Introduction

There’s something almost magical about the sizzle of a perfectly cooked steak hitting a hot skillet, especially when it’s bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet recipe combines two beloved comfort foods into one spectacular one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.

What makes this dish truly special is how the potatoes absorb all those amazing flavors from the steak and garlic butter while developing a beautiful golden crust that’s tender on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and home-cooked comfort that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or multiple pots and pans to clean afterward.

I first created this recipe on a rainy Sunday when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to deal with a complicated cooking process. Since then, it’s become one of my family’s most requested meals, right up there with my popular Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet (which you should definitely check out if you enjoy this one).

Ready to create restaurant-quality steak dinner without the restaurant price tag? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that combines simple ingredients with amazing flavor!

What is Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet?

Wondering what makes this garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet so special? Well, my friend, it’s exactly what it sounds like – but so much more! Tender, juicy steak and golden potatoes cooked to perfection in a single skillet, then elevated to swoon-worthy status with a generous helping of homemade garlic butter that infuses every bite with flavor. Remember when your grandmother used to say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, this dish might just be the express lane! It’s what happens when convenience meets luxury on a weeknight, and your taste buds get to attend the party. Ready to become the kitchen hero your family never knew they needed? This skillet wonder is your secret weapon!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet:

This garlic butter steak masterpiece will quickly become your new favorite for so many reasons. First, the star of the show is undoubtedly that perfectly cooked steak with its mouthwatering crust on the outside and tender, juicy interior that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite is enhanced by the richness of the garlic butter that infuses the meat with incredible flavor.

Making this restaurant-worthy meal at home will save you a small fortune compared to steakhouse prices. You can create this impressive dish for a fraction of what you’d pay dining out, yet enjoy the same luxurious experience right at your kitchen table. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself without breaking the bank.

The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter creates a sauce that transforms both the steak and potatoes into something extraordinary. The potatoes soak up all that beautiful flavor while developing crispy edges that provide the perfect textural contrast to the tender steak. Much like my Herb-Crusted Salmon recipe, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create memorable meals when combined thoughtfully.

Ready to impress your family or dinner guests with minimal effort? This skillet recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom!

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet:

Quick Overview

This one-pan wonder comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. The secret lies in the timing – searing the steak to perfection while ensuring the potatoes get nice and crispy. The garlic butter ties everything together, creating a luxurious sauce that elevates this dish to restaurant quality. Even kitchen novices can master this recipe, and the result is a satisfying meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet:

1-1.5 pounds sirloin steak (or ribeye)
1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
6 tablespoons butter, divided
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of half a lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 5 minutes to partially cook them. This ensures they’ll cook evenly in the skillet.
Season the steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels (this is crucial for a good sear), then season generously on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Sear the steak: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter is melted and foaming, add the steak. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust time according to your preference and steak thickness). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a plate, tented with foil.
Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the par-cooked potatoes cut side down. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until potatoes are tender and crispy on the outside.
Make the garlic butter: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the empty side of the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
Combine everything: Mix the potatoes into the garlic butter mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat the potatoes. Slice the rested steak against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices and return to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.
Finish the dish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet for a beautiful presentation.

What to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet With:

This hearty garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet is practically a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with some complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery steak and potatoes. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing or a classic Caesar.

For a vegetable side, try roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli – both pair beautifully with the garlic butter flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of creamy mushrooms would complement the steak perfectly.

For beverages, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec stands up well to the richness of the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with cranberry or pomegranate for a tart contrast to the buttery flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet:

Room temperature steak is key: Always let your steak sit out for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and a better sear.
Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the surface of your steak before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If cooking for more people, consider using two skillets rather than cramming everything in one. Overcrowding creates steam and prevents proper browning.
The resting period is non-negotiable: Let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Cut too soon, and all those flavorful juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in your steak.
Butter substitutions: If you’re dairy-sensitive, you can substitute the butter with ghee for a similar flavor profile, or use olive oil for a different but still delicious result.
Herb variations: Fresh herbs are preferred, but if you only have dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon each instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

This garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days.

For the best reheating results, separate the steak from the potatoes if possible. Reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil until crispy again, about 5-7 minutes. For the steak, to avoid overcooking, either add it to the skillet for the last minute just to warm through, or warm it separately in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until just heated through.

If you want to plan ahead, you can pre-cook the potatoes and prepare the garlic butter mixture up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when ready to serve, simply cook the steak and combine all components for a quicker dinner preparation.

This dish is not ideal for freezing as both the texture of the potatoes and the steak can be negatively affected when thawed.

garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet

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