Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. Tender, juicy steak combined with crispy, golden-brown potatoes all drenched in a garlic butter sauce creates a satisfying, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the steak:
- 1 lb (450 g) ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
For the potatoes:
- 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the steak:
- Choose the right cut: For the best results, use a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin. These cuts are flavorful and become wonderfully tender when cooked in a skillet. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- Season the steak: In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the potatoes:
- Cut the potatoes: Baby potatoes work best in this recipe because they cook quickly and become crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Halve them for faster cooking and an appealing golden-brown surface.
- Sauté the potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the halved potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- Add garlic: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the potatoes, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
3. Sear the steak:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, leaving any remaining butter and oil in the skillet.
- Sear the steak cubes: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When the skillet is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Let the steak sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the steak to steam rather than sear.
- Cook to desired doneness: Continue cooking the steak until it reaches your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 4-5 minutes total. Adjust the cooking time for more well-done steak. As the steak finishes cooking, add another teaspoon of minced garlic and stir for the last minute.
4. Combine and serve:
- Return the potatoes to the skillet: Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked potatoes back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the steak and potatoes in the garlic butter mixture.
- Add finishing touches: For extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. Serve hot:
- Transfer the steak and potatoes to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Success
- Cut the steak evenly: Ensure that the steak cubes are of uniform size so they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Dry the steak well: Pat the steak dry with a paper towel before searing to achieve a perfect crust. Moisture on the steak can prevent browning and cause it to steam instead.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: If your skillet is too small to hold all the steak pieces without crowding, sear them in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, preventing proper browning.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh rosemary and thyme adds an elevated, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the steak and potatoes after combining them, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Adding a little more salt or pepper at the end can help bring out all the flavors.
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms into the skillet. Sauté them along with the potatoes or separately, then mix them into the final dish.
- Spice it up: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
- Change up the meat: This recipe works well with other proteins like chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein you use.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft.
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a mouthwatering, quick, and easy meal that requires minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and the leftovers, if any, make for a delicious next-day meal!