Butter-Steak Perfection: How Much Butter?

Cooking the perfect steak is an art, and one of the most important aspects is getting the butter quantity just right. While personal preference plays a role, most recipes call for a stick of butter, or around 2 tablespoons, to be added to the pan when cooking a steak. This is because butter has a low smoke point and will burn if added too early in the cooking process. It is usually added towards the end, along with garlic and herbs, to baste the steak and give it a rich, buttery flavour.

How much butter to use for a steak

A good steak doesn't need much to make it lip-smacking good. A thick, juicy steak with a generous pat of butter on top is a classic for a reason. But how much butter should you use, and what's the best way to cook a steak with butter?

How much butter to use

As a general rule, you'll want to use around 2 tablespoons of butter for 2 steaks, or 1 tablespoon per steak. This amount will give you enough butter to melt and spoon over the steaks as they cook, creating a delicious, flavourful crust.

Choosing your butter

For the best flavour, use unsalted butter, as this will let the natural sweetness of the butter come through. You can also use garlic herb butter, which you can make by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and your favourite fresh or dried herbs. If you're making garlic herb butter, you'll want to use a stick of butter, or around 8 tablespoons.

Cooking your steak

When cooking your steak, you'll want to start by patting the steaks dry with a paper towel and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then, heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot and just starting to smoke. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pan, followed by your steaks. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned.

Once your steaks are seared, it's time to add the butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add your butter to the pan. If you're using garlic herb butter, you can also add some extra garlic and herbs to the pan for even more flavour. Tilt the pan so that the butter pools to one side, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks. Continue cooking the steaks until they're about 5-10 degrees away from your desired doneness, which should only take about a minute.

Finally, transfer your steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing into them. This will let the juices redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender. Spoon any extra butter sauce over your sliced steak before serving.

When to add butter to the pan

When cooking steak, it is recommended to start with oil in the pan and add butter towards the end of the cooking process. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter, so it is better to sear the steak in oil first. Butter can be added a few minutes before the steak is done, giving it enough time to coat the meat and add flavour without burning.

To make a pan-seared steak, heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-duty pan on medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, pour olive oil into the pan and swirl it around before adding the steak. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping it frequently, until it is browned. For a medium steak, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, and for a well-done steak, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.

After searing the steak, add butter to the pan. You can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary, and aromatics like shallots or garlic, to the butter to infuse it with flavour. Continue to cook the steak by flipping it occasionally and basting it with the foaming butter. Make sure to tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to collect the butter and pour it over the steak, aiming for the paler spots to give them some colour.

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

How to prepare the steak before cooking

There are several steps you can take to prepare your steak before cooking to ensure the best results. Firstly, consider the type of steak you are using. Different cuts of steak have different levels of tenderness, so choose your cut accordingly. For example, skirt steak is tough, whereas ribeye is tender. It is also recommended to buy your steak from a butcher instead of a grocery store, as they will typically have the highest-quality meat available in your area.

Before cooking, it is important to bring your steak to room temperature. This will ensure a more even cook. Take your steak out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. If you are cooking a thicker steak, you may want to leave it out for longer.

The next step is to season your steak. Most commonly, this is done with coarse salt, but you can also use black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be generous with your seasoning, as a lot of it will be lost to the pan. Add the seasoning just before cooking, so the salt doesn't draw moisture out of the meat.

If you want to enhance the flavour of your steak, you can try dry brining it. This involves salting the surface of the steak and leaving it on a drying rack in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking. This will make the meat juicier and intensify the flavour.

Finally, make sure your steak is dry before cooking. Use a paper towel to pat it dry, as this will help you to achieve a good crust.

How long to cook the steak for

When cooking steak, the amount of time it takes to cook will depend on the method of cooking and the desired level of doneness. Here is a guide on how long to cook a steak for, depending on your preferences:

Pan-Searing Steak

To achieve a good pan sear and lock in the juices, heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-duty pan on medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Pat your steaks dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Next, add some olive oil to the pan and swirl it around before adding the steaks. For a medium-rare steak, sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 4 to 5 minutes per side. Well-done steaks will need 5 to 6 minutes on each side.

After searing, remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you're making garlic butter steak, this is when you would add the garlic butter.

Pan Roasting Steak

Follow the same preparation steps as for pan-searing. However, instead of searing the steaks in a pan, you will place them in a preheated oven at 375°F. As with pan-searing, the cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness.

Grilling Steak

For outdoor grilling, preheat your grill to the maximum temperature. Season your steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them 3 to 5 inches away from the flame to sear and lock in the juices. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes.

After searing, move the steaks further away from the flame or reduce the heat to moderately hot. Finish cooking the steaks to your desired level of doneness. As with the previous methods, the cooking time will vary depending on whether you want your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak

• Always bring your steaks to room temperature before cooking. Remove them from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks a couple of minutes before the expected end of the cooking time.
• Thicker steaks (1 inch or more) are best cooked using a two-stage cooking method: sear first over direct heat, then finish over indirect heat.
• For thinner steaks (3/4 inch or less), you can cook them in one stage over direct heat.

What to serve with the steak

Steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy steak:

Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, offering a range of flavours and textures. Consider creamy mashed potatoes with a twist of garlic and sour cream, or roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes for a crispy and tender option. For a healthier alternative, try air-fried potato wedges or crispy smashed potatoes. If you're feeling indulgent, go for loaded baked potatoes or potatoes au gratin, layered with cheese and cream.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables provide a fresh and nutritious accompaniment to steak. Try garlicky, buttery sautéed mushrooms, or roasted asparagus, either on its own or paired with mushrooms. Charred broccoli with a blue cheese dressing is another tasty option. For a lighter option, a simple salad can be a great choice, such as a Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad or an arugula and roasted carrot salad.

Breads and Pastas

Carbohydrate-based sides like bread and pasta can also be a great pairing with steak. Cheesy garlic dinner rolls are a soft and fluffy option, while a simple side of white rice can also complement your steak nicely.

Other Hearty Options

If you're looking for something more substantial, macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with steak. You could also try a steakhouse favourite, creamed spinach, or go for a unique option like halloumi croutons in a salad.

With so many options to choose from, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to satisfy any steak lover's appetite.

Frequently asked questions