Garlic Butter Steak Skillet

This garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet has become my go-to dinner when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy steak strips and golden potatoes swimming in herb-infused garlic butter creates a restaurant-quality meal in just one pan.

I first made this when my in-laws came for an impromptu dinner visit, and I was short on time. They were so impressed they thought I had spent hours preparing it. Now it's requested at almost every family gathering.

Key Ingredients

• NY strip steak: About 1.5 pounds provides the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, look for good marbling
• Olive oil: Helps create the initial sear without burning like butter would at high heat
• Baby golden potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up beautifully during cooking and absorbs flavors wonderfully
• Unsalted butter: Gives you control over the final saltiness while adding rich creaminess
• Fresh herbs: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary work together to create an aromatic profile that complements both steak and potatoes
• Minced garlic: Fresh is essential here as it infuses the butter with its distinctive flavor
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground pepper and kosher salt will elevate the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Heat the olive oil and first tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts completely and begins to foam. Quarter or halve the baby potatoes depending on their size, aiming for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Add them to the hot skillet along with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. Test for doneness by inserting a fork, which should slide in easily. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Steak:

Using the same skillet, add the second tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. While the butter melts, slice your NY strip steak against the grain into strips about half an inch thick. Add the steak strips to the hot skillet with the minced garlic. Let them sear for about 2 minutes before stirring, then cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, about 4-5 minutes total cooking time should suffice. The steak will continue cooking slightly when returned to the pan with the potatoes.

Combine and Finish:

Return the potatoes to the skillet with the steak, allowing them to rewarm for about a minute. The potatoes will absorb some of the flavorful steak juices and garlic butter. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together to ensure the steak and potatoes are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.

The minced garlic is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that adding it when cooking the steak rather than with the potatoes prevents it from burning while still infusing everything with that wonderful aromatic flavor. My family now judges all my meals against "that amazing garlic steak thing," as my youngest calls it.

Perfect Steak Selection

The NY strip is my recommendation for this recipe because it offers the ideal balance of tenderness and flavor. However, ribeye would work beautifully for a more luxurious version with additional marbling. If budget is a concern, sirloin works well too, though you might want to cook it slightly less to maintain tenderness. Whatever cut you choose, bring the steak to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking from edge to center.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, but you can prep components ahead of time. The potatoes can be quartered and stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just drain and pat them dry before cooking. The herbs can be measured and combined in advance. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture in the steak.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty skillet meal with a simple green side like arugula tossed with lemon juice and olive oil. The peppery greens cut through the richness of the butter and steak. For a complete meal that will impress guests, add a crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. During summer months, this pairs wonderfully with grilled asparagus or zucchini for a seasonal touch.

Flavor Variations

The classic herb combination works beautifully, but you can customize this dish to your preferences. For a Mediterranean twist, use oregano, basil, and add halved cherry tomatoes during the final minute of cooking. Craving something with a kick? Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the butter. Love blue cheese with steak? Crumble some over the finished dish just before serving to create a delicious melt. This recipe framework welcomes creativity while maintaining its essential simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best?

NY strip steak is a great choice for its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use ribeye or sirloin as alternatives.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Sear the steak strips over medium-high heat, stirring minimally, and remove them once they reach your desired doneness.

→ Can I substitute baby golden potatoes?

Yes, you can use red potatoes or fingerlings instead. Just ensure they’re cut evenly for uniform cooking.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Oregano, thyme, and rosemary are ideal for this dish, but you can experiment with parsley or chives for added freshness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and reheat them on the stove when ready to serve.