Name: Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 ounces each); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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

Scale

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)

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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.