Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfectly Grilled Steak with Herb Butter
Who doesn’t love a juicy, flavorful steak fresh off the grill? Whether it’s for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, grilled steak is always a crowd-pleaser. To make it even better, we’ll add a rich herb butter that melts perfectly over the warm steak, taking it to the next level.
If you’ve struggled to cook steak just right, don’t worry. This blog will break it down into simple steps that anyone can follow. By the end, you’ll be grilling steak like a pro and impressing your family and guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the steak:
– 2 ribeye steaks (or any steak of your choice, around 1-1.5 inches thick)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder or steak seasoning
For the herb butter:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Herb Butter
Herb butter adds a delicious layer of flavor to any steak. It’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Take your softened butter (leave it out at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes) and add chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary, minced garlic (if you like), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together in a small bowl until the herbs and garlic are evenly combined.
- Scoop the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape and refrigerate until firm. You can store this butter for days and use it on anything from steaks to veggies!
Step 2: Choosing the Right Steak
The cut of steak matters. Ribeye, strip steak, and filet mignon are popular grilling choices because they stay tender and juicy. Look for marbled meat—those little white streaks of fat throughout the steak. They add flavor and keep the steak moist while cooking.
Step 3: Patting the Steak Dry
Before grilling, take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Then, use paper towels to pat the steak dry. Removing excess moisture ensures a nice crust when grilling.
Step 4: Seasoning the Steak
Seasoning may seem simple, but it’s very important. Rub each steak with olive oil—this helps prevent sticking to the grill. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other spices (like garlic powder or your favorite steak seasoning) on both sides. Don’t be shy with the salt—steak needs enough seasoning to bring out its natural flavor.
Step 5: Preheating the Grill
A hot grill gives you that perfect sear and smoky flavor. Preheat your grill on high for about 10–15 minutes before you start cooking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them turn white-hot before you begin.
Once hot, clean the grill grates with a brush and oil them lightly using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Grilling the Steak
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Place the steaks directly onto the hot grill. Don’t overcrowd—leave space between them.
- For medium-rare steak (warm, red center), cook for about 4–5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 3–4 minutes per side (cool, red center)
- Medium: 5–6 minutes per side (warm, pink center)
- Well done: 7–8 minutes per side (mostly brown center)
- Avoid pressing down on the steak—it releases juices and dries it out. Let it cook undisturbed to develop a good sear.
If you have a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature for accuracy:
– Rare: 120–130°F
– Medium-rare: 130–135°F
– Medium: 140–145°F
– Well done: 160°F
Step 7: Letting the Steak Rest
After grilling, transfer the steak to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak tender and juicy instead of dry.
Step 8: Adding Herb Butter
Now it’s time for the star of the show—herb butter! Slice a piece of the chilled butter and place it on top of the steak while it’s still warm. The heat will melt the butter, creating a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the steak.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the steak against the grain (this makes it easier to chew) and serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with steak.
Final Tips for Grilling Success
- Always start with a hot grill to get those grill marks and seared edges.
- Don’t keep flipping the steak—once per side is enough.
- Use a thermometer if you’re unsure about doneness. It’s better than guessing!
- Customize herb butter by adding different herbs or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
By following these simple steps, you’ll end up with a steak that’s juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. Grilled steak with herb butter is a classic recipe that never disappoints—and now you can make it like a pro at home.
Go ahead, fire up the grill, and enjoy this delicious dish!
