Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce

Introduction

A perfectly cooked steak is a culinary masterpiece in itself, but when paired with a luxurious garlic cream sauce, it transcends to a whole new level of indulgence. Imagine the savory, succulent steak, seared to perfection, then topped with a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce that balances flavors and adds a delightful, creamy texture. This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is the type of dish that makes every meal feel like an occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a gourmet dinner for your loved ones.

Steak is an inherently versatile dish—whether it’s a ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin, each cut can be elevated with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces. However, it’s the garlic cream sauce that steals the show here. A combination of butter, cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a decadent sauce that is both comforting and sophisticated, making this steak dinner feel like a fine-dining experience.

What’s more, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to create a restaurant-quality meal. With a few simple ingredients and some cooking tips, you can master this steak with garlic cream sauce recipe and impress anyone at your dinner table.

Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering dish from scratch!

Ingredients

This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe is designed for two servings, but feel free to scale the ingredients up for larger gatherings. You’ll need fresh, quality ingredients to make this dish really shine, especially when it comes to the steak and the sauce.

For the Steak:

2 boneless ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut, such as sirloin, filet mignon, or New York strip)
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing the steak)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for finishing the steak)

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

4 large cloves garlic, finely minced (use more for extra garlic flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing the garlic)
1 cup heavy cream (this adds richness to the sauce)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (adds a cheesy, nutty flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) (for earthy, aromatic notes)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (adjust based on your preferences)
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, adds a touch of acidity for balance)

Optional Ingredients:

If you like some heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even chili powder for a spicy twist.
Mushrooms can also be added to the sauce for a more complex flavor.

Directions

Creating this steak with garlic cream sauce is easier than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare each component of the dish with confidence.

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

The key to a great steak is ensuring that it’s seasoned well and cooked to your preferred doneness. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect steak:

Bring the steaks to room temperature:
Take the steaks out of the fridge 30-40 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly, ensuring a juicy and tender result. A cold steak will contract and become tough when seared, so room temperature meat is the way to go.
Season the steak:
Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You want the seasoning to penetrate the meat and bring out its natural flavors. Press the seasoning gently into the steak for better adhesion.
Heat your skillet:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is very hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil. You should see the oil shimmering in the pan.
Sear the steak:
Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them, so they form a golden-brown crust. Flip the steaks and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C); for medium, it should be around 140°F (60°C).
Optional – Butter Basting:
During the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously spoon the butter over the steaks. This adds flavor and helps create a richer sear.
Rest the steaks:
Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.

Step 2: Making the Garlic Cream Sauce

While the steaks are resting, it’s time to make the garlic cream sauce. This sauce comes together quickly, so make sure you’re ready to go before starting.

Sauté the garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the steaks, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or unsalted butter to the pan. Once the fat has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.
Add the heavy cream:
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As the cream heats up, it will begin to thicken.
Incorporate the parmesan cheese:
Stir in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the cream sauce. The cheese will help thicken the sauce and give it a deliciously creamy texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
Season the sauce:
Add fresh thyme and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce tastes too rich, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable. If the sauce thickens too much, add more cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Serving

Plate the steak:
Place the rested steak on a plate, ensuring it’s positioned nicely for presentation.
Top with garlic cream sauce:
Generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top of the steak. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side if you prefer to dip.
Garnish:
Sprinkle the steak with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This small touch makes a big difference visually and flavor-wise.
Serve:
This steak with garlic cream sauce is perfect with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 2. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to suit more servings.
Preparation Time: Approximately 5 minutes to season the steak and prepare the ingredients.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness.
Total Time: 20-25 minutes to make this dish from start to finish, including the resting time for the steak.

This makes it an ideal dish for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and satisfying, but still don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

Variations

While this steak with garlic cream sauce is delicious as written, there are many ways to customize it based on your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Mushroom Garlic Cream Sauce:

For an earthy, umami flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the sauce after sautéing the garlic. Allow them to cook down and release their moisture before adding the cream. This will give the sauce a richer flavor and more texture.

2. Spicy Garlic Cream Sauce:

If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce while it simmers. This will give it a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy richness.

3. Different Cheeses:

If you’re not a fan of parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like gruyère, cheddar, or asiago. Each will give the sauce a unique flavor profile.

4. Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

For a lighter, more citrusy flavor, add lemon zest and more lemon juice to the cream sauce. The acidity will help cut through the richness of the cream.

5. Herb Variations:

Switch out the thyme for rosemary, oregano, or even a bit of fresh basil for different herbal undertones. Each herb will bring its unique flavor to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

This steak with garlic cream sauce can be enjoyed as leftovers if you have any, but make sure to store everything properly:

Storage: Store the steak and sauce in separate airtight containers. The steak should be eaten within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days as well.
Reheating: Reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking it. The sauce can be gently reheated on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if it’s too thick.

10 FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, feel free to substitute ribeye with sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.
Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half will work, but the sauce may be lighter and less rich. Heavy cream is best for a velvety, luxurious texture.
How can I tell if my steak is cooked to my liking? Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), for medium 140°F (60°C), and for well-done 160°F (71°C).
Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! You can sauté some spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms in the same pan as the steak for a more rounded meal.
What sides pair well with this steak? Try pairing this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, you can freeze the garlic cream sauce for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream if it thickens too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this steak with garlic cream sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different cheese for the sauce? Yes! Try cheddar, asiago, or gruyère for a different flavor.
What wine pairs well with this steak? A bold red wine, like a cabernet sauvignon or malbec, would complement the richness of the steak and garlic cream sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is the epitome of comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The combination of a perfectly seared steak and a garlicky, creamy sauce creates an unforgettable meal that is as delicious as it is indulgent. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. You don’t need to be an expert chef to make this restaurant-quality steak at home—just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a gourmet meal on your table in no time.

So next time you’re in the mood for a meal that’s both decadent and satisfying, remember this recipe for Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce. Trust us, it’s worth every bite!