Few dishes embody indulgence and comfort quite like a Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Imagine a perfectly seared ribeye, its crust golden and aromatic, paired with a luscious sauce of garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan. This recipe elevates your dinner table to restaurant standards while keeping the process simple enough for any home cook. Whether you’re preparing a romantic meal, a family feast, or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this creamy garlic steak recipe is one you’ll want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Unmatched Flavor – Pan-seared ribeye infused with garlic, butter, and herbs.
- Velvety Sauce – The garlic cream smothered steak creates a melt-in-your-mouth pairing.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples transformed into a gourmet dish.
- Flexible Proteins – Works with ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or strip steak.
- Quick Cooking – Ready in under 30 minutes for weeknight ease.
- Restaurant Quality at Home – Impress guests or loved ones without dining out.
- Budget-Friendly Luxury – One skillet, minimal fuss, maximum reward.
Ingredients for Juicy Garlic Butter Steak
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick) – marbled cuts give the juiciest results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – creates a high smoke-point sear.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – bastes the steak for tenderness.
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed – releases aromatic oils.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme – adds earthy flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – enhances natural beefiness.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – the foundation of richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – sweet, savory depth when gently sautéed.
- 1 cup heavy cream – provides body and luxurious texture.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – umami boost and thickener.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – tangy balance to cut richness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – adjust for flavor balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – a subtle smoky undertone.
👉 Substitutions & Tips
- Swap ribeye with sirloin steak with creamy garlic sauce for a leaner cut.
- Replace Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino for sharper notes.
- For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Dry surfaces = better sear.
2. Sear to Perfection
Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then lay in steaks. Cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Baste with Flavor
Add butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary/thyme. Tilt skillet and spoon hot butter over steaks. This creates tender steak in creamy garlic butter.
4. Rest the Meat
Transfer steaks to a plate and let rest 5–7 minutes. Resting prevents juices from spilling out when sliced.
5. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in cream, bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan, Dijon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Assemble and Serve
Slice steak against the grain. Spoon over creamy garlic sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Steak
How do I make sure my steak stays juicy?
Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures tenderness.
What’s the secret to the perfect sear?
Use a cast iron skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. A dry steak + hot skillet = golden crust.
How can I thicken my creamy garlic sauce?
Simmer longer, add extra Parmesan, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
Best Ways to Serve Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- With garlic mashed potatoes for comfort food bliss.
- Over creamy risotto for a fine-dining twist.
- Alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- On toasted baguette slices for a gourmet steak sandwich.
👉 Try it with our Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta for a surf-and-turf inspired dinner idea.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Slice steak before freezing for easier reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in skillet with a splash of cream to revive sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the steak, prepare sauce separately, and combine just before serving.
Which steak cut works best?
Ribeye is classic, but filet mignon, strip, or sirloin also pair beautifully with creamy garlic steak recipe.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though sauce will be lighter. Thicken with Parmesan or cornstarch if needed.
Variations
- Low-Carb: Pair with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh tarragon or parsley for brightness.
- Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil to the sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms in butter before adding cream.
Conclusion
A Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce isn’t just dinner – it’s an experience. The golden sear, buttery garlic aroma, and silky cream sauce come together in a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for impressing guests, celebrating milestones, or simply rewarding yourself, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
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Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Dinner at Home
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your desired doneness.
Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and rosemary/thyme to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks as they cook.
Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5-7 minutes.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Assemble and Serve:
Slice the steaks against the grain and serve them topped with the creamy garlic sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Notes
Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Adjust the sauce consistency by adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it becomes too thick.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.


