Name: Creamy Garlic Steak: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 (8-ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, about 1 1/2 inches thick; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Garlic Steak: Just the name alone conjures up images of tender, juicy steak bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce, doesn't it? I'm thrilled to share this recipe with you, a dish that's guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Forget complicated preparations and endless ingredients lists; this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

While the exact origins of creamy garlic steak are debated, the combination of steak and garlic has been a culinary love affair for centuries. Garlic, revered for its pungent aroma and medicinal properties, has been a staple in cuisines around the world. Pairing it with a rich, creamy sauce elevates the humble steak to a truly decadent experience. Think of it as a modern twist on classic steakhouse fare, bringing restaurant-quality indulgence right to your own dining table.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The seared steak offers a satisfying chew, while the creamy garlic sauce provides a velvety smoothness that coats the palate. The garlic adds a delightful kick, complementing the savory richness of the beef. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Steaks:

Bring the steaks to room temperature. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before you plan to cook them. This allows them to cook more evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
Season the steaks generously. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Don't be shy! A good amount of seasoning is key to flavorful steaks.

Searing the Steaks:

Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up until it's shimmering and almost smoking. This ensures a good sear.
Sear the steaks. Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Avoid moving the steaks around too much while they're searing; you want them to develop a nice crust.
Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C). For medium-well, aim for 145-155°F (63-68°C). For well-done, aim for 155°F+ (68°C+). Remember that the steaks will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the heat.
Remove the steaks from the skillet. Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Melt the butter and sauté the garlic. In the same skillet you used to cook the steaks (don't wipe it out!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the heavy cream, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Adjust seasoning. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard to your liking.

Serving the Creamy Garlic Steak:

Slice the steaks. Slice the rested steaks against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. This makes them easier to chew and more tender.
Plate the steaks and sauce. Arrange the sliced steaks on plates and spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top.
Garnish and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Steak:

Use high-quality steaks. The better the quality of the steak, the better the final result will be. Look for steaks that are well-marbled, as this will add flavor and tenderness.
Don't overcrowd the pan. If you're cooking more than two steaks at a time, it's best to sear them in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the steaks from searing properly.
Let the steaks rest. Resting the steaks is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Don't skip this step!
Adjust the sauce to your liking. Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the sauce to suit your taste. If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.
Serve with your favorite sides. Creamy garlic steak pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Variations:

Add mushrooms. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after cooking the garlic, before adding the remaining sauce ingredients.
Use different herbs. Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, in place of thyme.
Add a splash of wine. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after cooking the garlic, before adding the remaining sauce ingredients. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Use a different cut of steak. While tenderloin is a great choice, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as ribeye or New York strip. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing Leftovers:

Store the steak and sauce separately. If you have leftovers, it's best to store the steak and sauce separately to prevent the steak from becoming soggy.
Refrigerate the steak. Store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigerate the sauce. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat the steak. To reheat the steak, you can either microwave it or pan-fry it. If microwaving, be careful not to overcook it, as it will become tough. If pan-frying, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the steak for a few minutes per side, or until heated through.
Reheat the sauce. To reheat the sauce, simply heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works:

This creamy garlic steak recipe is a winner because it combines the richness of perfectly seared steak with a luscious, flavorful sauce. The key is to start with high-quality steaks and season them generously. Searing the steaks in a hot skillet creates a beautiful crust and locks in the juices. The creamy garlic sauce is made in the same skillet, which allows it to pick up all the delicious flavors from the steak. The sauce is simple to make but packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Letting the steaks rest after cooking is also crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Finally, the fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!

Conclusion:

This Creamy Garlic Steak recipe isn't just another steak dinner; it's an experience. The tender, perfectly seared steak, bathed in that luscious, garlicky cream sauce, is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to for special occasions or even just a weeknight treat when you want something truly satisfying. Why is it a must-try? Because it's surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The combination of the rich steak, the pungent garlic, and the creamy sauce is simply irresistible. It's a dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and it's versatile enough to be adapted to your own personal preferences. Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this Creamy Garlic Steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also make excellent side dishes, providing a fresh and vibrant contrast to the richness of the steak. For a more indulgent meal, consider adding a side of crispy roasted potatoes or even some garlic bread to mop up every last drop of that amazing sauce. But don't stop there! Feel free to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own. If you're a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic before adding them to the sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add a lovely aromatic touch. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. And if you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream, although the sauce won't be quite as rich. Another great variation is to deglaze the pan with a splash of dry sherry or white wine after searing the steak; this adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a dish that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Steak lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of this Creamy Garlic Steak. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I am sure you will find that this Creamy Garlic Steak is a recipe you will return to again and again. It is truly a winner!