Few dishes capture the essence of fine dining at home as beautifully as a perfectly cooked beef steak. Beef Steak with Garlic Butter: A Professional Recipe Guide,Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, steak is a timeless classic that requires just a few quality ingredients and proper technique to achieve restaurant-level results. The addition of garlic butter elevates the steak by adding richness, aroma, and a velvety finish.
This professional recipe will guide you through preparing the perfect pan-seared or grilled beef steak topped with homemade garlic butter—a dish that’s equally perfect for weeknight indulgence or a special dinner occasion.
Ingredients
For the Steak
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Beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin) – 2 pieces (8–10 oz each, about 1-inch thick)
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Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
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Salt – 1 teaspoon (preferably coarse sea salt)
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Black pepper – 1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
For the Garlic Butter
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Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons (softened)
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
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Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
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Fresh thyme or rosemary – 1 teaspoon (optional)
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Lemon juice – ½ teaspoon
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Black pepper – a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
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Take steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
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Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture (this helps in forming a crust).
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Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Making the Garlic Butter
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In a bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, and black pepper.
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Mix until smooth.
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Place the mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap, roll into a log, and refrigerate until firm.
Step 3: Cooking the Steak (Pan-Seared Method)
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Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat until very hot.
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Place the steak in the pan and sear 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for desired doneness).
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Reduce heat slightly and add a small knob of garlic butter to the pan.
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Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly for 1–2 minutes (this is called basting).
Step 4: Cooking the Steak (Grill Method)
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Preheat grill to high heat.
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Place steaks on the grill and cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
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During the last minute, top each steak with a slice of garlic butter so it melts over the meat.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
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Transfer steaks to a plate and let rest for 5–7 minutes (this keeps them juicy).
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Slice garlic butter into rounds and place on top of the steaks.
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Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak
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Choose the Right Cut – Ribeye is juicy and flavorful, sirloin is leaner, and tenderloin is extremely tender.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook steaks one or two at a time for even searing.
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Use a Meat Thermometer – Rare: 125°F (52°C), Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C), Medium: 145°F (63°C), Medium-well: 155°F (68°C).
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Resting is Crucial – Cutting too soon will release the juices.
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Butter Variations – Try adding chili flakes, blue cheese, or smoked paprika for unique flavors.
Serving Suggestions
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Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, or a crisp garden salad.
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Sauces: Peppercorn sauce, mushroom sauce, or chimichurri can complement the garlic butter.
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Wine Pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully with steak.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 450–550 kcal
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Protein: 40 g
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Fat: 32 g
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Carbohydrates: 2 g
Conclusion
A well-cooked steak with garlic butter is a dish that never fails to impress. By focusing on high-quality beef, proper seasoning, and the richness of homemade garlic butter, you can create a meal that rivals the best steakhouses. With this recipe, even a simple dinner at home can feel like a gourmet experience.
So the next time you crave something indulgent yet elegant, prepare this beef steak with garlic butter and enjoy every tender, flavorful bite.