One-Pan Magic: Garlic Steak & Potatoes

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what turns a simple meal into a gourmet experience? Is it the ingredients, the technique, or perhaps the love that goes into cooking? Our Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet might hold the answer. This one-pan wonder combines succulent steak, crispy potatoes, and aromatic garlic butter to create an effortless and indulgent dish. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• Three teaspoons of olive oil
• One lb. red or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4-inch wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Steak and Garlic Butter:

• Two rib-eye or New York strip steaks, each about one inch thick, or one lb. of flank steak, halved
• One teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• Three cloves garlic, minced
• Two tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• One teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste

How to Make Instructions

• • Prepare the potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add potato wedges and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove potatoes from skillet and set aside.
  • Cook the steak: Season steaks with one teaspoon of salt and pepper.
  • In the same skillet, cook steaks over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • Remove steaks and let rest on a cutting board.
  • Make the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
  • Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Combine and serve: Return potatoes to the skillet, tossing to coat in garlic butter.
  • Slice the steak against the grain.
  • Add steak back to the skillet.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  • Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Helpful Tips

1. Room temperature steaks: Take your steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
2. Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches to ensure potatoes and steaks have enough space to brown properly.
3. Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
4. Let it rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
5. Potato perfection: For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before frying.
6. Garlic tip: Add garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.

Substitutions/Variations

1. Meat options: Swap steak for chicken breasts or pork chops for a different twist.
2. Potato alternatives: Try sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter flavor profile.
3. Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary or thyme instead of parsley.
4. Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
5. Vegetable add-ins: Toss in some asparagus or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. For cheese, please sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the dish before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak? A: Absolutely! Sirloin, tenderloin, or even skirt steak work well. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier? A: Use olive oil instead of butter, choose a leaner cut of steak, and add more vegetables to the skillet.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and reheat them in the skillet.

Q: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet? A: Any large, heavy-bottomed pan will work, but cast iron provides the best heat retention and flavor.

Q: How do I know when the steak is done? A: Use a meat thermometer or a touch test. For medium-rare, the steak should feel like the fleshy part of your palm when you touch your thumb and middle finger together.

Storage Instructions

To store your Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Cooling: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.
2. Storing: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
3. Freezing: While possible, freezing may affect texture. If freezing, separate components and use within 2-3 months.
4. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwave as a last resort, as it may make the steak tough.
5. Safety first: Always ensure leftovers are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Conclusion

As we end our culinary journey with the Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet, let’s revisit our initial question: What turns a simple meal into a gourmet experience? Through this recipe, we’ve discovered a harmonious blend of quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the magic that happens when flavors meld in a single pan. The sizzle of the steak, the potatoes’ crispiness, and the garlic butter aroma create a sensory symphony that elevates this dish from mere sustenance to a genuinely satisfying experience. It’s proof that with the proper technique and a touch of creativity, even classic comfort foods can become extraordinary meals that bring joy to your table.