Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce

Description

Juicy, pan-seared steak served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is made with butter, fresh garlic, cream, and Parmesan for a restaurant-style dinner that’s easy to prepare at home.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 4 boneless steaks, about 6 oz (170 g) each
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme, optional

For the Garlic Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring the steaks to room temperature:
   Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season the steaks:
   Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Gently press the seasoning into the meat.
3. Heat the pan:
   Place a large heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat. Allow it to become very hot before adding the steaks.
4. Sear the steaks:
   Add the steaks to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, without moving them.
5. Flip and add butter:
   Flip the steaks. Add 1 tablespoon butter, the crushed garlic, and rosemary or thyme. Cook another 3–4 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the steaks.
6. Check doneness:
   Continue cooking until the steaks reach your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 130–135°F (54–57°C) after resting.
7. Rest the steaks:
   Transfer the steaks to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
8. Start the garlic sauce:
   Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.
9. Add broth and cream:
   Pour in the beef broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
10. Simmer:
    Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
11. Add Parmesan:
    Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy.
12. Season the sauce:
    Add black pepper and salt to taste. For a brighter flavor, stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice.
13. Return the steaks:
    Place the rested steaks back into the skillet for 1–2 minutes, spooning the garlic cream sauce over the top.
14. Garnish and serve:
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with plenty of the creamy garlic sauce.

Healthy Benefits

• Steak provides high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
• Garlic contains beneficial plant compounds.
• Adding a vegetable side can provide extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Using a moderate amount of cream and butter keeps the dish rich without needing a large amount of sauce.

Pro Tip

Don’t cut into the steak immediately after cooking. Resting for 5–10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.

Frequency

Because this is a rich, creamy meal, enjoy it occasionally or about once a week, alongside plenty of vegetables.

Q&A

What cut of steak is best?
Ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon all work well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamy result, heavy cream works best.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it a little longer or add a little extra Parmesan.

Can I make the sauce without Parmesan?
Yes. Simply simmer the cream and broth until slightly thickened and adjust the seasoning.

Serve With

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Creamy mashed cauliflower
• Garden salad
• Crusty bread

Variations

Mushroom Garlic Cream Steak: Add sliced mushrooms after cooking the steak and sauté until golden.

Spicy Garlic Steak: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Spinach Cream Sauce: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving.

Blue Cheese Version: Add a small amount of crumbled blue cheese instead of Parmesan.

Herb Garlic Sauce: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.

Related Recipe Ideas

• Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Steak with Mushroom Gravy
• Garlic Herb Beef Tips
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken
• Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter

Final Thought

This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is rich, tender, and full of comforting garlic and buttery flavors. Serve it with roasted vegetables or potatoes for an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make.