Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Soy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A juicy pan-seared steak finished with a rich garlic butter and a savory soy glaze for a flavorful dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ribeye steak, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season the 12 oz ribeye steak with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving until a golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Flip the steak and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and garlic over the steak continuously for 3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove the steak and let it rest on a plate covered loosely with foil.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Slice the steak against the grain, drizzle with the soy glaze, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ribeye steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter and Soy Glaze?

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 Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Soy Glaze?

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.

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