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Top-down view of Garlic Butter Steak and Asparagus in a skillet.

GARLIC BUTTER STEAK AND ASPARAGUS

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Steak Sirloin or Ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb Fresh Asparagus woody ends trimmed
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter divided
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 Lemon cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Season: Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add steak in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Veg: Add 1 tbsp butter to the same pan. Add asparagus. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
  4. Aromatics: Move asparagus to the side. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
  5. Finish: Return steak to the pan. Toss to coat in garlic butter.
  6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

  • Steak Temperature: Remove steak from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Bringing it to room temperature ensures an even sear and prevents a cold, raw center.
     
  • Dry the Meat: Use a paper towel to pat the steak bone-dry. Moisture creates steam, which prevents that golden-brown crust (the Maillard reaction).
     
  • Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook the steak in two batches if necessary. If the pan is too full, the temperature drops, and the meat will boil in its own juices rather than searing.
  • Asparagus Sizing: If using pencil-thin asparagus, reduce sauté time to 2–3 minutes. For thick spears, consider blanching for 60 seconds first or slicing them lengthwise (halved) to ensure they cook at the same rate as the garlic.
  • Deglazing: When adding the butter and garlic, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. This is where the concentrated steak flavor lives.
  • Herb Swap: For a more traditional mediterranean diet flavor profile, swap the parsley for fresh dill or mint.