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Perfect Browned Butter Steak for Two

browned butter steak for two - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring ribeye or New York strip steaks seared to perfection and topped with a rich, nutty browned butter sauce infused with garlic and thyme. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cuts of steak (68 oz / 170225 g each), ribeye or New York strip
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste (coarse sea salt or kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • Optional: 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring the steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season the steaks generously on both sides with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking (around 400°F / 200°C).
  4. Sear the steaks in the pan without moving them for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time for preferred doneness. Use tongs to turn the steaks without piercing the meat.
  5. Remove the steaks from the pan and place on a warm plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. In the same skillet or a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Add smashed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs during the last minute to infuse flavor.
  7. Remove the garlic and thyme sprigs from the browned butter.
  8. If using, stir in finely chopped shallots and let them soften for 1-2 minutes in the butter.
  9. Pour the warm browned butter sauce generously over the rested steaks.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before searing to get a perfect crust. Watch the butter carefully as it can burn quickly. Rest steaks after cooking to keep them juicy. Use an instant-read thermometer for best doneness results: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or ghee for lactose-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: browned butter steak, steak recipe, quick steak dinner, cozy dinner for two, ribeye steak, New York strip, easy steak recipe, garlic butter steak