Are you craving a restaurant-quality steak dinner without the restaurant prices? Then you're in the right place! This recipe recreates the magic of Ruth's Chris Steak House's famous butter-basted steak, bringing that incredible flavor and richness right to your kitchen. It's easier than you think, perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredible homemade cooking experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-16 ounce) high-quality steak (Ribeye, New York Strip, or Filet Mignon recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
Preparing the Steak:
- Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry. This is crucial for a good sear.
- Season generously: Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. If using, add Worcestershire sauce at this stage for an extra depth of flavor.
Cooking the Steak:
- Sear the steak: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over high heat until it shimmers. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms.
- Add butter and aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme leaves to the skillet. Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter over the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, basting continuously. This process infuses the steak with incredible flavor.
- Finish in the oven (optional): For a more evenly cooked steak, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your preferred internal temperature.
Serving:
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your delicious homemade cooking labor!
Tips and Variations:
- Choosing your steak: Opt for a high-quality, well-marbled steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. Rare is around 125°F (52°C), medium-rare is 130-135°F (54-57°C), medium is 140-145°F (60-63°C), and well-done is 160°F (71°C) or higher.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a touch of heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Garlic lovers: Add more garlic!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the size and type of steak used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-600
- Protein: Approximately 40-60g
- Fat: Approximately 25-40g
This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests with this best recipe for a truly special occasion. Happy cooking!