Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Herb Sauce
A tender pan-seared steak topped with a rich garlic butter and fresh herb sauce for a deeply flavorful experience. This american-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes blends ribeye steak, kosher 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 700 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 kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove 12 oz ribeye steak from the refrigerator and pat dry. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the steak to the skillet and sear without moving for 4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Step 4: Flip the steak and cook for an additional 3 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time if desired doneness is different.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme to the pan.
- Step 6: Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and herbs over the steak continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter sauce coats the steak.
- Step 7: Remove steak from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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 Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 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 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 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 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.