Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and downright satisfying, you’re in the right place. This Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want something impressive yet totally doable on a weeknight. Tender strips of steak and crispy, golden potatoes all cooked together in garlicky butter – it’s just pure magic in one pan, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe plays a key part – from simple pantry staples to fresh herbs that elevate every bite. It’s a harmony of flavors that’s easy to shop for and even easier to enjoy.

• Olive oil: Using good quality olive oil helps with flavor and prevents sticking when searing steak and potatoes.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to the marinade that balances the richness of the butter perfectly.
• Dried oregano: Great for marinating, it lends that earthy, savory note.
• Salt: Crucial for seasoning both the potatoes and the steak, enhancing all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to bring a little heat and complexity.
• Red pepper flakes: Just enough to warm things up without overpowering.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must – it melts into the butter for that iconic flavor profile.
• Steak (flank, tri-tip, or ribeye): Choose your favorite cut; I love flank for its beefy flavor and tenderness when sliced against the grain.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize both the potatoes and steak.
• Baby yellow potatoes: These little treasures cook quickly and crisp up beautifully; Honey Golds are a personal favorite.
• Fresh rosemary: Brings piney, aromatic notes that pair wonderfully with garlic and beef.
• Fresh oregano: Adds a burst of herbal freshness in the final sauté.

Variations

I love making this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe my own depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to tweak it — that’s part of the fun and what makes it a staple in my kitchen.

• Make it Spicier: I sometimes up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a fiery twist that really wakes up the flavors.
• Swap the Steak: Tried it with sirloin or even thinly sliced ribeye – both work beautifully if you prefer a different texture or budget option.
• Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or parsley can be delightful alternatives if you don’t have rosemary or oregano on hand.
• Keto-Friendly: You can skip the potatoes and simply double up on the butter and herbs for a rich, low-carb skillet meal.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, half the red pepper flakes, and half the minced garlic in a large zip-top bag. Toss your sliced steak in there, seal it up, and let it soak up all those flavors while you prep the potatoes. I usually let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if you have time, longer is better — it really tenderizes the meat and amps up the taste.

Step 2: Par-Cook Your Potatoes

Pop those halved baby potatoes into a microwave-safe bowl with water covering them, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Microwaving for 5 minutes softens them up so when you sauté later they’ll get golden and crispy on the outside but stay tender inside without any risk of being undercooked. Trust me, this step is a game-changer and saves a lot of time.

Step 3: Sauté Potatoes to Crispy Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Carefully add your drained potatoes and sauté them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they develop a nice golden crust without burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fork-tender and have a little crunch on the edges. Then, remove them to a plate — you’ll add them back later with the steak for the final flavorful finish.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the rest of the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, rosemary, and oregano over medium-high heat. Keep a close eye here because garlic burns quickly — you want it fragrant but not brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with those fantastic garlicky, herbal notes that are the star of this skillet dish.

Step 5: Perfectly Sear Your Steak Strips

Take your steak strips out of the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels – this is a crucial step. Too much moisture means the meat will steam instead of sear, leaving it tough and less flavorful. Working in batches so the pan stays hot, lay strips into the skillet without crowding. You want about 2 minutes per side for medium doneness. It’s quick, but that’s what keeps the steak juicy and beautifully caramelized. I learned the hard way that overcrowding the pan leads to soggy meat — so patience here pays off big time.

Step 6: Bring It All Together and Serve

Once all your steak strips are done, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the meat and toss gently to coat everything in the garlicky butter sauce. Warm through for a minute or two, then serve immediately. I love how the potatoes soak up the juices from the steak — it’s pure comfort on a plate!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or extra minced rosemary on top just before serving. It adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to lighten things up also does wonders.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I often pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a fresh contrast. Roasted asparagus or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also complement the rich garlic butter flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the steak strips fanned over the golden potatoes and finishing everything with a drizzle of extra garlic butter and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Serve it family-style in the skillet right on the table – it’s so cozy and inviting, perfect for sharing stories over dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep nicely up to 3 days. The potatoes may lose some crispness, but the flavors stay fantastic. I enjoy leftover steak sliced thin in salads or sandwiches for a quick lunch boost.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked steak and potatoes, but I recommend portioning them out first. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and use within 2 months. When thawed, the texture of potatoes changes a bit, so I like to reheat gently in a skillet to crisp them back up.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter, stirring occasionally. This way the potatoes get a little crunch again, and the steak stays juicy rather than drying out as it can in the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Skillet Recipe comes together — from the fragrant garlic butter to the juicy steak and crispy potatoes, it’s a comfort food win every time. When I first tried cooking steak and potatoes together in one skillet, I was amazed at how easy it is to get perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality results right at home. I know you’ll enjoy making this as much as I do, and it’s sure to become your go-to dinner when you want something delicious with minimal fuss. Give it a try and let those irresistible flavors wow you and your family!

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