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Perfect Date Night Steak Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Butter

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A simple yet luxurious steak recipe featuring a garlic herb compound butter that enhances the juicy, seared steak with rich, fresh flavors. Perfect for an impressive but easy date night meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 10 oz / 280 g each), about 1 inch thick (can substitute strip or filet mignon)
  • Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin or high-smoke point oil)
  • Optional: splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for deglazing

Instructions

  1. Make the Garlic Herb Compound Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary (if using), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended. Shape into a log using parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge.
  2. Prepare the Steaks: Bring steaks to room temperature (about 20 minutes before cooking). Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat the Pan: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until very hot, almost smoking.
  4. Sear the Steaks: Add steaks to the hot pan. Do not move for 3-4 minutes to form a crust. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F / 54°C). Adjust time for thickness or desired doneness. Optionally, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.
  5. Rest the Steaks: Remove steaks from pan, place on a warm plate, and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  6. Serve: Slice a generous pat of garlic herb butter and place on each warm steak. Allow butter to melt and soak into the steak before serving.

Notes

Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Rest steaks after cooking to keep them juicy. Use fresh herbs for the compound butter for best flavor. Butter can be made ahead and chilled or frozen. For dairy-free, substitute butter with a firm plant-based alternative or mashed avocado with herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak, garlic herb butter, date night recipe, easy steak recipe, ribeye steak, compound butter, pan-seared steak