A sizzling, mouthwatering beef steak seared to perfection, basted in aromatic garlic butter, and served with a rich pan sauce—perfect for a luxurious dinner!
🌟 Ingredients:
🥩 The Steak (Choose Your Cut):
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 ½ inches thick) – Juicy, well-marbled, and flavorful.
- OR
- 2 filet mignon steaks – Leaner, tender, and elegant.
- OR
- 2 New York strip steaks – Bold beefy flavor with a good bite.
🧂 Steak Seasoning:
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt – Essential for enhancing flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground) – Adds a sharp kick.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Brings a subtle smokiness.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Infuses depth.
- ½ tsp onion powder – Rounds out the flavor.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – For a mild heat.
🧄 Garlic Butter Baste:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter – The key to richness and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed or minced) – The heart of the butter baste.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme – Infuses an earthy aroma.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps prevent butter from burning.
🥣 Pan Sauce (Optional, But Highly Recommended!):
- ¼ cup beef broth – Deepens the steak’s flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – For a velvety finish.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami.
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Process:
1️⃣ Preparing the Steak (Crucial for Flavor!)
- Remove steaks from the fridge 30-40 minutes before cooking—this allows even cooking.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this ensures a perfect sear).
- Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
2️⃣ Searing the Steak (Achieve the Perfect Crust!)
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes until smoking hot.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil to coat the pan.
- Place steaks in the pan and do not move them for 3-4 minutes (this forms a beautiful crust).
- Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
3️⃣ Basting with Garlic Butter (Next-Level Flavor!)
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, garlic, and rosemary/thyme to the pan.
- Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with melted butter for 1-2 minutes.
- Flip and repeat for another 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Checking Doneness (No Guesswork!):
- Rare – 120°F (cool red center)
- Medium Rare – 130°F (warm red center) 🌟 Recommended!
- Medium – 140°F (warm pink center)
- Medium Well – 150°F (slightly pink center)
- Well Done – 160°F+ (fully cooked, no pink)
💡 Use an instant-read thermometer to get it just right!
5️⃣ Resting the Steak (The Secret to Juiciness!)
- Transfer steak to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
🥣 Making the Pan Sauce (Optional but Irresistible!)
- Keep the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add beef broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream.
- Let it simmer until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Drizzle over steak or serve on the side.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables.
- Serve with a fresh arugula salad with balsamic glaze.
- Add a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully!).
🔥 Pro Tips for the Ultimate Steak Experience:
✔ For a smoky touch, grill the steak instead of pan-searing.
✔ For an extra buttery crust, press a bit of butter onto the steak before the final flip.
✔ For a deeper umami flavor, rub steaks with a bit of Worcestershire sauce before seasoning.
✔ To reheat steak without drying out, warm in a low oven (250°F) with a drizzle of butter.