Steak with Garlic Herb Compound Butter

Name: Steak with Garlic Herb Compound Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 ribeye steaks; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love the rich flavors that come together in my Steak with Garlic Herb Compound Butter recipe. The combination of a perfectly cooked steak with a dollop of herb-infused butter creates an indulgent dining experience that elevates any meal. It's a great way to impress guests or even treat myself to something special on a weeknight. The keys are the choice of herbs and ensuring that the steak is seared to perfection before adding the compound butter for an incredible finish.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-01-07T15:10:14.512Z

During one of my weekend cooking sessions, I decided to elevate a simple steak dinner with a special touch. By creating a compound butter mixed with fresh herbs and garlic, I discovered that this simple addition not only enhanced the flavors but also made the steak melt in my mouth. The key tip I learned is to let the butter rest on the hot steak for a minute to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

It was a delightful surprise when my family reacted with joy at the first bite. The buttery richness combined with the garlicky herb notes was something they couldn’t stop raving about. I’m convinced this dish became a new favorite because it’s so easy to make yet delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy steak perfectly complemented by herbaceous compound butter
Simple yet impressive for any occasion
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs

      

Understanding Compound Butter

Compound butter is a fantastic way to introduce layers of flavor in your dish. The beauty of using fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme in this recipe lies in their ability to enhance the natural richness of the steak. The garlic adds a wonderful aromatic quality, while the softened butter melds everything together, creating a luxurious topping. Letting the compound butter chill helps it firm up, which makes for easy slicing and ensures a controlled melt over your steak.

When making the compound butter, consider incorporating other herbs based on your personal taste or what's available. For example, tarragon or dill can add a unique twist, while lemon zest can brighten the overall flavor profile. Just ensure that any additions are finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the butter. The balance of ingredients is key; too much of a strong herb can overpower the subtle flavors of the steak.

Perfect Steak Cooking Techniques

Searing the steak in a hot skillet is critical for achieving a perfect crust. Preheating the skillet adequately, until it’s sizzling when you add the olive oil, ensures that you lock in the juices and flavor. Look for a golden brown crust on the steak; this takes about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, but don’t hesitate to adjust the timing slightly depending on the thickness of your steak. A thicker steak may benefit from a couple more minutes on each side.

After cooking, resting the steak is essential. This 5-minute break allows the juices to redistribute, which prevents the meat from becoming dry when you cut into it. If you’re tempted to skip this step, resist—cutting too early results in a loss of moisture. To keep the steak warm while it rests, you can tent it loosely with foil, but avoid wrapping it tightly, as this may create steam and ruin your crispy crust.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your delicious steak meal:

For the Steak

2 ribeye steaks
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Herb Compound Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt to taste

Ensure everything is at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Let’s make your steak dinner spectacular:

Prepare the Compound Butter

In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, roll it into a log shape, and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Cook the Steak

Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your desired doneness.

Finish with Compound Butter

Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, cut a slice of the compound butter and place it on top of each steak, allowing it to melt while you prepare your sides.

Enjoy your gourmet steak experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of red wine to deglaze the skillet after cooking the steaks for a quick pan sauce.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover compound butter, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for several months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When ready to use, simply slice off what you need while still frozen and place it on a warm dish; it will melt beautifully, bringing back the flavors without the need to prepare it fresh every time.

Cooked steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it juicy during reheating, try wrapping the steak in aluminum foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 20-30 minutes. This method prevents the meat from drying out and ensures a warm, tender steak without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Steak with Garlic Herb Compound Butter is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Classic accompaniments include garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, which complement the richness of the steak. For a lighter option, consider a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the flavors; the peppery greens work well with the buttery steak.

For a unique twist, try serving the steak alongside grilled or sautéed mushrooms, which echo the earthy tones of the herbs in the compound butter. Additionally, a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, will enhance the flavors, making it a delightful meal to share with family or friends.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use any steak cut you prefer, but ribeye is exceptional due to its marbling.

→ How do I store leftover compound butter?

Wrap it tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make the compound butter in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a few days ahead and keep it refrigerated until needed.

→ What herbs can I use instead?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs such as oregano, basil, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.