Savory Brown Butter Steak

When it comes to steak, there’s nothing quite like the flavor and tenderness that comes from a perfectly cooked piece of meat. But if you’re looking to elevate your steak game to the next level, try adding a rich, nutty brown butter sauce. Savory Brown Butter Steak is a simple yet luxurious way to enhance the natural flavors of your steak, while adding a deep, caramelized flavor that’s hard to resist. The combination of a seared, juicy steak with the richness of brown butter infused with garlic and fresh herbs creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Brown butter, or “beurre noisette” as it’s called in French cuisine, is made by cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, giving the butter a rich, nutty aroma. When paired with a steak, this butter sauce adds depth, richness, and an irresistible flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory meat. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to an indulgent dinner, this Savory Brown Butter Steak will impress with its simplicity and bold flavors.

Ready to learn how to make this easy yet sophisticated dish? Let’s dive into the recipe for a perfectly seared steak with a decadent brown butter sauce that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Deep, Rich Flavor

The star of this dish is the brown butter sauce. As the butter cooks and browns, it takes on a complex, nutty flavor that enhances the natural richness of the steak. The addition of garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary infuses the butter with even more flavor, making each bite of steak a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

2. Easy to Make

Despite its impressive flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality steak on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a special dinner or even a weeknight indulgence.

3. Versatile

While the brown butter steak is incredible on its own, it’s also a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, the rich flavors of the steak and butter sauce will complement just about anything.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

Looking for a special dish to impress guests or celebrate a milestone? This recipe is ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to serve something memorable. The steak’s luxurious flavor, combined with the simplicity of the recipe, makes it a go-to for any celebration.

5. Customizable

This recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well-done, the brown butter sauce will complement any level of doneness. You can also experiment with different herbs, adding sage, parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2 servings
• Calories per serving: 550
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 45g

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut, about 10-12 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme (or rosemary)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Brown Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for browning)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced or smashed)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of brightness)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Flaky sea salt (for extra seasoning)

Why These Ingredients?

• Ribeye Steaks: Ribeye is known for its marbling, which creates a juicy, flavorful steak. However, you can use any steak cut you prefer, such as filet mignon, New York strip, or sirloin. The brown butter sauce will enhance any cut of meat.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning and avoid an overly salty sauce. Butter is key to the brown butter sauce, which adds richness and a nutty flavor to the dish.
• Garlic and Thyme: These aromatics infuse the butter with flavor as it browns, complementing the richness of the steak with herbal and garlicky notes.
• Lemon Juice: A small squeeze of lemon adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter and steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making this Savory Brown Butter Steak step by step. You’ll be searing your steak to perfection and creating a rich brown butter sauce in no time.

1. Prepare the Steak

Bring the steak to room temperature:

Before cooking, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly.

Season the steaks:

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust when searing.

Pro Tip: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the steak.

2. Sear the Steaks

Heat the skillet:

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the olive oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.

Sear the steaks:

Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness. Avoid moving the steaks while they sear to ensure a good crust forms.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C).

Add butter, garlic, and thyme:

During the last minute of cooking, add the 2 tablespoons of butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks. This process, known as basting, adds richness and helps develop even more flavor.

3. Rest the Steaks

Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-7 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

4. Make the Brown Butter Sauce

While the steaks rest, it’s time to make the brown butter sauce.

Brown the butter:

In the same skillet (after removing the steaks), melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and herbs:

Once the butter is browned, add the minced or smashed garlic and fresh thyme to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute to infuse the butter with the garlic and herb flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Optional: Add lemon juice:

For a bit of brightness, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This will add a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.

5. Serve

Slice the steak:

Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thick strips. This ensures each bite is tender.

Drizzle with brown butter sauce:

Plate the sliced steak and generously spoon the brown butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.

6. Enjoy!

Serve the Savory Brown Butter Steak immediately, alongside your favorite side dishes. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter, combined with the tender, juicy steak, makes for an unforgettable meal.

How to Serve

Here are a few delicious ways to serve your Savory Brown Butter Steak:

• With Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the brown butter sauce. The creamy texture complements the tender steak.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the steak over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the extra butter sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the steak with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a well-balanced meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: For a lighter option, serve the steak alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Savory Brown Butter Steak comes out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it retains heat well and helps create a beautiful sear on the steak. If you don’t have cast iron, use a heavy-bottomed skillet.

2. Let the Butter Brown Slowly

Don’t rush the process of browning the butter. Keep an eye on it as it turns from yellow to golden brown. The milk

solids should caramelize without burning. If the butter turns dark brown or smells burnt, it’s overdone.

3. Rest the Steak Before Slicing

Letting the steak rest after cooking is essential for a juicy steak. Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, preventing them from spilling out when sliced.

4. Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh thyme or rosemary gives the brown butter sauce its signature aroma and flavor. Dried herbs won’t have the same effect, so stick with fresh if possible.

5. Baste the Steak for Extra Flavor

Basting the steak with butter during the final minutes of cooking enhances its flavor and helps create a golden, caramelized crust.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe and make it your own:

1. Garlic and Sage Brown Butter

Swap the thyme for fresh sage leaves to create a more robust, earthy flavor. The sage will crisp up in the brown butter, adding extra texture and flavor to the dish.

2. Brown Butter and Blue Cheese Steak

After drizzling the steak with brown butter sauce, top it with crumbled blue cheese. The sharp, tangy cheese pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter.

3. Lemon Garlic Brown Butter Steak

For a citrusy twist, add more lemon juice to the brown butter sauce and serve the steak with lemon wedges. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the butter and steak.

4. Herb Butter Steak

Make an herb-infused butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Melt this herb butter over the steak instead of the brown butter for a fresh, fragrant finish.

5. Chili Brown Butter Steak

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the brown butter sauce. The heat pairs wonderfully with the nutty, caramelized butter.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Freezing: You can freeze cooked steak for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Cast-Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing the steak and making the brown butter sauce.
• Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the steak for perfect doneness.
• Tongs: For flipping the steak and basting with butter.
• Basting Spoon: To spoon the melted butter over the steak as it cooks.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! You can use any steak cut you prefer, such as filet mignon, New York strip, or sirloin. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

How do I know when the butter is browned?

You’ll know the butter is browned when it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning.

Can I make the brown butter sauce ahead of time?

It’s best to make the brown butter sauce fresh, as it can solidify as it cools. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can gently reheat it over low heat before serving.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, you can use dried herbs, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Fresh herbs are recommended for the best results.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a vegan butter substitute that browns well. Just be sure to use a brand that can handle high heat.

Conclusion

There you have it—Savory Brown Butter Steak, an elegant yet simple dish that brings out the best in a classic steak dinner. With its rich, nutty brown butter sauce, garlicky herbs, and perfectly seared steak, this recipe is sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a luxurious meal at home. The deep flavors of the brown butter elevate the steak to new heights, making it a meal to remember.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different herbs, adjust the level of doneness to your preference, and pair the steak with your favorite side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re a seasoned steak lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I hope you enjoy making this Savory Brown Butter Steak as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how your steak turns out! Happy cooking!

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