Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a real treat for anyone who loves a juicy, tender steak with a burst of rich flavor. The star here is the Wagyu beef,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a real treat for anyone who loves a juicy, tender steak with a burst of rich flavor. The star here is the Wagyu beef, known for its incredible marbling that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Topping it off with a dollop of warm garlic butter brings a lovely, buttery garlic kick that pairs perfectly with the steak’s natural richness.
I love how simple yet special this dish feels. Sometimes, all you need is great meat and a little garlic butter to turn dinner into a celebration at home. I usually let the steak rest a bit after cooking to keep it juicy, and then spoon the garlic butter on top so it slowly melts over the warm meat. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.
For serving, I often go with some roasted veggies or a fresh salad to add a bit of freshness. A glass of your favorite red wine makes a nice companion too. This steak is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends without any complicated steps. Whenever I make it, everyone ends up asking for more, and that’s always a good sign in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wagyu Steak: This is the star, known for its rich marbling that makes the meat tender and juicy. If Wagyu isn’t available, try a well-marbled ribeye or New York strip as a good substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based margarine, but keep in mind flavor differs slightly.
Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic adds a bright, punchy flavor, while parsley and thyme bring freshness. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano work well too.
Vegetable Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point like canola or grapeseed. Avoid olive oil since it can burn at high heat.
How Do You Cook Wagyu Steak Perfectly Without Losing Its Juiciness?
Wagyu’s high fat content means you want to cook it quickly at high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking inside. Here’s how:
- Let steak sit at room temp 30-45 mins before cooking for even heat inside.
- Dry the surface well; moisture prevents a good crust.
- Use a very hot cast-iron pan and a high smoke point oil to sear fast.
- Avoid moving the steak around; let it form a brown crust (2-3 mins per side usually for medium-rare).
- Rest the steak 5-10 mins after cooking to keep juices inside.
This method keeps the meat juicy and lets the fat melt for ultimate tenderness.
Why Add Garlic Butter on Top?
Garlic butter melts over the hot steak, adding layers of flavor and moisture. Make it ahead by mixing softened butter with fresh garlic and herbs. Add it right before serving so it gently melts and enhances every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast-iron skillet – I like this because it gets super hot and holds heat well for a perfect steak sear.
- Tongs – great for flipping the steak without piercing it and losing juices.
- Small bowl – to mix the garlic butter easily.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the steak cleanly against the grain for tender bites.
- Cutting board – sturdy and spacious for resting and slicing the steak safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a subtle smoky twist.
- Swap parsley with fresh chives or basil for a different herb flavor in the butter.
- Try topping with blue cheese crumbles instead of garlic butter for a bold, creamy taste.
- Include sautéed mushrooms on the side to add earthy notes and texture to the meal.
Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 Wagyu ribeye or strip steak, about 10-12 oz
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 10 minutes for cooking and resting the steak. Overall, you can expect around 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet luxurious meal to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Take the Wagyu steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This helps the steak cook evenly. Then, pat it dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme if using. Mix until everything is well blended and set the garlic butter aside.
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until very hot. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Carefully place your steak in the pan and sear without moving it for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice crust. Flip the steak and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time for thickness or your preferred doneness.
4. Rest and Slice:
Take the steak off the heat and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute and stay inside the meat. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thick strips for maximum tenderness.
5. Serve with Garlic Butter:
Place generous dollops of your prepared garlic butter on top of the warm sliced steak. The butter will melt beautifully, adding rich flavor with every bite. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like and serve immediately.
Can I Use Frozen Wagyu Steak for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh Wagyu steak, but if you have a frozen one, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to remove any excess moisture for a perfect sear.
How Do I Store Leftover Steak and Garlic Butter?
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep garlic butter wrapped separately or in a small container. Reheat the steak gently and add fresh garlic butter to refresh the flavor.
Can I Substitute the Herbs in the Garlic Butter?
Absolutely! Parsley and thyme are classic choices, but you can swap in chives, basil, or rosemary depending on your flavor preference. Just keep the quantities similar for balance.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Wagyu Steak Without Drying It Out?
Warm the steak slowly in a low oven (about 250°F / 120°C) or gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, covered loosely to retain moisture. Avoid high heat reheating, which can toughen the meat.