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A perfectly pan seared steak with garlic butter, sliced and garnished on a white plate.

Classic Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Master the art of pan-searing steak to perfection with this classic recipe, featuring a flavorful garlic butter basting for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Spoon
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless steaks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
  • 1 tablespoon high-smoke-point oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the steaks dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly, then add the high-smoke-point oil.
  • Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to form a crust.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, add butter, smashed garlic, and optional rosemary or thyme to the pan, then continuously baste the steaks with the melted garlic butter for 2-4 minutes until desired doneness is reached.
  • Transfer the cooked steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain their juices.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the steak's internal temperature. Adjust searing time based on steak thickness and desired doneness. Always let your steak rest to ensure a juicy and tender final product.