Introduction
This Steak with Herb Butter recipe is a simple way to elevate a classic dinner. A perfectly cooked steak is topped with a rich, flavorful compound butter that melts over the hot surface. For another delicious butter-based dish, try this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s an impressive yet straightforward meal that is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
This Steak with Herb Butter recipe delivers a perfectly seared, juicy steak topped with a rich, aromatic compound butter that melts beautifully over the hot surface.
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Timing
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Context: This Steak with Herb Butter recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Steak
Remove your steak from the refrigerator about 30–60 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.
Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface is crucial for achieving a perfect sear.
Generously season both sides with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper just before it hits the pan.
Step 2 — Make the Herb Butter
While the steak rests, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme.
Add one minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Mix until fully incorporated.
Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and twist the ends. Chill until firm.
Step 3 — Preheat Your Pan
Place a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Let it get very hot before adding any oil.
Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for the steak.
Step 4 — Sear the Steak
Carefully lay the steak away from you in the hot pan. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
Sear undisturbed for 2–4 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. Avoid moving the steak to ensure proper browning.
Flip the steak and sear the other side. For a 1-inch thick steak, this usually takes another 2–4 minutes.
Step 5 — Check for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
Medium is 135–145°F (57–63°C), and medium-well is 145–155°F (63–68°C). Remember the temperature will rise 5–10°F during resting.
Step 6 — Add Butter and Baste
In the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of your prepared herb butter to the pan.
Tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the melted butter and herb mixture. This infuses incredible flavor.
Step 7 — Rest the Steak
Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board or warm plate. Do not slice it immediately.
Let it rest for at least 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
Step 8 — Slice and Serve
Slice the steak against the grain into ½-inch thick strips. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
Top the warm slices with a generous pat of the chilled herb butter. The residual heat will melt the butter beautifully over the steak.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 620 |
Protein | 48g |
Carbohydrates | 2g |
Fat | 48g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 420mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
Customize your Steak with Herb Butter to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences with these simple swaps.
- Protein Swap: Portobello Mushrooms — A savory, meaty alternative for a vegetarian Steak with Herb Butter.
- Lower-Carb: Cauliflower Mash — Replaces traditional sides with a creamy, low-carb base for your herb butter.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Olive Oil & Herb Blend — A rich, flavorful substitute that keeps your Steak with Herb Butter dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Tamari Marinade — Adds umami depth without gluten, perfect for marinating your steak.
- Low-Sodium: Herb-Infused Avocado Oil — Delivers flavor without added salt, ideal for a low-sodium Steak with Herb Butter.
- Leaner Protein: Bison Steak — Offers a leaner, slightly sweeter profile while keeping the dish hearty.
- Vegan Option: Coconut Oil & Nutritional Yeast Butter — Creates a cheesy, buttery flavor for plant-based Steak with Herb Butter.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Steak with Herb Butter with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus for a classic steakhouse experience.
- Serve this Steak with Herb Butter alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- For a hearty meal, accompany the steak with creamy polenta and sautéed wild mushrooms.
- Elevate a casual dinner by slicing the steak and serving it over a bed of mixed greens for a steak salad.
- Perfect for a special occasion, plate the Steak with Herb Butter with truffle-infused fries and a red wine reduction.
- For an elegant presentation, top the hot steak with a generous slice of the compound butter and let it melt tableside.
This versatile Steak with Herb Butter is ideal for date nights, celebratory dinners, or whenever you want to create a memorable and delicious meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using cold steak straight from the fridge. Fix: Let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
- Mistake: Not patting the steak dry before searing. Fix: Thoroughly dry the surface with paper towels to ensure a proper crust forms.
- Mistake: Moving the steak too soon in the pan. Fix: Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a flavorful, caramelized crust.
- Mistake: Overcrowding the cooking pan. Fix: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure a good sear on each steak.
- Mistake: Slicing the steak immediately after cooking. Fix: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Mistake: Using cold butter for the herb butter. Fix: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Mistake: Adding the herb butter to a scorching hot steak. Fix: Place the compound butter on the steak just after its resting period so it melts gently.
- Mistake: Salting the steak too far in advance. Fix: Salt just before cooking or at least 40 minutes ahead to prevent drawing out too much moisture.
- Mistake: Not letting the herb butter flavors meld. Fix: Make your Steak with Herb Butter compound butter ahead of time and let it chill to allow the flavors to intensify.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover Steak with Herb Butter in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the steak has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 250°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwaving to prevent toughness.
Always use a food thermometer to verify that reheated Steak with Herb Butter reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Conclusion
This Steak with Herb Butter recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The compound butter adds incredible flavor and richness to perfectly cooked steak. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below! For another delicious steak option, check out Creamy Mushroom Steak & Mashed Potatoes For ONLY 600 Calories! #recipe #mealprep.
PrintSteak with Herb Butter
A classic pan-seared steak topped with a flavorful herb butter that melts into the meat, enhancing its rich taste with fresh herbs and garlic.
- Author: Dorothy Miler
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add steaks to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- While the steaks cook, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Remove steaks from the skillet and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
- Top each steak with a generous dollop of the herb butter and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite. The herb butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 24
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 130
FAQs
What is the best cut of steak for making Steak with Herb Butter?
Ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon work best for Steak with Herb Butter. These cuts are tender and flavorful, complementing the rich herb butter. Choose a steak that is at least 1-inch thick for best results.
How do I make the herb butter for this steak?
Combine softened unsalted butter with minced fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and rosemary. Add a small amount of minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and chill before placing on your hot Steak with Herb Butter.
Can I prepare Steak with Herb Butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the herb butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This makes preparing your final Steak with Herb Butter dish quick and easy.