Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Few dishes are as indulgent and universally loved as a perfectly cooked steak served with a luxurious garlic cream sauce. This recipe elevates a classic steak dinner to restaurant-quality, blending the rich, buttery flavor of seared steak with the creamy, garlicky decadence of the sauce.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant-Quality Meal: This dish delivers the taste of a fine-dining steakhouse from the comfort of your kitchen.
2. Rich Flavor Profile: The garlic cream sauce adds a velvety texture and aromatic depth to the steak.
3. Customizable: Choose your preferred steak cut and tailor the seasoning and sauce to suit your taste.
4. Quick and Simple: With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this gourmet dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
5. Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Season the Steaks: Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Heat the Pan: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

1. Sear the First Side: Add the steaks to the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them. This allows a beautiful crust to form.
2. Flip and Add Butter: Flip the steaks and add the butter, smashed garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.
3. Baste the Steaks: As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the flavorful butter-garlic-herb mixture. Sear for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare or longer for your desired doneness.

Step 3: Rest the Steaks

1. Remove from Heat: Transfer the steaks to a plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet or a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season: Add a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Steaks: Place the rested steaks on serving plates.
2. Pour the Sauce: Generously spoon the garlic cream sauce over the steaks.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Steak: Ribeye and filet mignon are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but sirloin and New York strip are great options for a leaner cut.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steaks in batches if needed to ensure a proper sear and avoid steaming.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature:
   • Rare: 125°F (51°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
   • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
4. Let It Rest: Allowing the steak to rest locks in the juices, preventing them from spilling out when sliced.
5. Experiment with Herbs: Swap out rosemary and thyme for sage, tarragon, or oregano to customize the flavor.

Variations

1. Peppercorn Sauce: Add crushed green peppercorns to the garlic cream sauce for a zesty kick.
2. Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, umami-rich sauce.
3. Wine Infusion: Deglaze the pan with white wine or dry sherry before adding cream for added depth.
4. Herb Butter: Top the steak with a pat of garlic-herb compound butter instead of the cream sauce.
5. Keto-Friendly: Serve with steamed asparagus or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a healthy side.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad adds balance to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Mop up the sauce with warm, crusty garlic bread.

Final Thoughts

This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is a foolproof recipe for an indulgent, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender, juicy steak and rich, creamy garlic sauce is pure comfort food bliss.

Yield: 4

Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Print

Few dishes are as indulgent and universally loved as a perfectly cooked steak served with a luxurious garlic cream sauce. This recipe elevates a classic steak dinner to restaurant-quality, blending the rich, buttery flavor of seared steak with the creamy, garlicky decadence of the sauce. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
• 4 (6-ounce) steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks
   Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
   Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
   
2. Cook the Steaks
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness:
   Rare: 125°F (52°C)
   Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
   Medium: 145°F (63°C)
   Add the butter to the skillet and spoon it over the steaks for extra flavor.
   Remove the steaks from the skillet, tent with foil, and let rest while preparing the sauce.
   
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
   Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Serve
   Plate the steaks and spoon the garlic cream sauce generously over each steak.
   Garnish with fresh parsley.
   Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of your choice.

Notes

Steak Choice: Use high-quality cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for the best results.

Doneness Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and avoid overcooking.

Customizations: Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor.