a beautifully seared, juicy steak finished with herb butter—restaurant-quality. Here’s a full, detailed recipe so you can recreate it at home.

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🥩 Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Steak

• 2 ribeye or strip steaks (1–1.5 inches thick)
• Salt (kosher preferred)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp high-smoke-point oil (e.g., avocado or canola)

Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, but great)
• Salt to taste

For Basting

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary

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🔪 Step 1: Prep the Steaks

1. Take steaks out of the fridge 30–45 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels (this is key for a good crust).
3. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

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🧈 Step 2: Make Herb Butter

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix until fully combined.
3. Optional: roll into a log using plastic wrap and chill for slicing later.

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🔥 Step 3: Sear the Steak

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot (almost smoking).
2. Add oil.
3. Place steaks in the pan—don’t move them.
4. Sear for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
5. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes.

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🧄 Step 4: Butter Basting

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Add butter, crushed garlic, and herbs to the pan.
3. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over steaks continuously for 1–2 minutes.

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🌡️ Step 5: Check Doneness

Use a thermometer for best results:

• Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C) ✅ (like the photo)
• Medium: 135–145°F (57–63°C)

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⏱️ Step 6: Rest the Meat

• Remove steaks and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
• This keeps juices inside.

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🔪 Step 7: Slice & Serve

• Slice against the grain.
• Top with a generous spoon or slice of herb butter.
• Spoon any pan juices over the top.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

Pairs perfectly with:

• Roasted potatoes
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled vegetables
• A glass of red wine 🍷

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Dry steak = better crust.
• Flip only once for best sear.
• Use cast iron if possible—it makes a big difference.