Pan-Seared Steak with Butter Sauce
Pan-Seared Steak with Butter Sauce is an indulgent yet simple recipe featuring a perfectly caramelized steak with a juicy interior, elevated by a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and customizable, this dish is ideal for special occasions or busy weeknights, offering gourmet flavors with minimal ingredients.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 well-marbled ribeye or sirloin steak (about 8–12 oz)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Searing and Sauce
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 tsp lemon juice (a splash)
- Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to promote even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Place a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking to create a crisp, golden crust on the steak.
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the hot pan and do not move it for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Add Butter, Garlic, and Herbs: Reduce heat to medium, add butter, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary or thyme. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and aromatics over the steak repeatedly to baste and infuse flavor.
- Rest and Make the Butter Sauce: Transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices. Meanwhile, combine the butter and pan drippings with a splash of lemon juice, stirring gently to form a rich butter sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle the butter sauce over the steak before serving to enhance the savory, buttery flavor and impress your guests or family.
Notes
- Start with a steak at room temperature for even cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet to retain heat and ensure a consistent sear.
- Cook one steak at a time or use a large pan to avoid overcrowding.
- Continuously baste with butter to keep the steak moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer or finger test to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 8-12 oz)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: pan-seared steak, butter sauce, ribeye steak, sirloin steak, quick steak recipe, garlic butter steak