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 and 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

Nothing beats the aroma of sizzling steak and melting butter filling your kitchen, which is exactly why I adore this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe. It combines a juicy, flavorful ribeye with rich garlic butter that just takes everything up a notch—trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

A cooked steak sits on a dark surface with a white marbled texture. The steak has a browned, slightly crispy outside with visible grill marks and a textured, juicy inner part. On top of the steak is a melted pat of butter, creamy and white with black pepper sprinkled on it. Fresh green parsley pieces are scattered over the steak and surface, adding a touch of bright color. A knife and fork rest near the steak, with the knife placed diagonally and the fork below it. A sprig of rosemary lies to the right side. The lighting shows the steak’s juicy and tender texture very clearly. 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’m genuinely excited to share this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe because it’s simple yet produces restaurant-quality flavors right at home. The combination of browned ribeye with garlicky butter just melts in your mouth.

Bold Flavor: The garlic butter adds an irresistible richness that enhances the steak without overpowering it.
Easy Technique: Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, the straightforward steps will guide you to steak perfection.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the garlic butter or seasoning to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Impress Without Stress: It’s a fantastic ‘wow’ dish for guests or a cozy dinner that feels special without tons of effort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe plays its part in achieving a perfectly balanced, flavorful steak. From the fat content in ribeye to the creamy butter burst infused with fresh garlic, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Flat lay of three thick raw rib-eye steaks with visible marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted pale yellow butter, three whole garlic cloves with papery skin intact, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportion, placed 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 marbling and juicy flavor, ribeyes absorb the garlic butter perfectly to stay tender, making them an ideal choice.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that beautifully caramelized crust on the steak when searing by creating a hot, non-stick surface.
Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control salt levels while adding rich creaminess and carrying garlic’s aromatic punch.
Garlic: Minced fresh or roasted garlic lends a mellow, nutty sweetness that infuses the butter for irresistible flavor.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, creating the right contrast to the buttery garlic and tender beef.

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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 how flexible this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with varying the garlic butter and cooking times to find what suits my mood or guests best. You can easily customize it.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for extra aroma—I do this often for a more herbal lift on special occasions.
Swap Butter Infusions: Try using roasted garlic or even a pinch of smoked paprika to vary the flavor profile without changing the method.
Adjust Doneness: Whether you prefer medium-rare or medium, keep an eye on the oven timing—the recipe’s guidance works well but tweak it to your liking.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative and olive oil combo to keep that buttery richness without dairy.

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

A white plate with a thin dark rim holds a thick, juicy steak with a dark brown, slightly crispy surface covered in small black pepper spots. To the left of the steak, there are golden roasted potato pieces with light red skins, showing a mix of crispy and soft textures. A small sprig of green thyme rests on top of the potatoes. Above the steak, a woman's hand holds a tarnished silver spoon pouring a bit of shiny, brown juices over the meat. In the blurred white marbled background, a fork and a knife with black handles rest beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

I start by blending softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sometimes I use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor—pro tip, it makes a huge difference! I then roll this mixture into a parchment paper log about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Pop it in the fridge to chill until I’m ready to serve it alongside the steaks.

Step 2: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature and Season

Pat the ribeyes dry with paper towels — this is crucial for that crave-worthy crust. Then drizzle with olive oil and generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Sear in a Hot Skillet

Preheat your oven to broil, then place an oven-proof skillet (cast iron is my go-to) inside to heat. Carefully take it out, place on medium-high heat, and drop in the steaks. Sear for about 1 minute on each side until a beautiful dark crust develops. Don’t rush this step—it's the secret to flavor-packed steak.

Step 4: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet into the oven and broil the steaks for 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Keep in mind that thickness and oven broil strength affect exact time, so use a meat thermometer if you have one: 130°F for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest tented with foil for 3-5 minutes after removing.

Step 5: Serve with Garlic Butter

Slice off a thick round from your chilled garlic butter log and place it atop your hot steak right before serving. The butter melts luxuriously over the warm meat, making each bite savory and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

Top Tip

After making this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe countless times, I’ve learned these little tweaks make a big difference to your results.

Patience is Key: Drying steaks thoroughly and allowing them to rest after cooking keeps juices locked in and prevents steaming instead of searing.
Don’t Skip the Butter Chill: Rolling the garlic butter and chilling it makes slicing and portioning easier and helps it keep its shape on top of hot steaks.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: The even heat retention helps create that perfect crust that ovens just can’t replicate alone.
Watch Your Oven: Since broil settings can vary, keep a close eye so you don’t overcook your steak during the oven finish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe

garlic butter ribeye - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top—it adds a pop of color and light freshness that balances the richness of the steak and butter. A few roasted garlic cloves alongside for guests to squeeze on make it even better.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy roasted potatoes, steamed green beans with a garlic squeeze, or a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. These complement without overshadowing the star—the steak.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve the steaks sliced on a wooden board with herb sprigs around the garlic butter log for a rustic-chic look. Pair with a bold red wine and soft candlelight—it turns dinner into an experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your steaks, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always prefer placing leftover steaks on a wire rack inside a baking sheet to keep them from sitting in juices and getting soggy.

Freezing

While I usually recommend fresh for best texture, you can freeze cooked ribeye steaks wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. They’ll stay good for about 2 months, making a quick meal later possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 250°F) for 20-30 minutes on a wire rack. This way, the steak warms evenly without drying out. Adding a bit of reserved garlic butter on top helps refresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ribeye is the best for its marbling and flavor, filet mignon, New York strip, or T-bone steaks will also work well. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and cut.

How do I know when my steak is done?

Using a meat thermometer is your safest bet: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. If you don’t have one, press the steak gently to feel firmness; the firmer it is, the more cooked it is. Remember to factor in resting time, as the steak continues cooking as it rests.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes! Making and chilling the garlic butter ahead of time is actually great because it allows the flavors to meld. You can keep it refrigerated for up to a week, neatly rolled and wrapped in parchment, ready to slice as needed.

What’s the best way to get a perfect crust?

Patting the steak dry and using a very hot cast iron skillet are essential. The dry surface promotes caramelization without steaming, and the cast iron retains heat better. Sear for about a minute per side before finishing in the oven for that perfect crust and juicy center.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe became one of my all-time favorites because it hits that perfect balance between impressive and easy. Cooking a splendid steak with garlicky, buttery goodness feels like a treat, yet it’s such a simple method to pull off. Next time you want to impress or just indulge, try this and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen too.