Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful recipe perfect for dinner. Tender steak strips are marinated, seared to perfection, and served with a rich, silky butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. This dish is an impressive yet simple way to elevate your weeknight meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Steak and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, cut into strips
- 1 + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of red chili pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon finely minced chives
- ½ cup beef stock (or water)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Marinade:
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo/gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Directions
Marinate the Steak:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, Sriracha, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Add steak strips to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
Sear the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the marinated steak strips with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak strips quickly, turning once, until browned (1-2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside, covered.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened.
- Add thyme, chives, chili pepper flakes, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits for added flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer until reduced by half (about 5 minutes).
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling the skillet to melt and combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish and Serve:
- Return the steak strips to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to reheat briefly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and chives. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as sautéed spinach or mashed potatoes.
Nutrients
- Serving Size: 1 portion (half the recipe)
- Calories: ~400 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: ~700mg
This Pan-Seared Steak with Butter Sauce delivers bold flavors in a short amount of time, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
The Magic of Pan-Seared Steak
Searing steak in a hot skillet is one of the simplest and most effective cooking methods to achieve a flavorful, golden-brown crust. By locking in the juices, this technique ensures the meat remains tender and moist while creating a beautiful exterior. The addition of a rich butter sauce in this recipe enhances the natural flavors of the steak, turning a humble cut of meat into something truly special.
Why Pan-Searing Works
- High Heat for a Quick Sear: The high heat of the skillet caramelizes the natural sugars and proteins in the steak, creating a crispy crust packed with flavor.
- Butter Basting for Moisture: Basting the steak with butter as it cooks helps keep it moist and infuses it with rich, nutty flavors.
- Versatile Cooking Method: Pan-searing works with various cuts of beef, from flank steak to ribeye, making it a flexible option for home cooks.
The Star Ingredient: Flank Steak
Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that shines when cooked quickly over high heat. Its rich, beefy taste makes it the ideal choice for this recipe, as it pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the marinade and sauce. Slicing the steak into strips before cooking ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender, especially when paired with the marinade’s tenderizing effects.
The Importance of Marinating
The marinade in this recipe is not just a flavor enhancer; it also tenderizes the steak. With a combination of soy sauce, olive oil, Sriracha, and black pepper, the marinade imparts a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to the meat. Allowing the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a perfectly seasoned dish.
The Velvety Butter Sauce
The butter sauce is what truly elevates this dish, adding richness, depth, and a touch of elegance. Infused with garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, and Dijon mustard, the sauce balances the richness of the butter with bright, tangy notes from the lemon juice and mustard. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce that complements the steak without overpowering it.
Key Elements of the Sauce
- Butter: The base of the sauce, butter adds creaminess and a luxurious texture.
- Garlic and Shallots: These aromatics bring sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and a subtle sharpness, cutting through the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and chives provide a burst of freshness and an earthy aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce with acidity, balancing the richness of the butter.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce is versatile enough to suit any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations. Its quick preparation time (just 30 minutes) makes it a great choice for busy evenings, while its sophisticated flavors and presentation make it worthy of a dinner party or date night.
Perfect Pairings for Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce
The richness of this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize the meal based on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some suggestions:
Vegetable Side Dishes
- Sautéed Spinach: The light, earthy flavor of spinach complements the richness of the butter sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: A touch of lemon on the asparagus mirrors the citrus notes in the sauce.
- Garlic Green Beans: Crisp, garlicky green beans provide a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Starches
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: A light, herbed rice pilaf adds a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of the buttery sauce.
Beverage Pairings
- Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the richness of the steak and sauce.
- White Wine: A buttery Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the citrusy, creamy sauce.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea makes for a refreshing accompaniment.
A Nutritional Perspective
While this dish feels indulgent, it also offers nutritional benefits. The lean protein from the steak provides essential amino acids, while the fresh herbs and lemon juice add vitamins and antioxidants. By balancing the butter and olive oil in the sauce, you can enjoy the richness of the dish without overindulging.
Customizing for Dietary Needs
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the marinade to make the dish gluten-free.
- Lighter Version: Replace some of the butter with olive oil and reduce the amount of cream in the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Steak
- Use a Hot Skillet: Ensure your skillet is preheated to achieve a proper sear.
- Pat Steak Dry: Removing excess moisture from the steak helps create a better crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
- Let It Rest: Allow the steak to rest briefly after searing to retain its juices.
- Taste the Sauce as You Go: Adjust the seasoning, lemon juice, and mustard to suit your palate.
Why Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce Stands Out
This recipe combines simplicity and sophistication, proving that great meals don’t have to be complicated. By using high-quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours of preparation. Its bold flavors, tender steak, and velvety sauce make it a memorable meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Pan-Seared Steak in Butter Sauce is a testament to how simple ingredients and techniques can create extraordinary results. The tender steak, flavorful marinade, and indulgent sauce come together to form a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with your favorite sides, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. It’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again!
