Close-up of juicy ribeye steak topped with garlic herb butter and sea salt on a wooden board

Classic Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter

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Juicy, tender & easy to make

This Classic Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter is pure perfection juicy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! A golden, pan-seared crust locks in the flavor, while a luscious garlic herb butter melts over the top, making every bite rich and irresistible. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions, this Emma’s Cake Studio recipe turns an everyday steak into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s the easiest way to impress!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients List

For the Steak

  • 2 ribeye steaks (about 10–12 oz each, 1–1.5 inches thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic butter:
    In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well, shape into a small log using plastic wrap, and refrigerate while you cook the steak.
  2. Season the steaks:
    Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Sear the steaks:
    Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (or adjust to your preference).
  4. Add butter baste:
    In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for rich flavor.
  5. Rest the steak:
    Transfer the steaks to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy and tender.
  6. Serve:
    Top each steak with a slice of your garlic herb butter and let it melt over the warm steak. Serve with mashed potatoes, asparagus, or roasted veggies for the perfect steakhouse dinner.

Pro Tips

  • Perfect sear: Use a dry pan and don’t overcrowd it this ensures a beautiful crust.
  • Check doneness: Use a thermometer for accuracy
    • 125°F (52°C): Rare
    • 130°F (54°C): Medium-rare
    • 140°F (60°C): Medium
  • Let it rest: Always let your steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.
  • Add depth: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of sea salt makes it even more elegant. ✨

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 steak