There’s nothing quite like cutting into a perfectly seared steak, juicy and tender, then drizzling it with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients with elegant flavors, making it just as fitting for a casual weeknight dinner as it is for a special celebration. The best part? You can have this restaurant-quality dish on your table in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Quick & Easy – From start to finish in less than half an hour.
✨ Versatile – Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or a satisfying weeknight indulgence.
✨ Budget-Friendly – Gourmet flavors without the steakhouse price tag.
✨ Customizable – Add herbs, spice, or even swap the steak cut to suit your taste.
✨ Crowd-Pleasing – Rich, garlicky sauce + tender steak = guaranteed rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick) – or sirloin, strip, or filet mignon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels for the best sear.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Steak
- Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, then sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare) or adjust for your preferred doneness.
- Add butter, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks as they cook.
- Remove steaks and let them rest 5–7 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Simmer until thickened slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Slice steak against the grain.
- Spoon creamy garlic sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Steak
- ✅ Room Temp Matters: Let steaks sit out for 20 minutes before cooking for even results.
- ✅ Use a Thermometer: Medium-rare: 130–135°F, Medium: 140–145°F.
- ✅ Fresh Garlic Wins: It brings the sauce to life—avoid jarred if possible.
- ✅ Adjust Creaminess: Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
🥔 Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes.
🥦 Add roasted asparagus, zucchini, or green beans for a balanced plate.
🥖 Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up that dreamy garlic sauce!
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated—just reheat before serving.
- For longer storage, freeze the sauce (without steak) for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use a different steak cut?
Yes! Ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or even flank steak will work. Just adjust cook times.
Can I grill instead of pan-sear?
Absolutely! Grilling adds smoky depth—just make the sauce separately on the stove.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep heat low when adding cream and avoid boiling.
Final Thoughts
Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is pure indulgence made simple. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying, yet easy enough for weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a crowd, this recipe is one that belongs in your regular rotation.