Creamy Garlic Butter Steak with Herb Sauce for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best results, pat the steak completely dry with paper towels before seasoning.

Moisture on the surface of the meat is the enemy of a good sear, as it creates steam rather than browning. A dry surface ensures the meat makes immediate, direct contact with the hot pan.

If the sauce appears to be separating or looks too oily, whisk in a small teaspoon of cold butter or a splash of fresh heavy cream off the heat. This can help re-emulsify the sauce and restore its smooth, velvety texture before serving it over the sliced steak.

Variations

• Peppercorn Cream Sauce: Add one tablespoon of crushed black peppercorns to the garlic while sautéing. This provides a sharp, spicy contrast to the rich cream, creating a classic bistro-style sauce that pairs perfectly with a robust sirloin steak.
• Mushroom Garlic Sauce: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in the butter before adding the garlic. The mushrooms add an earthy depth and a meaty texture to the sauce, making the overall dish feel even more substantial and hearty.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and the texture of the steak will change upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream until just warmed through to avoid overcooking the steak.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the meat is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety. Keep the sauce stored with the meat so it stays moist.

While the steak is best served immediately, you can prepare the garlic herb cream sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply sear the fresh steak and gently reheat the sauce in the pan, adding a tiny splash of cream to thin it out if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve this steak alongside roasted baby potatoes and steamed asparagus for a balanced and classic steakhouse meal.

The potatoes and vegetables are excellent for soaking up any excess garlic cream sauce left on the plate, ensuring every bit of the rich flavor is enjoyed by the diner.

Present the dish on a warm platter to keep the steak and sauce at the ideal serving temperature throughout the meal.

Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired to add a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory, creamy notes of the final dish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak with Herb Sauce for a Quick Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces steak, such as ribeye or sirloin
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the steak and sear until a deep brown crust forms, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes.
2. In the same skillet used for the steak, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt until bubbling. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the fresh herbs just before finishing.
3. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Arrange the slices on a warm platter alongside your preferred sides. Drizzle the warm garlic herb cream sauce generously over the steak slices, ensuring they are well-coated before serving immediately.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

4 g

Fat

52 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.