Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate choice. Juicy, perfectly seared steak paired with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce creates a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner in the United States, hosting friends in the United Kingdom, or preparing a special meal in Canada, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.

 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook steak to perfection and create a creamy garlic sauce that elevates every bite.

 

🛒 Ingredients

For the Steak:

 

2 ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)

 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

 

1 tablespoon olive oil

 

1 tablespoon butter

 

2–3 cloves garlic, smashed

 

Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

 

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

 

2 tablespoons butter

 

4 cloves garlic, minced

 

1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)

 

½ cup beef broth

 

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

½ teaspoon black pepper

 

Salt to taste

 

Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

 

Fresh parsley for garnish

 

🔥 How to Make Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce

1️⃣ Prepare the Steak

 

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Letting them come to room temperature ensures even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

 

2️⃣ Sear the Steak

 

Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot.

 

Place the steak in the pan and sear for:

 

3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare

 

4–5 minutes per side for medium

 

Add butter, smashed garlic, and herbs during the last minute. Spoon the melted butter over the steak (this is called basting) for extra flavor.

 

Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

 

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

 

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits add flavor), reduce heat to medium.

 

Add butter and minced garlic.

 

Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

 

Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

 

Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

 

Stir in Parmesan cheese.

 

Let the sauce simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

 

Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

 

4️⃣ Combine and Serve

 

Return the steak to the pan briefly to coat in the sauce or pour the sauce over sliced steak.

 

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

 

🥔 What to Serve with Steak and Garlic Cream Sauce

 

This creamy steak pairs beautifully with:

 

Mashed potatoes

 

Roasted vegetables

 

Garlic butter green beans

 

Steamed asparagus

 

Rice or creamy polenta

 

Fresh crusty bread

 

The sauce is so good, you’ll want something to soak it up!

 

⭐ Tips for Perfect Steak Every Time

✔ Use a Meat Thermometer

 

For accuracy, internal temperatures should be:

 

130–135°F (54–57°C) – Medium rare

 

140–145°F (60–63°C) – Medium

 

✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

 

Cook steaks one or two at a time to maintain high heat for a proper sear.

 

✔ Let It Rest

 

Resting prevents dry steak and keeps it juicy.

 

✔ Choose Quality Meat

 

Look for well-marbled cuts like ribeye for extra tenderness and flavor.

 

🧄 Flavor Variations

 

Want to customize your Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce? Try these ideas:

 

Add mushrooms for a creamy garlic mushroom sauce

 

Splash in white wine before adding cream

 

Stir in Dijon mustard for tang

 

Add spinach for a creamy garlic spinach sauce

 

Use blue cheese instead of Parmesan for bold flavor

 

❄ Storage and Reheating

 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak.

 

Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating the sauce to loosen it.

 

Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces can separate.

 

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 

Quick and easy (ready in about 30 minutes)

 

Rich, comforting flavor

 

Perfect for date night or special occasions

 

Customizable and versatile

 

Works with various steak cuts

 

This dish brings steakhouse flavor right into your kitchen without the high price tag.

 

🥩 Final Thoughts

 

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly cooked Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce. The crispy seared exterior, tender juicy center, and creamy garlicky sauce create a balanced and indulgent meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

 

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, celebrating a milestone, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe guarantees bold flavor and impressive results.

 

Once you try it, it may just become your go-to steak dinner recipe. 🍽️✨