This creamy garlic butter steak is a restaurant-quality dish you can make right in your own kitchen. Juicy, pan-seared steaks are smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce that’s infused with herbs and butter. It’s the perfect recipe for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or when you just want something that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. The combination of tender beef and a silky, flavorful sauce will make this a go-to favorite for any steak lover.
Ingredients
For the steak:
- 4 boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steaks
Pat the steaks dry using paper towels—this helps create a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes while you prepare the skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steaks and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if you prefer your steak well done. Adjust the timing depending on the thickness of the meat. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside to rest on a warm plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked steaks to the pan, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend together. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic butter steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed potatoes – the creamy sauce is perfect drizzled on top.
- Roasted vegetables – such as asparagus, carrots, or green beans.
- Rice or pasta – to soak up every drop of the rich sauce.
- Garlic bread – for a cozy, bistro-style meal.
For an elevated touch, add a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the right steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steaks are ideal for this recipe because of their tenderness and marbling.
- Don’t overcook: The sauce can continue cooking the steak once it’s added back to the pan, so remove it just before your preferred doneness.
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the pan before the broth, and let it reduce for a few seconds for a gourmet twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for a little heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
This creamy garlic butter steak is everything you want in a dinner—flavorful, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. The rich sauce complements the juicy steak perfectly, creating a meal that feels straight out of a steakhouse. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.