Few meals satisfy the soul quite like a perfectly cooked steak, especially when it’s dressed in a golden cloak of garlic butter. Rich, hearty, and straightforward to prepare, this steak delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
Choosing the right cut is the first step toward a sensational steak. Flat iron steak, known for its tender texture and robust flavor, is an excellent option. Boneless top sirloin, slightly leaner yet still flavorful, offers another great choice for those who prefer a firmer bite. Both cuts are budget-friendly alternatives that cook beautifully on a skillet.
The garlic butter is where the magic truly happens. Fresh parsley brings a hint of brightness, while minced garlic infuses the butter with an irresistible, savory aroma. Together, they create a finishing sauce that’s both luscious and aromatic.
A surprising addition to the butter mixture is reduced-sodium soy sauce. It provides a subtle umami undertone that deepens the savory notes without overwhelming the steak. Just a small amount transforms the butter into a more complex and satisfying component.
Seasoning with salt and pepper may seem simple, but it’s essential. Salt enhances the meat’s natural flavor, while black pepper introduces a gentle heat and earthy depth. Together, they form the foundational seasoning that every great steak needs.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
The journey begins with crafting the garlic butter. Blend the softened butter with parsley, garlic, and soy sauce until smooth. This creates a spreadable, flavorful mixture ready to melt over the hot steak.
Season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage. A light, even sprinkle guarantees each bite is properly seasoned without overpowering the meat’s natural taste.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts and sizzles. Place the steak into the hot pan and sear for 4 to 7 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Medium-rare steaks should reach 135°F, medium at 140°F, and medium-well at 145°F. A meat thermometer offers precision and takes the guesswork out of achieving perfect doneness.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and immediately top it with the prepared garlic butter. As the butter melts over the hot surface, it creates a glossy, flavorful glaze that enhances both texture and taste.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to bring steak to room temperature before cooking
Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution throughout the meat.
The importance of patting the steak dry for a better crust
Blotting the steak with paper towels removes surface moisture, allowing the meat to sear rather than steam.
When and how to use a meat thermometer for accuracy
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching bone or fat for the most accurate reading.
Resting the steak: locking in the juices for maximum flavor
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
Can I grill the steak instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky depth of flavor and works beautifully with the garlic butter topping.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the butter into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or microwave on low power for just a few seconds.
How long should the steak rest after cooking?
A 5-minute rest ensures the meat remains juicy and tender when sliced.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the seasoning to avoid an overly salty final dish.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Buttery mashed potatoes or oven-roasted vegetables make excellent companions to the steak, soaking up the garlic butter and providing a hearty balance to the richness.
For a fresher contrast, serve the steak alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette or a vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with herbs.
Comfort foods like creamy macaroni and cheese or baked sweet potatoes create a cozy, indulgent meal that satisfies every craving.
When it comes to wine, bold reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Malbec complement the richness of the steak and cut through the buttery finish with ease.
Creative Variations
Add crumbled blue cheese to the garlic butter for a bold, tangy twist that melts beautifully over the steak’s hot surface.
For a fiery version, mix crushed red pepper flakes into the butter, giving the steak a subtle heat that builds with each bite.
Infuse deeper herbaceous notes by blending rosemary or thyme into the butter. These woodsy flavors pair naturally with beef.
Create a peppercorn crust by pressing cracked black pepper into the steak before cooking, adding extra texture and a burst of spicy complexity.
Beef Steak with Garlic Butter is the ultimate quick, luxurious meal that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether prepared for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory feast, this richly seasoned steak promises to impress with its tender bite and savory, buttery finish.
Ingredients
1 beef flat iron steak or boneless top sirloin steak (approximately 3/4 pound)
2 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preparing the flavored butter. In a small bowl, blend together 1 tablespoon of softened butter with the minced parsley, minced garlic, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Season the steak evenly on both sides with the salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
Carefully place the steak into the hot skillet. Cook the steak for about 4 to 7 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision: 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.
Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Immediately top it with the prepared garlic butter, allowing it to melt and seep into the warm meat. Serve hot, spooning any remaining garlic butter over the steak for an extra burst of flavor.
Beef Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 beef flat iron steak or boneless top sirloin steak approximately 3/4 pound
- 2 tablespoons butter softened and divided
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the flavored butter. In a small bowl, blend together 1 tablespoon of softened butter with the minced parsley, minced garlic, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the steak evenly on both sides with the salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
- Carefully place the steak into the hot skillet. Cook the steak for about 4 to 7 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision: 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.
- Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Immediately top it with the prepared garlic butter, allowing it to melt and seep into the warm meat. Serve hot, spooning any remaining garlic butter over the steak for an extra burst of flavor.
