Ready for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? My Garlic Butter Mushroom Steak Skillet is your answer. This savory dish combines juicy ribeye steaks with rich baby bella mushrooms in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s simple, quick, and flavorful. Follow my step-by-step guide to create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen the heart of gourmet delights!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and mushrooms elevates the ribeye steaks to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Versatile Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal that impresses anyone.
- Great for Sharing: This dish is easily doubled or halved, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gathering these ingredients is a key step. Start with the ribeye steaks. They offer a rich flavor and tender texture. Look for steaks that are about 1 inch thick. This thickness helps achieve a perfect cook. Next, grab baby bella mushrooms. Their earthy taste pairs well with steak.
Olive oil is essential for cooking. It helps create a beautiful sear on the steak. Unsalted butter adds creaminess and flavor to the dish. Garlic is a must. It brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
Don’t forget the seasonings. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh thyme leaves add a nice herbal note. If you want a boost of umami, consider soy sauce. It’s optional but can elevate the dish. Lastly, fresh parsley makes for a lovely garnish. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
When you have all your ingredients ready, you’re set to create a savory delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Steak
Season both sides of the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right away. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step is key for even cooking. Cold meat can cook unevenly, so warming it helps.
Heating the Skillet
Use a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy frying pan. This type of skillet holds heat well. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You want the oil hot but not smoking.
Cooking the Steak
Add the seasoned steaks to the hot skillet. For medium-rare, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Adjust time if you prefer it more or less done. After cooking, remove the steaks and let them rest. Cover them loosely with foil for about 5 minutes.
Sautéing the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes. They should release moisture and start to brown. This browning adds a rich flavor.
Adding Garlic and Butter
Push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the empty side. Stir the garlic into the butter for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt.
Final Steps and Serving
Slice the rested steaks against the grain. Add them back to the skillet with the mushrooms. Toss everything gently to coat. Heat through for another minute. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Steak
- Choosing the right steak cut: I love ribeye steaks for this dish. They are tender and full of flavor. You can also use sirloin or filet mignon. Each cut has its own taste and texture.
- Checking for doneness: Use a meat thermometer for best results. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F to 135°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. If you prefer it more done, increase the temperature to 145°F for medium.
Enhancing Flavor
- Additional herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can add nice notes. Try adding crushed red pepper for a touch of heat. Even a pinch of smoked paprika can bring depth.
- Swapping soy sauce alternatives: If you want to skip soy sauce, try coconut aminos. It has a similar taste but is soy-free. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Cooking Equipment Recommendations
- Best skillet types: A cast-iron skillet is perfect for this recipe. It retains heat well and gives a great sear. If you don’t have one, a heavy stainless-steel skillet works too.
- Using meat thermometers: A digital meat thermometer is your best friend. It gives quick and accurate readings. This tool ensures you cook your steak just right every time.
Pro Tips
- Rest the Steak: Letting your steaks rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
- Use High Heat: Searing the steak at a high temperature creates a beautiful crust, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh thyme instead of dried elevates the flavor profile, bringing a vibrant taste to the dish.
- Don't Skip the Soy Sauce: Adding soy sauce deepens the umami flavor of the dish, making the mushrooms and steak even more delicious.
Variations
Different Steak Cuts
You can use other cuts of beef instead of ribeye. Sirloin, flank, or filet mignon work well too. Each cut has a unique taste and texture.
- Sirloin: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Flank: Cook for 2-4 minutes per side. This cut is thinner.
- Filet Mignon: Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, as it is thick.
Mushroom Varieties
Switching up mushrooms adds fun flavors. Try shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. Each type brings a new twist to the dish.
- Shiitake: Rich and earthy taste. Great for depth.
- Portobello: Meaty and hearty, perfect for a filling meal.
- Oyster: Delicate and sweet; adds a light touch.
Using wild mushrooms boosts flavor and nutrition, too. They often have unique tastes and can enhance your dish's profile.
Sauce Additions
You can mix in red wine or broth for a deeper flavor. Both add richness to the sauce.
- Red Wine: Use a dry wine. It adds depth and balance.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth can make the sauce lighter.
For a creamy sauce, you can add heavy cream or sour cream. This creates a rich texture that pairs nicely with steak and mushrooms. Just stir it in after adding garlic and butter.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Butter Mushroom Steak Skillet fresh, follow these steps:
- Cool the Dish: Let it cool to room temperature first.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic works well.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the containers in the fridge within two hours.
This helps keep your steak and mushrooms tasty for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating your delicious meal, keep these methods in mind:
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Add a damp paper towel on top to avoid dryness.
These tips help retain moisture, ensuring your steak and mushrooms taste fresh and juicy.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Here’s how to do it right:
- Cool Completely: Make sure the dish is fully cooled before freezing.
- Use Freezer Bags or Containers: Place the steak and mushrooms in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label and Date: Write the date on the bag or container.
This way, you can enjoy your meal for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
FAQs
How long should I cook ribeye steak for medium-rare?
For a medium-rare ribeye steak, cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This timing works well for steaks that are about 1 inch thick. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 130-135°F. This ensures a juicy and tender steak. Adjust the time slightly if your steak is thicker or thinner.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried thyme if you don’t have fresh. However, the flavor will be less bright. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh thyme. Dried herbs are more potent, so less is needed. Add the dried thyme earlier in the cooking process to release its flavor.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Mushroom Steak Skillet?
Several side dishes complement this tasty skillet meal. Here are some great options:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Rice pilaf
These sides will enhance your meal and add variety to your plate.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest?
Yes, letting the steak rest is very important. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This makes your steak more juicy and tender. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This simple step improves the overall flavor and texture of your steak.
You now have all the tools to make a flavorful garlic butter mushroom steak. Start with quality ribeye and fresh baby bella mushrooms. Pay attention to cooking times for perfect doneness. Don’t forget to garnish with parsley for a nice touch.
Experiment with different steak cuts and mushroom types to find what you love. Store any leftovers properly and use them for quick meals. Enjoy the process of cooking and share your results. Keep practicing, and you'll impress everyone with your skills in no time!
