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Laughing Spatula / Recipe Index / Gluten Free / How to Cook Steak Perfectly in a Pan

How to Cook Steak Perfectly in a Pan

By Kathi & Rachel

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How often can you have restaurant quality steak? Do it whenever you want at home with this recipe.

We’ll show you how to cook steak in a pan at home that’s restaurant quality, and delicious! Bonus for all of you keto lovers- this recipe is keto approved!

cooked steak on a white platter with compound butter and parsley garnish

What kind of steaks should I use?

Filet mignons are the easiest to cook at home, because they’re the most tender. Ribeye is great too, though. This recipe is great for all steak cuts!   If you need to do some steak reading, check out this article that explains the difference in each cut. It’s pretty informative and will help you when you’re grocery shopping for some beef.

Steps to make Restaurant Quality Pan Cooked Steak:

Step 1: Let the steaks rest outside the package on the counter for about 30 minutes. This brings the steak up to temperature to save some cooking time. The less heat you have to use, the more tender your steak.

 

steak being dabbed with paper towel to remove excess moisture

Step 2: Dab your steak with a paper towel to remove excess moisture- this will help caramelize it. After that, coat the steak on both sides with salt and pepper.

steaks resting on paper towel

Step 3:  We’re going to put together some compound butter. You can do this during the 30 minutes your steak sits out so you don’t lose any time. Butter, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Mash it up and that’s it!

Transfer mixed compound butter into a ball in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until solid. This allows you to create perfect slices atop your restaurant quality steak. 

compound butter ingredients in white bowl- butter, garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper

Step 4: Heat the pan on medium high, and add 2 tablespoons of plain butter (we’ll save the compound butter for later).

compound butter after refrigeration in log form being cut on cutting board

  • Step 5: Once the 2 tablespoons of butter have melted and the butter is sizzling*, add steaks to the pan and sear on each side for 2-4 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness and internal temperature.
    • NOT smoking- but sizzling! If the butter smokes, your pan is too hot and you need to redo it- too hot of a pan will overcook your steak and it will not be salvageable. 
    • Pro Tip- Check out this guide from Susie over at Hey Grill Hey for which temperature you prefer your steak to be cooked to. 

spooning butter onto steak in cast iron pan

While your steak is cooking, spoon butter on it to keep it moist and delicious. Once you’ve reached your desired internal temperature, slice up that compound butter, put it on top of your steak to melt and dinner is done!

highlighting steak with compound butter in cast iron pan garnished with parsley

Side Dish Recommendations that pair well with steak: 

  • Focaccia Bread
  • Caesar Pasta Salad
  • Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin
  • Fondant Potatoes
  • Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Looking for other steak recipes? Try these!

  • Easy Salisbury Steak
  • Stuffed Flank Steak with Mushrooms, Blue Cheese and Spinach
  • Mongolian Beef with Peppers

Enjoy this delicious, restaurant quality steak dinner! – Kathi and Rachel

 What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and  tag your LaughingSpatula recipes with #laughingspatula. We love to see your pics! 

steak cooked in a cast iron pan with compound butter

steak cooked in a cast iron skillet with compound butter
How to Cook Steak in a Pan
4.95 from 17 votes
Print Pin Recipe  Comment
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
46 mins
 

With garlic compound butter, you'll be so glad you learned how to make this!

Course: american, Breakfast, Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
: 489 kcal
: Kathi & Rachel
Ingredients
  • 2 filet mignons
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
Compound Butter
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Let steak rest outside packaging in room temperature for 30 minutes

  2. Using a paper towel, remove excess moisture from steak. 

  3. Mix compound butter; form into long within plastic wrap once fully mixed and refrigerate.

  4. Season steak with salt and pepper

  5. Heat cast iron pan to medium-high; melt 2 tablespoons of butter in pan. Once butter is simmering (NOT smoking- don't let it get too hot otherwise your steak will burn!) add steak.

    *** Be cautious of hot butter, it can splatter. Wearing protective gloves or mits is recommend***

  6. Sear 2-3 minute on each side, or until 130 degrees internally. Spoon melted butter over top of steak to keep it moist. 

  7. Top steak with slice of compound butter & enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
How to Cook Steak in a Pan
Amount Per Serving
Calories 489 Calories from Fat 423
% Daily Value*
Fat 47g72%
Saturated Fat 25g125%
Cholesterol 135mg45%
Sodium 294mg12%
Potassium 258mg7%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 965IU19%
Vitamin C 1.9mg2%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 2.1mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Low Carb/KETO, Main Course Recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. bbquing says

    September 27, 2021 at 12:00 am

    4 stars
    Those steaks were delicious! I loved the way this turned out, the steak was moist and tasty

    Reply
  2. Kimberly says

    February 18, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    The steaks were delicious! However, we like ours medium well, so they had to cook a bit longer than the recipe and the kitchen got really smokey. Any tips to avoid this?

    Reply
    • Kathi & Rachel says

      February 21, 2021 at 6:38 am

      Hi Kimberly – you can add a drizzle of olive oil to the butter which will help keep the butter from burning. Glad you like the steaks !

      Reply
  3. Scott says

    January 31, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a charcoal grill guy but it was 34 and raining out tonight. I’ve got an induction cook top on my covered side porch (sort of an outdoor kitchen area) so I tried this tonight. The filets turned out Fabulous and what a great “crust”. Thanks for your site and recipe!!!

    Reply
    • Kathi & Rachel says

      February 1, 2021 at 7:24 am

      Thanks for the 5 stars Scott! We are so glad you loved the recipe and truly apprciate you taking the time to leave a note!

      Reply
  4. Kevin says

    February 14, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    This turned out perfectly, the steak was very juicy and cooked just the right amount.
    We added a little goat cheese on top before eating; food heaven.

    Reply
    • Kathi & Rachel says

      February 15, 2020 at 5:38 am

      Thank you Kevin! We are so glad you loved it. We actually made it for Valentines day as well!

      Reply
  5. Megan says

    December 13, 2018 at 10:21 am

    This would be amazing with some mac& cheese on the side.

    Reply

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