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Perfect Garlic Butter Cast Iron Steak for Two

garlic butter cast iron steak - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for a juicy, tender steak with a crispy garlic butter crust, perfect for an intimate dinner for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cuts of steak (8 oz / 225 g each), ribeye or New York strip, 1 to 1.5 inches thick
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or finely minced
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (or high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil)
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
  • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
  2. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Let them sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  5. Flip the steaks and immediately add the butter, garlic, and thyme or rosemary to the pan.
  6. Tilt the pan slightly and continuously baste the steaks with the melted garlic butter for about 3-4 minutes to infuse flavor and cook evenly.
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium. Adjust cooking time if necessary.
  8. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain if desired, spoon any leftover garlic butter from the pan over the top, and garnish with flaky sea salt and parsley.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use medium-high heat to get a crispy crust without burning the butter. Rest steaks after cooking for juicy results. Keep kitchen ventilated due to garlic butter aroma. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or ghee. Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter steak, cast iron steak, easy steak recipe, steak for two, quick dinner, ribeye steak, New York strip steak