Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Feast 🥩🥔
Picture this: a sizzling, juicy steak, perfectly seared to your preferred doneness, bathed in a fragrant pool of garlic-infused butter with hints of fresh rosemary. Beside it, golden roasted baby potatoes, crispy on the outside and tender within, kissed with garlic and parsley. This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food—a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up at home in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or a special occasion meal, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that will leave everyone at the table craving seconds.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This recipe combines two timeless favorites—steak and potatoes—with a luxurious garlic butter sauce that elevates every bite. The steak is seared to perfection, locking in juices, while the roasted potatoes offer a crispy, garlicky contrast. The dish is simple yet indulgent, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum flavor. Plus, we’ve included tips for customizing doneness, pairing sides, and making it your own, ensuring it fits any palate or dietary preference.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick, 8-10 oz each) 🥩
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced 🧄
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🌿
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried) 🌿
- Kosher salt, to taste 🧂
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
For the Potatoes:
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), halved or quartered 🥔
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🌿
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 🧄
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped 🌿
- Kosher salt, to taste 🧂
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges, for a fresh zing 🍋
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing 🌊
- Extra fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) 🌿
Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe baking sheet
- Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (optional, for precise doneness)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved or quartered baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down for maximum crispiness. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and set aside, keeping warm. If desired, toss with an extra pinch of salt for added flavor.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before roasting, then drain and shake to rough up the edges before tossing with oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to promote a good sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
- Carefully add the steaks to the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F/57°C internal temperature), or adjust to your preferred doneness (see doneness guide below).
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary or thyme to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the garlic butter for 1-2 minutes, infusing them with rich flavor.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer for precision: 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, 150°F (66°C) for medium-well, or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
Step 3: Rest the Steak
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes, loosely tented with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite.
- While the steaks rest, keep the garlic butter in the skillet warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice the steaks against the grain into ½-inch strips for optimal tenderness, or serve whole if preferred.
- Arrange the roasted garlic potatoes on plates or a platter. Place the steak alongside or on top.
- Drizzle the warm garlic butter from the skillet over the steak and potatoes, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides (see suggestions below) and savor the magic of this classic combo!
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetable Sides: Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans for a balanced plate. 🥗
- Salads: A fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the steak.
- Bread: Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the extra butter sauce. 🥖
- Drinks: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, or a craft IPA enhances the meal’s flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a subtle kick.
- Herb Swap: Substitute rosemary or thyme with fresh sage or oregano for a different aromatic profile.
- Potato Upgrade: Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan or truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with roasted cauliflower or zucchini for a lighter meal.
- Surf and Turf: Add pan-seared shrimp or scallops, basted in the same garlic butter, for a decadent twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover steak and potatoes separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep any extra garlic butter in a sealed jar.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked steak in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat steak in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Warm potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Microwave the garlic butter briefly to melt before drizzling.
Note: Steak is best served fresh, but reheated leftovers can still be delicious with proper care.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Steak: Ribeye offers rich marbling, while sirloin is leaner but still flavorful. Opt for USDA Choice or Prime for the best results.
- Room Temperature Steak: Letting the steak sit out before cooking prevents uneven cooking and ensures a perfect sear.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness—cutting too soon releases the juices onto the plate.
- Garlic Control: Mince the garlic finely to avoid burning, and watch it closely while basting to prevent bitterness.
- Potato Size: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even roasting, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
Cultural Context
Steak and potatoes is a classic combination across many cuisines, from American steakhouses to French bistro-style bistec frites. This recipe takes inspiration from the American tradition of pan-seared steak, enhanced with a European-inspired garlic butter sauce. The addition of rosemary or thyme nods to Mediterranean flavors, while the roasted baby potatoes are a versatile side found in countless global dishes. Our version brings these elements together in a way that’s approachable yet feels indulgent, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 650-700 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Values vary based on steak size, butter usage, and potato portion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal, combining the primal satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak with the crispy, garlicky goodness of roasted potatoes. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together, adding a luxurious touch that makes every bite unforgettable. This recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, with endless ways to customize it to your taste. Whether you’re a meat-and-potatoes purist or a flavor adventurer, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ready to Dig In?
Fire up your skillet, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is memorable. Share your Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes creations on social media with #SteakAndPotatoes, and let us know how you made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
