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Perfect Whiskey-Glazed Ribeye Steak Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Butter

whiskey-glazed ribeye steak - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring ribeye steaks glazed with a sweet and smoky whiskey sauce, topped with a luscious garlic herb butter for a restaurant-quality steak at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ribeye steaks, about 12 oz (340 g) each, 1-inch thick
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whiskey, preferably bourbon or rye
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Set aside or refrigerate if preparing ahead (about 5 minutes).
  2. Season the Ribeye Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow even cooking.
  3. Make the Whiskey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine whiskey, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let it simmer gently until the glaze reduces by half and thickens slightly (about 8-10 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning.
  4. Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes). Add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them to develop a deep crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes.
  5. Apply the Whiskey Glaze: Brush a generous layer of the whiskey glaze on both sides of the steaks during the last minute of searing. Let it caramelize slightly, flipping once more to coat evenly.
  6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Remove steaks from the pan and rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to let juices redistribute.
  7. Serve with Garlic Herb Butter: Top each steak with a dollop of the garlic herb butter while still warm, allowing it to melt luxuriously over the meat.

Notes

If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. Let the steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Avoid poking or pressing the steak while searing to develop a good crust. Garlic herb butter can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, use vegan butter substitute. Whiskey glaze can be made with bourbon, rye, or smoky mescal. This recipe is naturally gluten-free but check whiskey labels to confirm.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey glaze, ribeye steak, garlic herb butter, steak recipe, easy steak, bourbon glaze, pan-seared steak