Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Restaurant-Quality at Home

There’s something deeply satisfying about cutting into a perfectly cooked steak—one that’s juicy, tender, and rich with flavor. Now imagine that steak blanketed in a luxurious, creamy garlic sauce that tastes like it came straight from a high-end steakhouse. That’s exactly what this juicy steak with creamy garlic sauce delivers.

This recipe is designed for home cooks who crave restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, an impressive weekend meal, or simply want to elevate your steak night, this dish checks every box: bold flavor, silky texture, and undeniable comfort.

Unlike many steak recipes that rely solely on dry rubs or butter basting, this version introduces a rich garlic cream sauce that enhances—rather than overwhelms—the natural beefiness of the steak. The sauce is smooth, savory, and infused with slow-sautéed garlic, making every bite indulgent yet balanced.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its reliability. You don’t need a grill, expensive equipment, or professional training. A good pan, quality steak, and proper timing are all it takes. The result? A steak so good, it rivals your favorite restaurant—and maybe even beats it.

Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know to master this dish from start to finish.


Why This Steak Recipe Works

This recipe is built around three key principles: proper searing, controlled cooking, and a complementary sauce.

First, we sear the steak at high heat to create a deep, golden-brown crust. This crust is essential—it locks in juices and adds complex flavor through caramelization.

Second, we finish the steak gently to ensure it stays juicy inside. Overcooking is the fastest way to ruin a good cut of beef, and this method avoids that entirely.

Finally, the creamy garlic sauce is made in the same pan, capturing all those flavorful browned bits left behind by the steak. That’s where the magic happens.


🧄 Ingredients

Steak

  • 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1–1¼ inches thick)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

🔥 Instructions

  1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
  4. Once hot, place steaks in the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon butter and baste steaks for 30 seconds.
  6. Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate, loosely covered.
  7. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter for the sauce.
  8. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  9. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with pan drippings.
  10. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  11. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  12. Return steaks to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Choosing the Best Steak Cut

While ribeye and sirloin are ideal, this recipe is versatile:

  • Ribeye: Rich, marbled, ultra-juicy
  • Sirloin: Leaner but still tender
  • New York Strip: Balanced flavor and texture
  • Filet Mignon: Extremely tender, lighter flavor

Thickness matters more than cut—aim for steaks at least 1 inch thick.


Pro Tips for Steakhouse Results

  • Always let steak rest after cooking
  • Use a hot pan—no lukewarm surfaces
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet
  • Taste the sauce before serving
  • Slice steak against the grain

Variations to Try

  • Mushroom Garlic Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms
  • Spicy Cream Sauce: Add red pepper flakes
  • Herb-Infused: Thyme or rosemary elevates flavor
  • Low-Carb/Keto: Skip Parmesan if desired

Serving Suggestions

This steak pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Roasted asparagus or green beans
  • Creamy polenta
  • Buttered rice or risotto
  • Crusty bread to soak up sauce

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently over low heat
  • Add a splash of cream to revive sauce

Fun Culinary Fact

Cream-based steak sauces originated in classic French cuisine, where pan sauces were developed to maximize flavor without wasting ingredients. This recipe follows that same philosophy—simple, efficient, and deeply flavorful.

Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Tender pan-seared steak finished with a rich, restaurant-style creamy garlic sauce made entirely at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

Steak
  • 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks 1–1¼ inch thick
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Heavy skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
  3. Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Add butter and baste briefly. Remove steaks and rest.
  5. Lower heat, add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  6. Pour in cream, season, and simmer until thickened.
  7. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
  8. Return steaks, spoon sauce over, and serve hot.

Notes

Use thick steaks for best results and avoid overcooking.