A perfectly seared steak, with a golden garlic butter coating, offers a simple yet decadent meal. The combination of garlic, rosemary, and butter adds a rich and fragrant layer to the steak, making it restaurant-worthy right at home.
Not only does this steak deliver on flavor, but it’s incredibly versatile. Whether paired with mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion. It’s easy to cook and results in a juicy, flavorful steak every time, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a craving for a steakhouse-quality meal.
Full Recipe:
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2 ribeye steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, crushed
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Remove steaks from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
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Preheat a heavy skillet over high heat until it is very hot.
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Rub the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Place the steaks in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on desired doneness.
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Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks as they cook.
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Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Restaurant-Style Steak: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Seared Meat at Home
When it comes to steak, the ideal way to prepare it can vary based on personal preference. However, nothing beats the classic, perfectly seared, restaurant-style steak, which combines a flavorful crust and juicy interior. This type of steak is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or for simply treating yourself to a delicious meal at home. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about preparing the perfect restaurant-style steak, from tips and tricks to pairing suggestions, ensuring that every bite is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
The first step to preparing a restaurant-style steak is selecting the right cut of meat. Different cuts offer distinct flavors and textures, so it’s important to choose one that matches your preferences. Ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, and strip steak are all excellent options for a restaurant-style steak. Among these, ribeye is especially known for its rich marbling, which results in a juicy, flavorful steak when cooked to perfection. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is incredibly tender and lean, making it a top choice for those who prefer a more delicate texture. Whatever cut you choose, look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick, as this will help achieve a perfect sear without overcooking the inside.
Prepping the Steak: Letting It Rest and Seasoning
Once you’ve selected your steak, the next step is to prep it properly. It’s essential to let the steak rest at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming tough when seared. While the steak is resting, it’s time to season it generously. For a restaurant-style steak, simple seasoning is often the best. A good amount of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the meat. If you want to add more depth, consider using garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. The key is to avoid over-seasoning, as the meat’s natural flavor should still be the star of the dish.
The Importance of the Sear
One of the defining characteristics of a restaurant-style steak is its beautifully browned, crispy exterior. Achieving this perfect sear requires high heat, which can be accomplished using a cast-iron skillet, stainless steel pan, or grill. Preheat your skillet over high heat for several minutes to ensure it’s hot enough to create that desirable crust. You should hear a sizzling sound as soon as the steak hits the pan, indicating that the sear is happening. A good sear locks in the juices, creating a flavorful, golden-brown exterior, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Basting with Butter and Aromatics
While the steak is cooking, an important technique for adding extra flavor is basting. Once your steak has seared on one side and you’re ready to flip it, add a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter, crushed garlic cloves, and a sprig or two of fresh rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the butter and aromatics. This technique adds richness and flavor to the steak, and the rosemary imparts a fragrant, savory touch. Basting also helps to further enhance the sear, ensuring that the steak is perfectly cooked on the outside.
Cooking to the Right Temperature
The key to a perfectly cooked steak is monitoring its internal temperature. For restaurant-style steaks, you’ll typically aim for medium-rare, which is an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C). However, the cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your pan. A thicker steak may require more time to reach the right temperature, while thinner steaks will cook faster. To achieve the perfect level of doneness, it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once your steak has reached the desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting the steak helps redistribute the juices, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Pairing Your Restaurant-Style Steak
Now that you’ve prepared the perfect steak, it’s time to think about pairing it with side dishes and sauces that will complement its rich flavors. For a classic steakhouse meal, mashed potatoes, crispy roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad are excellent choices. If you’re looking for something more decadent, consider pairing the steak with a creamy béarnaise sauce, peppercorn sauce, or a rich red wine reduction. These sauces add depth and balance to the steak, enhancing its natural flavors.
For wine pairing, opt for a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah. These wines have enough tannins and structure to complement the richness of the steak. If you prefer a lighter option, a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel can also work well, offering a nice contrast to the meat without overpowering it.
Why Cook Steak at Home?
Cooking steak at home offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it gives you complete control over the cooking process. You can adjust the seasoning, searing technique, and doneness level to suit your personal preferences. Additionally, making steak at home allows you to experiment with different cuts, flavors, and sauces, so you can customize the meal to your liking. Another major benefit is the cost savings. A high-quality steakhouse dinner can be quite expensive, but cooking at home allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, cooking at home is a great way to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. A perfectly cooked steak is always a showstopper and is sure to leave your guests impressed. Plus, there’s something satisfying about mastering the art of steak preparation, which can boost your confidence in the kitchen and motivate you to try other gourmet recipes.
Conclusion: The Art of a Perfect Restaurant-Style Steak
Perfecting a restaurant-style steak at home is an art form that involves selecting the right cut of meat, seasoning it well, achieving the perfect sear, and knowing how to cook it to the desired level of doneness. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a juicy, tender steak with a rich, flavorful crust. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, a restaurant-style steak is sure to impress. With the right technique, you can enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen.
Now, the only thing left to do is gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy steak from the comfort of your own home!