Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
A classic pan-seared steak topped with a melting garlic herb butter for a simple yet impressive meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs (8 oz each) ribeye steak, 1-inch thick, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz each) ribeye steak, 1-inch thick
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove 2 ribeye steaks from the refrigerator and pat dry. Season both sides evenly with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the steaks and sear without moving for 4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes for medium-rare.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 2 sprigs thyme to the pan.
- Step 5: Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic herb butter repeatedly over the steaks for 1-2 minutes to baste and finish cooking.
- Step 6: Remove steaks to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Herb Butter?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter?
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 Herb Butter 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 Herb Butter?
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.
