Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a simple yet special dish featuring rich, tender steak that practically melts in your mouth. The standout here is the beautiful marbling of the…
By Emily
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Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a simple yet special dish featuring rich, tender steak that practically melts in your mouth. The standout here is the beautiful marbling of the Wagyu beef, which gives it an unbeatable buttery texture and deep flavor. Topped with a dollop of garlic butter, every bite feels like a little celebration.
I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make but feels like a fancy treat. I usually let the steak rest after cooking so the juices stay inside, then finish with the garlic butter as it melts and mingles with the meat. The garlic adds a wonderful punch without overpowering the natural flavor of the Wagyu.
My favorite way to serve this steak is with some simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, so the steak really shines. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner when I want to impress but keep things relaxed. Whenever I make this, everyone asks for the recipe because it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wagyu Steak: This steak is prized for excellent marbling and buttery texture. If you can’t find Wagyu, try a well-marbled ribeye or sirloin for a similar rich taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level and keeps the garlic butter fresh and creamy. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt later.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the butter a bright, punchy flavor. Avoid garlic powder here since fresh garlic really melts into the butter.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds color and mild flavor. You can swap in thyme or rosemary, which pair well with beef too.
Oil for Searing: Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola that withstand high heat. Olive oil works too but watch for smoke at high temps.
How Do You Get a Perfect Sear on Wagyu Steak?
The key is to get your pan very hot and not move the steak too soon. This builds a rich crust that locks in juices.
- Preheat skillet over high heat until it just starts to smoke.
- Add oil, then place the steak gently in the pan—don’t shake or move it for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip once the crust is well browned and cook the other side similarly.
- For medium-rare, cook about 2-3 minutes each side depending on thickness.
- After searing, finish with garlic butter on medium-low heat to melt over the top.
Let the steak rest after cooking—this helps juices settle for tender, juicy slices. I love slicing against the grain to keep it tender in every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet – I love it for getting a perfect, even sear on Wagyu steak without hot spots.
- Tongs – let you flip the steak gently without piercing it and losing juices.
- Small mixing bowl – easy to mix your garlic butter ingredients in one spot.
- Sharp knife – helps slice the steak cleanly against the grain for tender bites.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to rest and slice the meat without damaging your countertops.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary in the garlic butter for an earthy twist that pairs well with beef.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a gentle heat that wakes up the rich flavor.
- Try blue cheese crumbles on top instead of garlic butter for a sharp, creamy finish I like with ribeye.
- Mix in finely chopped shallots or chives to the butter for extra mild onion flavor that brightens the steak.
How to Make Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 Wagyu steak (about 10-12 oz, ribeye or sirloin cut)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for searing)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: pinch of sea salt flakes for garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This steak recipe takes about 10 minutes of active cooking and preparation, plus 30 minutes to bring the meat to room temperature and 5 minutes resting time to keep it juicy. Total time is around 45 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Take your Wagyu steak out of the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes so it can reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Then, pat it dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley until everything is well blended. Set this flavorful garlic butter aside for later use.
3. Sear the Steak:
Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until very hot and starting to smoke. Add the vegetable or canola oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Carefully place the steak in the pan and let it sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes until a deep, beautiful crust forms. Flip the steak and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting the time a bit if your steak is thicker or if you prefer it cooked differently.
4. Add the Garlic Butter and Rest:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Place a generous dollop of the prepared garlic butter on top of the steak and let it melt. Spoon the melted butter over the steak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to let all those flavors soak in. Then, remove the steak from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to settle so each bite is juicy and tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the steak against the grain into thick strips for the best texture. Serve with a bit more garlic butter on top, and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs along with a pinch of sea salt flakes if you like. Pair your steak with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or a crisp salad, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Steak?
Absolutely! While Wagyu has a unique marbling and flavor, you can use ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak as a substitute. Just watch your cooking time since thickness and fat content may vary.
How Should I Store Leftover Steak?
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out.
Can I Prepare the Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the garlic butter up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and bring it to room temperature before using.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Wagyu Steak?
The best way is to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or oil to keep it tender. Avoid high heat or microwaving for long periods to prevent overcooking.
