Introduction
Garlic Butter Beef is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can deliver exceptional flavor. This dish brings together tender beef, fragrant garlic, and rich butter in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. I often turn to this recipe on busy evenings when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma alone, as the garlic melts into the butter and coats the beef, makes it feel like a special meal.
What I particularly enjoy about this recipe is its versatility. It works beautifully as a quick family dinner, yet it is elegant enough to serve to guests with minimal effort. I once tried preparing it with a mix of butter and olive oil to balance richness, and the result was excellent. Whether served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, Garlic Butter Beef is a dependable recipe that consistently delivers bold, savory flavor with very little fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, deeply flavorful, and made with pantry staples. It requires minimal preparation, cooks in a single pan, and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. The balance of garlic and butter enhances the natural richness of the beef without overpowering it.
Print
Garlic Butter Beef: A Rich, Savory Skillet Dinner You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Beef is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender beef sautéed in rich butter and aromatic garlic, perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 500 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the sliced beef with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the skillet and add soy sauce.
- Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook the beef to keep it tender.
- You can add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef is the foundation of this dish, and choosing a tender cut such as sirloin or ribeye ensures a juicy and flavorful result. These cuts cook quickly and remain soft when seared properly.
Butter provides richness and a silky mouthfeel. It forms the base of the sauce and carries the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic is essential for aroma and depth. Freshly minced garlic releases natural oils that infuse the butter and elevate the beef.
Olive oil is used alongside butter to prevent burning and to add a subtle fruity note that balances the richness.
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the beef and ensures the seasoning penetrates each bite.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fresh parsley, added at the end, brings brightness and a touch of color that balances the richness of the dish.
Directions
Begin by cutting the beef into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Allow it to rest briefly at room temperature.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear the beef for two to three minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
Return the beef to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields four servings. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of butter to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this may toughen the beef.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Butter Beef is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the butter sauce. If you enjoy herbs, thyme or rosemary pairs beautifully with garlic and beef, adding an earthy note.
For a lighter variation, reduce the butter slightly and incorporate more olive oil. You can also add vegetables such as green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini directly to the skillet, allowing them to absorb the garlic butter flavor.
Those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet will appreciate that this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. For a more substantial meal, serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Each variation maintains the core flavors while offering a new way to enjoy the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfect Sear
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the beef to achieve a rich, caramelized crust.
Garlic Control
Add garlic after removing the beef to prevent bitterness from overcooking.
Butter Balance
Combining butter with olive oil enhances flavor while preventing burning.
Rest Before Serving
Allow the beef to rest briefly in the sauce for maximum tenderness.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Tender cuts such as sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are ideal for quick cooking and optimal flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well when warmed gently.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, Garlic Butter Beef is naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, vegetables like mushrooms or green beans work very well in this dish.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and add it after reducing the temperature.
Can I use frozen beef?
Fresh beef is recommended, but fully thawed frozen beef can be used if patted dry.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Beef is a timeless recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich taste make it a reliable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you try it, this dish is likely to become a regular part of your cooking rotation.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!