Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce

Craving a restaurant-quality steak at home? This Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce is your ultimate answer. With a rich, golden crust, tender center, and a buttery herb-garlic finish, this steak is pure perfection. It’s incredibly easy to make in one pan and ready in just minutes—perfect for special occasions or weeknight indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Seared – A beautiful crust locks in all the juices
Flavor-Packed – Butter, garlic, and herbs infuse the steak with bold richness
Fast and Easy – Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish
Minimal Ingredients – Just a few basics create a five-star dish
Versatile – Pairs beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:
2 beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip – about 1 to 1½ inches thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar)

Optional Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet
Tongs
Spoon for basting
Cutting board
Knife
Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Take steaks out of the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes
Pat them dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place your skillet over high heat and let it get hot
Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom

Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Add steaks to the hot pan and sear for 3–4 minutes without moving them
Flip and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes
Sear the edges for 30 seconds if steaks are thick

Step 4: Add Butter and Herbs
Reduce heat to medium-low
Add butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary or thyme to the pan
Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter for 1–2 minutes

Step 5: Finish with Acid
Drizzle lemon juice or balsamic vinegar over the steaks in the last minute of basting for brightness and depth

Step 6: Rest and Slice
Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5–10 minutes
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness
Spoon some of the remaining butter sauce over the top and garnish with parsley

Tips for Success
Let Steak Come to Room Temperature – Helps it cook evenly
Use a Hot Pan – A hot skillet ensures a perfect sear
Baste with Butter – It infuses flavor and keeps the meat juicy
Rest Before Slicing – Keeps the juices locked in
Choose the Right Cut – Ribeye or strip steak gives the best flavor and texture

Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus
Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread
Add a spoonful of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms on top
Goes great with baked sweet potatoes or rice pilaf

How to Store and Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating:
Stovetop – Warm gently over medium heat with a splash of butter or broth
Oven – Wrap in foil and reheat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes
Avoid microwaving to preserve texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! Filet mignon, flat iron, or even flank steak works well—just adjust cooking times

Can I make this without herbs?
Absolutely, though the herbs add a nice depth of flavor

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Any heavy-bottomed skillet that holds heat well will work

Is it okay to cook from frozen?
For best results, always thaw steak before cooking

What’s the best doneness for steak?
Medium-rare (130–135°F) is ideal for most cuts, but adjust to your liking

Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce is the ultimate at-home steakhouse experience. Simple yet luxurious, it brings out the best in a quality cut of beef with rich butter, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of sear. Perfect for romantic dinners, dinner parties, or just treating yourself—you won’t believe how easy it is to make restaurant-style steak in your own kitchen.
Try it today and let me know how it turned out. Share your favorite sides and tweaks—I’d love to see your version of this delicious classic.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 37g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 410mg

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