There is something truly magical about the flavor combination of tender steak infused with a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce. This Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe brings together the perfect balance of heat, buttery goodness, and savory garlic aroma that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns an ordinary steak night into something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple but impactful is key for any great steak dish. Each element here has its own role—adding depth, spice, richness, or freshness—so let’s walk through these essentials that transform an everyday steak into a sumptuous meal.
- 1.5 pounds Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: Choose a thick cut at least 1 inch thick for ideal juiciness and flavor.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: The base of our garlic butter sauce, adding creamy richness without overpowering the steak.
- 4-6 cloves Garlic: Minced finely to release its bold aromatic punch and infuse the butter with incredible flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat—feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens and adds a gorgeous pop of green to finish the dish.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for that peppery bite that complements the spice and butter beautifully.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Step 1: Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature
Patience here makes a huge difference. Bringing your steak to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly, giving you a tender, juicy result rather than a cold center. About 30 minutes on your counter is perfect.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
Simple yet transformative—melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, around 1 to 2 minutes, but be careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the red pepper flakes for that signature spicy kick, then remove the pan from heat to keep the flavors fresh.
Step 3: Season the Steak Generously
Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step builds the base of flavor and helps create a delicious crust when the steak hits the hot skillet.
Step 4: Sear the Steak on High Heat
Heat your skillet over high heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Place the steak down and let it sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it. This searing locks in juices and forms a gorgeous brown crust that every steak lover dreams of.
Step 5: Flip and Add Half the Garlic Butter
Once flipped, lower the heat to medium to ensure the steak cooks through without burning. Pour half of your spicy garlic butter sauce over the top, infusing the meat with flavor while it finishes cooking for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Baste the Steak as It Cooks
Grab a spoon and continuously spoon that melted spicy garlic butter over the steak while it cooks. This technique adds layers of flavor and helps keep the steak moist and shiny with buttery goodness.
Step 7: Rest the Steak
Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender rather than dry.
Step 8: Slice, Drizzle, and Garnish
Slice the rested steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a final flourish. This finishing touch not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish—it provides a fresh vibrancy that cuts through the richness of the butter and balances the spicy notes. For an extra touch, consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the overall presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic asparagus. A crisp green salad or buttery sautéed mushrooms also make great companions, bringing lightness or earthiness to the plate that complements the bold steak flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, serve your steak slices over a bed of garlic herb rice or alongside grilled seasonal vegetables. You could also make steak sandwiches by layering slices with arugula and a smear of horseradish mayo on toasted baguette slices, making this recipe versatile for different dining occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The steak will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its flavor and texture when properly cooled.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the steak and freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags with some of the garlic butter sauce to maintain moisture. Make sure to label and use within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently to preserve tenderness—use a skillet over low heat and cover it to retain moisture, adding a splash of beef broth or extra garlic butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep that delicious steak texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are ideal for their juicy and flavorful qualities, but you can also try New York strip or filet mignon. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on thickness and the cut’s tenderness.
How spicy is the Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe?
The heat mainly comes from the red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust up or down. If you prefer mild, use less or omit entirely. For an extra kick, add more or sprinkle some cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
Yes, the garlic butter sauce can be made a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature or chilled. Reheat gently before using it on the steak so the garlic stays fragrant and the butter melts smoothly.
What is the best way to get a good sear on the steak?
Using a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, and high heat is key. Make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding the steak, and avoid moving it until a nice crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
Cooking times vary depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision: 125°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium, and so on. Remember to let the steak rest, as it continues to cook slightly off heat.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe has quickly become one of my personal favorites because it perfectly combines a rustic, hearty steak with layers of buttery, garlicky heat that feel indulgent but simple to make. It’s a dish to enjoy anytime you want to treat yourself or impress dinner guests without fuss. Get your skillet ready and dive into these irresistible flavors—you won’t look back!
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Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Garlic Butter Steak recipe features juicy ribeye or sirloin steak seared to perfection and infused with a fragrant garlic butter sauce spiked with red pepper flakes for a kick. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish delivers bold flavors with a tender texture, ideal for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1.5 pounds Ribeye or Sirloin Steak (At least 1 inch thick for juiciness)
- Kosher Salt (To taste)
- Black Pepper (Freshly ground, to taste)
- Oil (For searing, about 1 tablespoon)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4–6 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Spice: Stir in the red pepper flakes, then remove the saucepan from heat to prevent overcooking the garlic and butter.
- Season the Steak: Generously season the steak on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet and Sear Steak: Heat a skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving it to develop a flavorful crust.
- Flip Steak and Add Garlic Butter: Flip the steak to the other side, reduce heat to medium, and pour half of the prepared garlic butter sauce over it. Cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on desired doneness.
- Baste Steak: Spoon the garlic butter continuously over the steak while it cooks to infuse it with flavor and moisture.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
- Slice and Garnish: Slice the steak against the grain for tenderness, drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Do not overcook the garlic in the butter to avoid bitterness.
- Basting the steak with garlic butter while cooking enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Resting the steak after cooking is crucial for tender results.
- Slice against the grain to make the meat easier to chew.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level according to your taste.
