes. Feel free to experiment — the base is so forgiving you’ll find your perfect spin easily.

• Herb Mix: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or add a pinch of smoked paprika into the seasoning for a subtle smoky kick my family adores.
• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, try using a high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to maintain richness without butter.
• Steak Cuts: If you prefer a leaner option, flank or sirloin steaks work well; just adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: Adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter can give your steak a spicy twist that’s wonderful on chilly nights.

How to Make Skillet Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Bring Your Steaks to Room Temperature

One trick I learned the hard way is never to throw cold steaks right into the hot pan. Letting your steaks rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking ensures they’ll cook evenly and develop that perfect crust without drying out.

Step 2: Heat Your Skillet Properly

Heat your vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and nearly smoking. I use a gas stove, so this usually takes around 3 minutes. A screaming hot skillet is the key to that gorgeous sear, so don’t rush this part!

Step 3: Season and Sear the Steaks

Dry both sides of your steaks thoroughly with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Then, place the steaks in the skillet. Here’s a little pro tip I discovered: using metal tongs, press down firmly on each steak for a few seconds to make sure the entire surface kisses the skillet, creating maximum contact for that crust everyone raves about.

Step 4: Flip and Cook to Nearly Done

Let your steaks cook without moving until the bottoms are beautifully browned, usually about 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes or so, aiming to get them about 10 degrees shy of your preferred doneness. Remember, this steak is going into a butter bath next, so don’t cook it all the way through just yet.

Step 5: Add Garlic, Thyme, and Butter for Basting

Turn the heat down to medium-low and toss in your butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Carefully tilt the pan so the melted butter pools, and with a spoon, baste your steaks continuously. This step infuses your meat with incredible flavor and helps finish it gently. Continue cooking for about a minute until your steak reaches your ideal internal temperature (remember it will keep cooking slightly after you remove it).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period locks in juices for a juicy, tender bite. Slice against the grain for the best texture, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Skillet Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra crunch and a few fresh thyme leaves to echo the cooking flavors. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top adds a bright contrast to the rich buttery steak, which my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

This skillet seared steak with garlic butter recipe goes beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables. I also love pairing it with a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to add some peppery lightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this steak sliced on a rustic wooden board with roasted garlic cloves and herb sprigs scattered around. It looks so inviting when guests gather around, and lets everyone grab exactly what they want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that resting the steak before refrigerating helps keep it tender when reheated.

Freezing

While I rarely freeze cooked steak because fresh is best, if you must, let the steak cool, then wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat your skillet seared steak with garlic butter recipe, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, spooning fresh melted butter over it to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this skillet seared steak with garlic butter recipe turns out every time. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro chef without the stress or fancy equipment. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple tweaks—like pressing the steak into the pan and basting with garlic butter—totally transformed my cooking game. Now, it’s a go-to recipe I happily share with friends, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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