There is something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked ribeye, full of rich flavor and juicy tenderness. This Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe is exactly that kind of dish because it combines the simplicity of searing with the luxurious finish of aromatic garlic butter and fresh herbs. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results without the fuss, making every bite a celebration of comfort and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly straightforward yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, offering a balance of savory, buttery richness, and fresh herbal brightness that will elevate your steak to the next level.
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your favorite cut): Choose steaks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal juiciness and sear.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that gorgeous crust by preventing the steak from sticking.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness that melts perfectly over the hot steak.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal note at the finish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional): Adds an earthy, fragrant complexity if you want a little extra depth.
How to Make Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Start by heating a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. This step is crucial because a hot pan ensures a gorgeous sear, locking in juices and creating that irresistible crust.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
Generously season both sides of your ribeye steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is the secret to bringing out the meaty flavor and making your steak shine.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Add olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Place steaks gently in the pan and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Resist the urge to move them around—let that beautiful crust form!
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While your steaks are cooking, melt unsalted butter over low heat in a small pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this will infuse the butter with a warm garlic aroma that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Step 5: Rest the Steaks
Once seared to perfection, transfer steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the rested steaks, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thyme (if using). This finishing touch adds freshness and a pop of herbal flavor that makes this Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the steaks hot and enjoy immediately, ideally alongside your favorite sides. The combination of garlic butter and herbs will make this meal stand out every time.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley and thyme not only adds charm but a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the steak. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of lemon juice or a few crispy shallots can add another delicious dimension.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. The richness of the garlic butter calls for sides that complement without overpowering, so think about adding a vegetable or starch to round out your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your steak on a warm wooden board with garlic butter pooled on top and fresh herb sprigs for decoration. You can also slice the steak thinly against the grain and fan it out on a platter, drizzling garlic butter over each slice to impress your guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover steak tightly in aluminum foil or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Leftover ribeye will stay fresh for up to 3 days, providing a tasty second round of indulgence.
Freezing
If you want to save your steak for longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a vacuum-sealed bag before freezing. Frozen steak maintains the best quality for up to 2 months, but be mindful that texture can change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your steak, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little beef broth or butter to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve that lovely sear and juiciness from the initial cooking.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its marbling and flavor, other cuts like New York strip or filet mignon can work well. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and fat content.
How do I know when my ribeye is cooked to the right doneness?
Use a meat thermometer if you want precision: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and so on. Otherwise, use the finger test or timing as a helpful guide.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare garlic butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling over the steak to bring back that fragrant, melty goodness.
Why is resting the steak important?
Resting lets the juices redistribute evenly inside the steak, which keeps it juicy and tender. Cutting into it immediately would cause those flavorful juices to spill out, leaving the meat drier.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be a substitute, but fresh herbs like parsley and thyme bring brightness and fragrance that elevate this dish. Use about a third of the amount if substituting dried herbs.
Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create something truly special. The rich sear, the melted garlic butter, and the fresh herbs come together to make every bite a delicious memory. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to turn an ordinary steak night into an extraordinary experience.
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Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter recipe features perfectly seared ribeye steaks cooked to your desired doneness, enhanced by a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for an impressive yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your favorite cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it becomes hot enough to properly sear the steaks.
- Season Steaks: Generously season the ribeye steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sear Steaks: Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Once shimmering, place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
- Melt Garlic Butter: While the steaks are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Rest Steaks: Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the rested steaks. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme to add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Serve: Serve your perfectly pan-seared steaks hot alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Resting the steaks before serving is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Adjust cooking time depending on steak thickness and desired doneness.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- This recipe works well with cuts other than ribeye, such as strip steak or filet mignon.
- To intensify flavor, baste the steaks with garlic butter toward the end of cooking in the skillet.
