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Pan Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Pan Seared Steak with Garlic Butter: 7 Powerful Chef Secrets for a Perfect Crust

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Pan Seared Steak with Garlic Butter is the ultimate steakhouse-style recipe you can cook at home in under 15 minutes. This method creates a deeply caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Finished with rich garlic butter, fresh thyme, and aromatic herbs, this pan seared steak delivers bold flavor and perfect texture every time. Ideal for ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin, this easy skillet steak recipe uses simple ingredients and professional chef techniques to guarantee a golden crust and restaurant-quality results.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Scale

2 ribeye steaks or New York strip steaks (1 to inches thick)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon high smoke point oil (avocado oil or vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  • Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

  • Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until shimmering.

  • Place the steaks in the hot skillet and press gently so the surface makes full contact with the pan.

  • Sear the steak without moving it for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms.

  • Flip the steak using tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

  • Reduce the heat slightly and add butter, smashed garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan.

  • As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the garlic butter for 1 to 2 minutes.

  • Check internal temperature for desired doneness:
    Rare: 120°F
    Medium rare: 130°F
    Medium: 140°F

  • Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.

 

  • Slice against the grain and spoon the remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the steak before serving.

Notes

For the best crust, always pat the steak completely dry before cooking.
Use a heavy cast iron skillet for optimal heat retention and even searing.
Choose steaks at least 1 inch thick to prevent overcooking.
Do not move the steak while searing to allow a proper crust to develop.
Let the steak rest after cooking so the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan Sear / Skillet
  • Cuisine: American Steakhouse