Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Quick & Cozy Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe to Savor

Garlic butter steak reinvents ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that promises rich, savory satisfaction.

Tender meat sizzles with aromatic herbs and creamy, melted fat, creating mouthwatering layers of flavor.

Each succulent bite promises a perfect balance between robust protein and silky, golden sauce.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this classic combination for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Robust ingredients come together in a dance of complementary textures and robust seasonings that elevate a basic protein.

Robust preparation techniques unlock deep, complex flavors that make this dish feel like a gourmet restaurant experience.

Watching the steak caramelize and potatoes crisp up will make you crave every single delectable morsel.

What Makes Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Irresistible

  • Sizzle and Flavor Explosion: The high-heat cooking method creates a mouthwatering golden crust on both steak and potatoes, delivering intense, caramelized flavors that dance on your taste buds.
  • One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes dishes by using a single cast iron skillet, allowing you to cook potatoes perfectly and then use the same pan to create a rich, garlicky butter sauce for the steak.
  • Restaurant-Quality Technique: The basting method with garlic butter transforms a simple home-cooked meal into a professional-level dish, infusing the meat with incredible richness and depth of flavor while keeping it incredibly juicy.
  • Quick and Impressive Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy cooks who want a delicious, restaurant-style dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes

Main Protein:
  • Steak: High-quality beef cut with good marbling for rich flavor, best when at room temperature before cooking.
Cooking Fats and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Creates golden crust and adds rich, smooth flavor to both steak and potatoes.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings deep, savory taste to the dish, fresh cloves preferred.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing meat and potato flavors, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, green finish and subtle freshness to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides bright, acidic balance to the rich meat and butter sauce.

Steps for Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add potato wedges cut-side down, sprinkling with salt. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Flip wedges using tongs and continue cooking until tender and crispy, 10-15 minutes more.

Step 2: Season Steaks

Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season thoroughly with salt. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 3: Sear Steaks

Clean skillet and return to high heat until slightly smoking. Carefully place steaks in hot pan. Cook each side for 1 minute, flipping frequently to develop a beautiful crust. Continue cooking for 4 minutes total.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter to the skillet. Tilt pan to create a butter pool. Add fresh garlic to the melted butter. Use a large spoon to baste steaks repeatedly with garlic butter.

Step 5: Check Steak Doneness

Monitor internal temperature for preferred doneness. For medium rare, aim for 125-130°F. Remove pan from heat when desired temperature is reached.

Step 6: Rest and Finish

Transfer steaks to cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes. Mix in:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon juice

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice.

Step 7: Serve

Slice steaks against the grain into half-inch thick pieces. Arrange over potato wedges. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter pan sauce.

Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed immediately with a side of fresh vegetables or salad.

Pro Tips for Juicy Steak and Crispy Potatoes

  • Prep Potatoes Perfectly: Pat potato wedges dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that releases easily from the pan.
  • Master High-Heat Searing: Use a smoking-hot cast iron skillet to create a delicious, caramelized crust on the steaks without overcooking the inside.
  • Baste for Maximum Flavor: Continuously spoon the garlic butter over the steaks to infuse them with rich, aromatic taste and keep the meat juicy.
  • Rest Meat Properly: Always let steaks rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste the pan sauce and adjust salt and lemon juice to create a perfectly balanced, bright finishing touch to the dish.

Reheating and Storage for Steak and Potatoes

  • Refrigerate: Seal steak and potatoes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate steak and potatoes to maintain their individual textures.
  • Reheat Steak: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of beef broth to keep meat moist and prevent drying.
  • Revive Potatoes: Crisp up potatoes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil to restore their crispy exterior.

Pair These with Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, juicy steak and cuts through its hearty flavor profile.
  • Create a Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the steak's richness and add a fresh, tangy contrast to the garlic butter sauce.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a light olive oil and herb seasoning to enhance the meal's depth and provide additional nutritional variety.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale that can stand up to the intense garlic butter flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Garlic Butter Steak Recipe Tweaks

  • Herb-Crusted Steak Delight: Coat the steaks with a mixture of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano before cooking for an aromatic flavor boost.
  • Spicy Garlic Butter Combo: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter for a fiery kick that complements the rich steak.
  • Mediterranean Potato Swap: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Ranch-Style Steak Fusion: Mix ranch seasoning into the butter sauce and sprinkle chopped chives on top for a creamy, tangy alternative that brings excitement to the classic recipe.
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Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter steak and potatoes bring classic comfort to your dinner table with rich, savory flavors. Tender beef seared to perfection and crispy potatoes bathed in garlic butter create a simple yet irresistible meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 rib-eye or New York steaks, 1-inch thick (about 12 ounces / 340 grams each), or 1 ½ pounds / 680 grams flank steak, cut into 2 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Produce and Herbs:

  • 1 pound / 450 grams medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into ¾-inch wedges
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed

Fats and Oils:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 12-inch cast iron skillet by heating oil over medium heat until it shimmers, creating an ideal cooking surface for the potatoes.
  2. Arrange potato wedges cut-side down in the skillet, sprinkling with salt, and allow them to develop a golden-brown crust without moving for approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Using tongs, rotate potato wedges to expose another cut side, continuing to cook until they achieve a crisp exterior and become tender, roughly 10-15 minutes total.
  4. Pat steaks thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season with salt and set aside.
  5. Clean the skillet and return to high heat until it begins to smoke slightly, indicating the perfect temperature for searing.
  6. Carefully place steaks in the scorching pan, allowing them to develop a robust crust without sticking, approximately 1 minute per side.
  7. Continue flipping and cooking the steaks for a total of 4 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
  8. Introduce butter to the skillet, tilting the pan to create a pooling effect near the garlic.
  9. Baste the steaks repeatedly with the garlic-infused butter, flipping occasionally to maximize flavor absorption.
  10. Monitor the internal temperature of the steaks, aiming for medium rare between 125°F and 130°F, which typically occurs around 6 minutes of total cooking time.
  11. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer steaks to a cutting board, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
  12. Enhance the pan sauce by stirring in fresh parsley and lemon juice, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  13. Slice steaks against the grain into half-inch-thick pieces, arranging them atop the crispy potatoes.
  14. Finish by drizzling the aromatic garlic butter pan sauce over the entire dish, creating a luxurious and flavorful presentation.

Notes

  • Perfectly Seared Technique: Cast iron skillet ensures a golden-brown crust on both potatoes and steaks, creating delicious caramelization without sticking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to achieve exact doneness, with medium-rare recommended at 125-130°F for optimal tenderness.
  • Resting Matters: Always let steaks rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • Pan Sauce Magic: Quickly transform pan drippings into a vibrant sauce by adding fresh parsley and bright lemon juice for an extra flavor punch.
  • Cutting Technique: Slice steaks across the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces to maximize tenderness and make each bite more enjoyable.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Utilize the same cast iron skillet for potatoes and steaks, minimizing cleanup and enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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