If you’re craving a steak that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce. The rich, creamy garlic sauce enhances the steak with a velvety finish, while the sear on the steak locks in all the natural juices. Perfect for date night or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe combines a simple yet indulgent creamy sauce with a perfectly cooked steak that is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
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4 beef steaks (sirloin or ribeye)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup beef or chicken stock
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Heat the Pan: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, season both sides of your steaks with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the hot skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time if you prefer a different level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
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Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and stock to the skillet, stirring to combine. Mix in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
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Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the steaks to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Let the steaks warm in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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Serve: Plate the steaks and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 per serving
Tips for the Best Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
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Choose the Right Cut: Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best for tenderness and flavor.
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Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Letting the steak sit out for 20-30 minutes before cooking ensures even cooking.
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Pat the Steak Dry: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture before seasoning for a perfect sear.
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Use High Heat: A hot pan creates a delicious crust on the steak.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
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Baste with Butter: Adding butter during the last minute of cooking enhances flavor.
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Rest the Steak: Let it rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to keep the juices locked in.
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Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a rich, aromatic taste.
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Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Letting the sauce thicken on low heat ensures a creamy consistency.
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Adjust Thickness: Add more stock if the sauce is too thick or let it simmer longer if it’s too thin.
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Add a Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne can add a little spice.
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Enhance the Umami: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can deepen the flavor.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness—medium-rare (130-135°F), medium (135-145°F), or well-done (160°F+).
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Deglaze the Pan: Use wine or stock to scrape up browned bits for extra flavor in the sauce.
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Stir Constantly: When making the sauce, stirring frequently prevents curdling.
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Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cook until just fragrant to avoid bitterness.
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Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients—it’s great over mashed potatoes!
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Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and flavor.
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Pair with a Side Dish: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
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Try a Reverse Sear: Cook the steak in the oven at a low temp (275°F) until 10°F below the desired doneness, then sear in a hot pan.
Variations to Try
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Mushroom Garlic Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, rich taste.
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Spicy Cajun Steak: Season the steak with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky kick.
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Lemon Herb Butter: Swap the garlic sauce for a lemony butter sauce with fresh thyme and rosemary.
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Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce: Stir in crumbled blue cheese for a tangy, indulgent twist.
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Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add grated Parmesan to the sauce for a cheesy, nutty flavor.
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Red Wine Reduction: Replace stock with red wine for a more luxurious sauce.
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Steak and Shrimp: Turn it into a surf and turf by adding garlic butter shrimp on the side.
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Caramelized Onion Sauce: Sauté onions until golden brown and add them to the creamy sauce.
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Bacon-Wrapped Steak: Wrap steaks in bacon before cooking for extra richness.
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Smoky Paprika Steak: Add smoked paprika to the seasoning blend for a deeper flavor.
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Gorgonzola Cream Sauce: Use gorgonzola instead of Parmesan for a pungent, creamy twist.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the sauce for a fun twist.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
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Herb-Infused Sauce: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for an herby touch.
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Asian-Inspired: Swap the Dijon mustard for a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for an umami-packed variation.
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Honey Garlic Sauce: Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweet and savory contrast.
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BBQ Cream Sauce: Stir in a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy taste.
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Truffle Cream Sauce: Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil into the sauce for a luxurious upgrade.
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Garlic Alfredo Steak: Mix in extra Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg for an Alfredo-inspired sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the steak extra juicy?
Let it rest after cooking and avoid piercing it while cooking to keep the juices inside.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon all work great.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water).
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch if needed.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and stir constantly when adding cream.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the steak and sauce separately, then reheat gently before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Sear the steak in a skillet, then bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness.
Is there a way to make this keto-friendly?
Use heavy cream and butter, but replace the Dijon mustard with a keto-friendly option.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to prevent overcooking.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, but it may separate when reheated. Stir well and add a splash of cream to restore consistency.
What’s the best way to get a crust on the steak?
Make sure the pan is hot, don’t move the steak too much, and use butter for basting.
Can I cook this in a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! A cast iron skillet helps create a great sear and keeps the heat evenly distributed.
What’s a good wine pairing?
Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec pair well with steak.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Can I add veggies to this dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard or a small amount of Worcestershire sauce can work as substitutes.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer—130°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F+ for well-done.
Can I make this without butter?
Yes, but butter adds flavor. Substitute with olive oil or ghee for a healthier alternative.
Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect combination of tender, flavorful steak and a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With plenty of tips and variations, you can customize it to fit your taste and preferences. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.