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 to taste; Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste; 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature; 3 Cloves Garlic, minced (preferably roasted garlic); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

There’s something truly mouthwatering about a perfectly cooked ribeye with a dollop of rich garlic butter melting on top. This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe strikes that magical balance between juicy, tender steak and flavorful, buttery garlic goodness that’ll have you coming back for seconds without hesitation.

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’ve made my fair share of steak dinners, and this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe always stands out. The garlic butter simply elevates the ribeye to a whole new level without much fuss. It’s a straightforward yet indulgent way to impress yourself or guests.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have almost everything in your kitchen right now to whip this up.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The garlic butter adds richness without overpowering that beautiful steak taste.
Juicy, Tender Steak Every Time: The method locks in those delicious juices while creating a gorgeous crust.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or switch up your sides to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients sets this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe up for success. Each element has a role: the ribeye gives you rich marbling, the garlic butter boosts flavor, and good seasoning ties it all together. Here are the essentials and why they matter.

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: The marbling in ribeye means tender, juicy steak bursting with flavor. Look for about 1 ¼-inch thickness for perfect cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden crust when searing the steak and keeps it from sticking to the pan.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but crucial to season the meat well and enhance its natural flavors.
Unsalted Butter: The base for that luscious garlic butter—it lets you control salt perfectly and avoid overpowering the dish.
Garlic (minced or roasted): Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth, but fresh minced garlic gives that punchy garlic flavor that melts beautifully into butter.

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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

This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe is wonderfully flexible. I love switching up the butter mix-ups or adding fresh herbs for a twist. You should absolutely feel encouraged to make it your own depending on your cravings and what’s in season.

Variation: I sometimes like to mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the garlic butter for an herbal boost. It adds a beautiful aroma while keeping the buttery richness intact.
Diet-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb, making it easy to fit into many diets; just swap sides to suit your needs.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into your garlic butter before refrigerating—it adds a subtle warmth that’s addictive.

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: Whip Up the Garlic Butter

Start by combining softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. For a little extra magic, you could use roasted garlic instead—its mellow richness makes the butter silky and sweet. Then, shape this mixture into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until firm. Having this butter ready in the fridge makes finishing your steaks a breeze.

Step 2: Heat Things Up—Get Your Skillet Smoking Hot

Preheat your oven’s broiler and place an oven-proof skillet—cast iron is my go-to—in there to get scorching hot. This step is key for that beautiful caramelized crust. Meanwhile, pat your ribeye steaks dry with paper towels—that dryness is your best friend for a great sear! Brush them lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear with Confidence

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on your stovetop over medium-high heat. When it’s sizzling, lay your steaks down. You’ll hear that amazing sizzle immediately—that’s the sound of flavor locking in. Cook for about one minute without moving, then flip and sear the other side for another minute. Don’t worry about cooking through here, just build that crust.

Step 4: Finish in the Oven

Pop your skillet straight back into the oven and let your steaks finish under the broiler. Depending on your preferred doneness, 4-5 minutes usually gets you a beautiful medium-rare. Flip them once halfway for even cooking. When they’re done, let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Resting keeps the juices locked inside, making every bite juicy and tender.

Top Tip

Through multiple steak nights, I’ve learned that a few small details can make a huge difference. This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe is simple but demands attention to technique to shine.

Pat Dry Steak: Never skip drying your steaks—removing moisture is essential for a great sear and crust formation.
Room-Temp Butter: Use butter softened to room temperature for your garlic butter log; it blends better and spreads beautifully.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: If cooking multiple steaks, give them enough room to sear properly instead of steaming.
Rest Before Serving: Resting isn’t optional—it’s the secret to juicy steaks and richer flavors once plated.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe

garlic butter ribeye - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this steak with a pat of that garlicky butter melting into the meat and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes a few crispy garlic chips on top add delightful texture and deeper garlic flavor if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This steak pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. When I’m in a rush, some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze round out the meal perfectly. Of course, a glass of red wine never hurts either!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the ribeyes thinly and fan them out on a wooden board, drizzling with garlic butter and topping with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt. It turns a simple steak dinner into an inviting centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have steak leftovers, I store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. I always make sure to let the steak cool before storing to keep it juicy when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked ribeye steaks wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thawed them slowly in the fridge. While freshly cooked is best, this method keeps the steak tasty and tender enough for a quick meal later—just refresh with a quick reheat.

Reheating

To reheat leftover steak without drying it out, I use a wire rack on a baking sheet and warm it slowly in a 250°F oven for about 30 minutes. This method preserves juiciness much better than the microwave. I then add a slice of garlic butter on top just before serving to revive freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! While ribeye is fantastic for its marbling and flavor, you can substitute it with filet mignon, New York strip, or T-bone steaks. Just adjust cook times based on thickness and cut.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; medium-rare is around 130-135°F (54-57°C). Alternatively, press with your finger—the steak should feel springy but still soft.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes! The garlic butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Wrapping it in parchment keeps it fresh and ready to use whenever you’re cooking steak.

What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?

You can sear the steaks in a regular skillet, then transfer them to a preheated baking dish in the oven to finish cooking. Just be sure your skillet can tolerate high heat for searing, and use proper oven-safe cookware for finishing.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns an everyday steak night into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a dinner party, it’s a trusted go-to that delivers satisfying flavors and a bit of kitchen joy. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as I do—so grab those steaks and get cooking!