Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce
A succulent pan-seared ribeye steak finished with a rich garlic herb butter and a savory pan sauce that enhances every bite. This american-inspired beef ready in about 32 minutes blends ribeye steak, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ribeye steak
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 12 oz ribeye steak and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving it, until a dark crust forms.
- Step 3: Flip the steak and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak continuously for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the steak to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 5: Pour 1/4 cup beef broth and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar into the skillet, scraping the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced.
- Step 6: Serve the rested steak drizzled with the garlic herb pan sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Pan Sauce?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.