Restaurant-Quality Pan-Seared Steak at Home (With Garlic Herb Butter Finish)

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak—juicy on the inside, beautifully crusted on the outside, and topped with melting garlic herb butter.

Whether you're cooking for a date night, a celebratory dinner, or just craving a steakhouse-quality meal at home, this pan-seared steak recipe delivers bold flavor and restaurant-worthy results—no grill required.

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Why You’ll Love This Steak Recipe

• No grill needed — just a cast iron pan or heavy skillet

• Quick cook time — ready in under 20 minutes

• Incredible flavor from a simple garlic herb butter

• Perfect crust thanks to high-heat searing

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Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye or strip steaks (about 1 to 1½ inches thick)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, and herbs. Mix well and set aside (or refrigerate until ready to use).

2. Prep the Steaks

Take steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Sear the Steaks

Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add olive oil.
Place steaks in the pan and don’t move them for 2–3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 2–3 minutes for medium-rare.

4. Add Butter & Baste

Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of plain butter to the pan. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter for 1–2 more minutes.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. Top with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter before serving.

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Cooking Time Guide (Per Side)

Tip: Use a meat thermometer for best results.

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What to Serve With Steak

Pair this steak with:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes

• Creamed spinach or grilled asparagus

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Crispy smashed potatoes or truffle fries

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Pro Tips

• Dry the steak thoroughly before searing to get a better crust.

• Don’t skip resting—it keeps juices from spilling out.

• Use clarified butter or oil with a high smoke point if cooking at very high heat.

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Final Thoughts

This pan-seared steak with garlic herb butter is proof that great steak doesn’t need a grill or a reservation. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can serve up a meal that’s rich, savory, and totally unforgettable.

Whether it's a weeknight treat or a special celebration, this steak delivers every time.