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Delicious Garlic Butter Steak plated and ready to eat.

Best Garlic Butter Steak

This recipe delivers a steakhouse-quality garlic butter steak at home with a perfectly seared crust and tender interior. The key is to use high heat for searing with oil, then add butter, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful sauce that is basted over the steak. Resting the steak and finishing the sauce with lemon juice completes this delectable dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 800
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon high-smoke-point oil avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • tongs
  • cutting board
  • Spoon
  • paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. Use tongs to sear the edges for about 30 seconds each.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
  5. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steak with the garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting continuously, until the internal temperature of the steak reaches your desired doneness (125-130°F for medium-rare, 130-135°F for medium).
  6. Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
  7. While the steak rests, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (fond). Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Slice the steak against the grain and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure the steak is completely dry before searing. Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness. Resting the steak is crucial for a tender and juicy result. Deglaze the pan with lemon juice to create a flavorful sauce. You can substitute the herbs with other fresh herbs like oregano. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.