Garlic Butter Steak Skillet: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Skillet: just the name alone conjures up images of sizzling, perfectly seared steak bathed in a rich, fragrant sauce, doesn’t it? Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This is your express ticket to a restaurant-quality meal, ready in under 30 minutes!

Steak, in its simplest form, has been a celebratory meal across cultures for centuries. From the gauchos of South America grilling asado over open flames to the classic American steakhouse experience, the allure of a perfectly cooked piece of beef is undeniable. But the magic truly happens when you introduce the dynamic duo of garlic and butter. This combination, a cornerstone of French cuisine, elevates the steak to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

What makes this Garlic Butter Steak Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of simplicity and indulgence. The steak, cooked to your preferred level of doneness, boasts a beautiful crust while remaining juicy and tender inside. The garlic butter sauce, infused with aromatic herbs, coats every inch of the steak, creating an explosion of savory goodness. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly flavorful, satisfyingly hearty, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress, this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner. Plus, the one-pan cleanup is a major bonus!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steaks:
• 2 (8-10 ounce) Ribeye steaks, about 1-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Garlic Butter:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Skillet Vegetables (Optional):
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Garlic Butter:

First, let’s get that amazing garlic butter ready. This is what’s going to take our steaks to the next level! I like to make this first so the flavors have time to meld together.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Mix everything together until well combined. You want all those delicious flavors evenly distributed throughout the butter.
4. Place the garlic butter mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
5. Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up. This will make it easier to slice later. You can even make this a day ahead!

Preparing the Steaks:

Now, let’s move on to the stars of the show – the steaks! Getting them prepped properly is key to a perfectly cooked and flavorful steak.

1. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to come closer to room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly.
2. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial! Excess moisture will prevent a good sear.
3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This is our dry rub that will give the steaks a fantastic flavor crust.
4. Generously season both sides of the steaks with the dry rub. Make sure to press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres well.

Cooking the Steaks:

Alright, time to get cooking! This is where the magic happens. We’re aiming for a beautiful sear and perfectly cooked interior.

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be screaming hot! The oil should shimmer and the butter should be melted and slightly browned.
2. Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
3. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Don’t move the steaks around too much! Let them develop a nice, golden-brown crust.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-145°F (57-63°C); for medium-well, 145-155°F (63-68°C); and for well-done, 155°F (68°C) and above.
5. Once the steaks are seared to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Top each steak with a generous slice of the garlic butter. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a luscious sauce.
7. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to finish cooking. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
8. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Preparing the Skillet Vegetables (Optional):

While the steaks are resting, let’s quickly cook up some vegetables in the same skillet. This adds a healthy and delicious side dish to our meal, and it soaks up all those amazing steak juices!

1. If there’s excess grease in the skillet after cooking the steaks, drain some of it off, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
2. Add the baby potatoes, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onion to the skillet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
6. If the vegetables start to stick to the skillet, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.

Serving:

Finally, it’s time to enjoy our hard work! This is the best part, right?

1. Slice the steaks against the grain into thin strips. This makes them easier to chew and more tender.
2. Arrange the sliced steak on a platter or individual plates.
3. Spoon the skillet vegetables alongside the steak.
4. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the steak and vegetables.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Remember that the internal temperature will rise a few degrees as the steak rests.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano.
• Wine Pairing: A bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs perfectly with this dish.
• Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the steaks and vegetables on a sheet pan in the oven.
• Marinating the Steaks: For even more flavor, you can marinate the steaks for a few hours or overnight before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs works well.
• Adding a Cream Sauce: For an extra decadent touch, you can make a cream sauce to serve with the steak. Sauté some shallots and garlic in butter, then add heavy cream, beef broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened.
• Using Different Cuts of Steak: While ribeye is a great choice, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Deglazing the Pan: After cooking the steaks, you can deglaze the pan with red wine or beef broth to create a flavorful sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer until reduced.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Skillet! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Steak Skillet recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The combination of perfectly seared steak, infused with the rich, savory goodness of garlic butter, creates a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen – this skillet wonder delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time.

But what truly elevates this recipe to must-try status is its versatility. While I’ve outlined my favorite method for achieving that perfect sear and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve the steak skillet with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete and comforting meal. The potatoes soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce!
* Low-Carb Delight: For a lighter option, pair the steak with cauliflower rice and a vibrant side salad. The richness of the steak is beautifully balanced by the freshness of the vegetables.
* Pasta Perfection: Toss the sliced steak and garlic butter sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
* Steak Sandwiches: Slice the steak thinly and pile it onto toasted baguette slices with caramelized onions and a smear of horseradish mayo for an unforgettable steak sandwich.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a touch of heat. Or, incorporate a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
* Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
* Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after searing the steak for an earthy and savory complement.

I’ve personally made this Garlic Butter Steak Skillet countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone’s mouth water! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have a lot of time to spend cooking. It’s also impressive enough to serve to guests – they’ll think you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

I’m incredibly excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of the Garlic Butter Steak Skillet for yourself. Once you’ve given it a go, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!