Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy steak with creamy garlic sauce is the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers. Perfectly seared steak delivers a tender, flavorful bite, while the velvety garlic sauce adds richness and sophistication. This dish strikes the balance between rustic comfort and fine-dining elegance, making it a versatile choice for both special occasions and weeknight meals. The creamy garlic sauce enhances the steak without overpowering its natural flavor, creating a harmonious pairing that feels indulgent yet approachable. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity—minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and a short cooking time deliver big flavors without the fuss. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, this steak dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a five-star meal in your own kitchen.
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Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and indulgent main course featuring pan-seared steaks served with a luscious cream-based garlic sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a restaurant-style meal at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or to desired doneness.
- Remove steaks from skillet and let rest, tented with foil.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return steaks to skillet, spooning sauce over them, and cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve steaks topped with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference for stronger or milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
The star of the dish, steak provides juicy, tender meat with bold flavor. Ribeye is rich and marbled, sirloin offers leaner meat, and filet mignon provides unmatched tenderness.
Olive oil
Used for searing the steak, olive oil ensures a golden crust while locking in moisture.
Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the meat.
Butter
Adds richness when basting the steak and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Garlic cloves
Fresh garlic, sautéed until fragrant, is the heart of the sauce, lending bold, aromatic flavor.
Heavy cream
Provides a luscious, velvety base for the sauce, complementing the savory steak.
Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan enriches the sauce with nutty depth and thickens its consistency.
Fresh parsley
Sprinkled on top, parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
Beef broth
Optional, but a splash deepens the sauce and enhances the steak’s flavor.
Directions
Start by bringing the steaks to room temperature and patting them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for a few minutes on each side until a golden crust forms, adjusting cooking time based on preferred doneness. During the last minute of cooking, add butter and baste the steaks by spooning melted butter over the meat. Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add a small knob of butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted into a smooth sauce. If desired, add a splash of beef broth to thin and enhance flavor. Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Return the steaks to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people, depending on steak size. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 15 minutes, and the dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy evenings and elegant dinners.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving steak, as it can become tough.
Variations and Customizations
Herb-Infused Sauce
Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra fragrance.
Mushroom Garlic Sauce
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, hearty addition.
Blue Cheese Sauce
Stir in crumbled blue cheese for a tangy, bold twist.
Spicy Garlic Cream
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to bring heat.
White Wine Cream Sauce
Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding cream for brightness.
Truffle Infusion
Add a few drops of truffle oil to elevate the dish with gourmet flair.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Grilled Steak Option
Grill the steak outdoors and prepare the sauce separately for a smoky version.
Garlic Butter-Only Version
Skip the cream and serve steak simply basted with garlic butter.
Surf and Turf
Serve with seared shrimp or scallops alongside the steak for an indulgent pairing.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon are excellent options depending on preference and budget.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk won’t achieve the same creaminess; half-and-half is a better substitute.
Do I need to rest the steak?
Yes, resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the steak moist.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently.
Can I cook the steak in advance?
Steak is best served freshly cooked, but leftovers can be reheated gently.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or garlic bread are perfect companions.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, double the sauce ingredients if you like extra for sides.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your Parmesan and broth are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly until fragrant.
Conclusion
Juicy steak with creamy garlic sauce is an impressive yet approachable recipe that delivers big flavor in little time. With its perfectly seared steak, rich sauce, and endless customization options, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home. Whether for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a well-deserved treat, this recipe is sure to impress with every tender, flavorful bite.
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