There is something truly magical about mastering a classic meat dish like the Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe. This recipe brings out the rich, tender qualities of a perfectly seared steak, kissed by a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a straightforward yet indulgent dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels both special and totally approachable, whether for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. You’ll notice how the salt and pepper highlight the natural beefiness, while the butter and herbs enrich the sauce with depth and freshness.
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 ounces each): Choose well-marbled cuts for a juicy, tender steak with lots of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out the steak’s natural taste and create a savory crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness that complements the richness of the beef.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a high smoke point for a perfect sear without burning.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the butter sauce; it melts into a creamy, flavorful coating.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses the butter with a fragrant, savory aroma.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs bring a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional): A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce at the end.
How to Make Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steaks
Pat your steaks dry with paper towels for a better sear, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for the meat’s natural flavor to shine while creating a crusty surface when cooked.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Add Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until you see it shimmering. The hot oil ensures the steaks will sear quickly, locking in those flavorful juices and creating a golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Place the steaks in the skillet and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for a lovely medium-rare. Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred doneness, but remember that a good sear is key to developing deep flavor and texture.
Step 4: Add Butter, Garlic, and Herbs
During the last couple of minutes of cooking, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, crushed garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks with the aromatic butter, enhancing every bite.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the steak stays juicy and tender. Before serving, drizzle the flavorful butter sauce from the pan over the steaks, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a bright, zesty finish.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavor with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a few extra sprigs of thyme or rosemary. These add a pop of color and an herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This steak shines alongside classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp, refreshing salad. The buttery sauce clings beautifully to these sides, making every bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy touch, slice the rested steak against the grain and fan it out on the plate. Drizzle the butter sauce artistically around or over the slices, then sprinkle some coarse sea salt or freshly cracked pepper on top. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak and butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the quality and taste, preventing the meat from drying out and the sauce from losing its freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked steak, it’s not ideal for maintaining the full flavor of the Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe. If you must freeze, wrap the steak tightly and store separately from the sauce. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak slowly in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of the butter sauce to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave, which tends to dry out the meat. This method helps preserve that luscious butter sauce flavor and tender texture.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye and sirloin are both excellent choices due to their marbling and flavor. Ribeye provides more richness while sirloin offers a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can better control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt when seasoning the steak.
How do I know when the steak is done?
For medium-rare, cook the steak about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. You can also use a meat thermometer; 130°F to 135°F is ideal for medium-rare.
Is fresh thyme better than dried for this butter sauce?
Fresh thyme or rosemary offers brighter and more aromatic notes. Dried herbs can work but add them earlier in the cooking process to release their flavor.
Can I make the butter sauce vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil and skip the butter basting step, but keep in mind it will change the signature flavor and richness of this classic sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe is a game-changer in your cooking repertoire. It’s a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, delivering tender, flavorful steak bathed in a buttery, herb-infused sauce that’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to steak dinner.
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Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce recipe delivers a succulent and flavorful main course featuring ribeye or sirloin steaks seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then basted with a fragrant butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, the dish is enhanced with an optional splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture for a better sear. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Steaks: Carefully add the steaks to the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side to reach medium-rare doneness, adjusting times as desired.
- Add Butter and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium during the last 2 minutes. Add the unsalted butter, crushed garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the skillet.
- Baste with Butter Sauce: Tilt the skillet slightly to pool the melted butter and use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks. This infuses the meat with rich herb and garlic flavor.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining butter sauce from the pan over the steaks. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish before serving.
Notes
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking throughout.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best sear and heat retention.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
