There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-cooked steak paired with crispy, golden potatoes. This classic combination, enhanced with a flavorful garlic butter, is a surefire way to impress family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this skillet steak and potatoes recipe is perfect. It combines the robust flavors of a perfectly seared steak with the comforting crunch of potatoes, all brought together by a rich garlic butter sauce. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb. red or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch wedges
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Steak and Garlic Butter:
- 2 rib-eye or New York strip steaks, each about one inch thick, or 1 lb. of flank steak, halved
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and wedged potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes. You want the potatoes to be golden and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. If the potatoes brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Keep Warm: Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. You’ll finish them off later.
2. Cook the Steaks
- Season the Steaks: While the potatoes are cooking, generously season the steaks with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help them cook more evenly.
- Heat the Skillet: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, it’s time to add the steaks.
- Sear the Steaks: Place the steaks in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. For a perfect sear, avoid moving the steaks around too much. Just let them develop a nice crust before flipping.
- Rest the Steaks: Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy steak.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: While the steaks are resting, reduce the heat to low and add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt slowly, picking up all the flavorful browned bits left from the steaks.
- Add the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped parsley, and remove the skillet from heat.
4. Bring It All Together
- Return the Potatoes: Add the cooked potatoes back to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter sauce until they’re well-coated and heated through.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks against the grain and place them on a serving platter. Pour any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top of the steaks. Serve alongside the buttery potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Steak: Rib-eye or New York strip steaks are excellent choices for this recipe because of their marbling, which adds flavor and tenderness. Flank steak is also a good option if you prefer a leaner cut.
- Timing is Key: To ensure everything is hot and ready at the same time, cook the potatoes first and keep them warm while you sear the steaks and prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic Butter Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce, or experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Enjoy this delicious and hearty meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
