Name: Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 rib-eye steaks, 12 oz each, 1 ¼-inch-thick; 4 tablespoons olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked steak that’s rich with flavor and silkiness. This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe is just that—juicy ribeye seared to perfection and topped with a luscious garlic butter that melts right over each bite. Trust me, making this is easier than you think, and it’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you.

A single thick, cooked steak with a browned, slightly crispy texture, showing grill marks and some juicy parts. On top is a dollop of melting butter mixed with chopped green herbs sprinkled all over. The steak sits on a flat surface with dark color and a shiny finish. A large knife and fork rest above the steak. Some sprigs of herbs are scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe because it combines simplicity with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a steakhouse-worthy dinner at home, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic finish that elevates the ribeye without overpowering it.
Perfectly Seared Crust: Patting the steak dry and searing it in a hot skillet creates that irresistible caramelized crust you crave.
Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps—this recipe is great even if you’re not a seasoned cook.
Versatility: Use this method on other steak cuts, or tweak the garlic butter to match your mood or season.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe plays a key role in creating both flavor and texture. When combined, they bring out the best in the steak, whether you’re working with a ribeye or want to experiment with other cuts.

Flat lay of three thick rib-eye steaks with rich marbling, a small mound of unsalted butter softened to creamy smoothness, three whole garlic bulbs with papery skin intact, a few loose black peppercorns alongside a pinch of coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ribeye Steaks: Known for its marbling, this cut is juicy and flavorful, making it ideal for high-heat searing.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear and adds a subtle fruitiness without overpowering the steak.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural beef flavor and helps form that delicious crust.
Unsalted Butter: Acts as the base of the garlic butter, bringing creamy richness and carrying the garlic flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced or roasted garlic adds sharp aromatic notes that complement the steak’s umami.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with the garlic butter to keep things fresh and interesting. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you want some subtle heat. Feel free to adjust the butter’s salt and garlic levels so it’s just right for your palate.

Herb-Infused Butter: Once, I whipped in some fresh rosemary and it turned the butter into an herby delight perfect for a weekend dinner.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist that livens up the usual garlic butter.
Steak Cuts: Tried it with New York strip and got similarly fantastic results—just adjust cook times based on thickness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a cooked steak taking up the right side, its surface browned with a textured crust and some black pepper sprinkled on top. On the left side of the plate, there are roasted potato pieces with red skin and golden inside, arranged loosely and topped with a small green herb sprig. Above the steak, a silver spoon held by a woman's hand pours a light brown sauce over the meat. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a fork and knife placed in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make Your Garlic Butter Ahead

Start by mixing softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I like to roll this into a log with parchment paper so I can slice off a perfect round for each steak. This little prep saves you time later and ensures the butter is evenly spiced and easy to handle.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Skillet

Pop your ovenproof skillet—cast iron is my go-to—into the oven and set it to broil. Getting the pan hot in the oven means it’s ready to sear your steaks quickly, locking in juices and creating that crave-worthy crust.

Step 3: Pat And Season The Steaks

Using paper towels, pat your ribeyes completely dry; moisture is the enemy of caramelization. Drizzle olive oil over them and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This step is where that flavor journey starts, so don’t skimp on the seasoning.

Step 4: Sear Steaks on Stovetop

Take the hot skillet out of the oven and place it on your stove over medium-high heat. Lay the steaks in the center, and let them sear without moving for about a minute to form that rich crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 60 seconds.

Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Oven

Slide your skillet back into the oven and cook for roughly 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, flipping once halfway through. Oven times might vary depending on your steak’s thickness, so keep an eye on it. Once done, remove and tent your steaks with foil. Rest them for 3-5 minutes to let the juices redistribute—that’s how you get juicy perfection.

Step 6: Serve With Garlic Butter

Right before serving, add a thick slice of your garlic butter on top so it melts gloriously over the warm steak. This final touch makes it dangerously delicious and restaurant-worthy at home.

Top Tip

From my experience with this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe, a few little tricks make a huge difference in your final plate. Here are some of the key tips I've learned along the way that I can’t recommend enough.

Dry the Steak Well: Moisture kills crust formation; a thoroughly dry steak is your best friend for a crispy, caramelized surface.
Cast Iron Is King: Using a cast-iron skillet helps retain and distribute heat evenly, which is vital for that sear.
Don't Skip Resting: Letting your steak rest before slicing keeps it juicy as the fibers relax and reabsorb the juices.
Garlic Butter Log: Preparing your garlic butter in a log and refrigerating saves prep time and ensures consistent flavor with every slice.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe

Garlic Butter Ribeye - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple—fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. If I’m feeling fancy, a twist of lemon zest brings a subtle zing that balances the garlic butter wonderfully.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing this steak with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots, or even a garlicky sautéed spinach. For a casual vibe, garlic fries or a crisp Caesar salad work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served the steak on wooden boards with chunks of garlic butter melting over the top, surrounded by vibrant veggies and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s rustic yet elegant and always sparks compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover steak keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like laying the slices flat on a plate covered loosely with plastic wrap or using a shallow container to preserve the texture best.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, this steak freezes okay if wrapped tightly in foil then placed in a freezer bag. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it juicy.

Reheating

To warm leftovers without drying them out, I use a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) and place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet. After about 20-30 minutes, it’s warmed through and ready to top with fresh garlic butter for that just-cooked magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! While ribeye is fantastic because of its marbling and flavor, you can use New York strip, filet mignon, or even T-bone steaks. Just adjust the cooking times to the thickness and cut of the steak.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). The steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so it's okay to pull it out of the oven a little before the exact temp.

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes! Making the garlic butter ahead, rolling it into a log, and refrigerating it for up to a week speeds up your cooking process and ensures the garlic flavor gets well incorporated into the butter.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover steak without drying it out?

Reheating steak slowly in a low oven (about 250°F/120°C) on a wire rack allows the meat to warm evenly without drying. Adding a slice of garlic butter after reheating refreshes the flavor and juiciness.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or indulging on your own. I always find that little things like the garlic butter log and steady sear make it feel like a special occasion on a weeknight. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s quickly become my go-to steak recipe to share with friends. You deserve a steak dinner that tastes this good without the fuss!