Here’s a fully detailed, step-by-step recipe with exact measurements and pro tips so it comes out restaurant-level every time.
Steak Strips in a Creamy Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
Serves
2–3 people
⏱️ About 25 minutes total
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp beef broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
- Pat steak dry with paper towels (very important for browning).
- Slice against the grain into 1-inch-wide strips.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
2. Sear the Steak
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat.
- Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Add steak strips in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Sear 1–2 minutes per side until deep brown.
- Remove steak from pan and set aside (do not overcook).
👉 Goal: hard sear outside, juicy inside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Base
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the same pan.
- Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
⚠️ Don’t brown the garlic—it will turn bitter.
4. Build the Cream Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream while scraping up the browned bits.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add thyme and rosemary.
5. Finish the Dish
- Return steak (and juices) to the pan.
- Toss to coat and simmer 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add beef broth if sauce is too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or steak will steam.
- If sauce breaks, lower heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cream.
- For extra richness, finish with 1 tbsp cold butter off heat.
Serving Ideas
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fettuccine or tagliatelle
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Crusty bread (non-negotiable 😌)