Smoked Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

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

Beef strip steak slowly smoked over wood chips then finished with a melting garlic herb butter for an indulgent smoky steak experience. This american-inspired beef ready in about 115 minutes pairs (10 oz each) strip steaks, kosher salt, freshly ground 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 70 min Serves 2 American cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper and rub evenly on both sides of 2 (10 oz) strip steaks. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your smoker by preheating to 225°F and adding 2 cups soaked oak wood chips for a mellow smoke flavor. Place the steaks on the smoker rack and smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
  3. Step 3: While the steaks smoke, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves in a small bowl until combined.
  4. Step 4: Remove the steaks from the smoker and heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side until a brown crust forms.
  5. Step 5: Remove the steaks from heat and immediately top each with half of the garlic herb butter. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (45 min prep + 70 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 Smoked Strip 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 (10 oz each) strip steaks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Strip 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 Smoked Strip 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 Smoked Strip 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.

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