Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a truly special dish that shines with its rich, buttery texture and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The star here is the Wagyu beef, known for its…
Tip: save now, cook later.Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter is a truly special dish that shines with its rich, buttery texture and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The star here is the Wagyu beef, known for its beautiful marbling and incredible flavor, paired perfectly with a simple yet flavorful garlic butter. The butter melts over the hot steak, soaking into every bite and adding a warm, garlicky touch that makes each mouthful simply delicious.
I love making this steak when I want to treat myself or impress friends because it feels so elegant but is surprisingly easy to prepare. A good tip I always follow is to let the steak rest after cooking so the juices settle in—it makes a big difference in how juicy and tender it turns out. And that garlic butter? I usually mix in a little fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor—it just brightens everything up.
When I serve Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter, I like to keep it simple with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad. The steak really takes center stage, and the buttery garlic sauce is perfect for dipping. It’s the kind of meal where everyone lingers around the table, enjoying the rich flavors and good company. For me, it’s one of those meals that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wagyu Steak: This is the star ingredient known for its rich marbling and tenderness. If Wagyu is hard to find or pricey, try using Kobe beef or a well-marbled ribeye for good results.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt levels easily. You can swap with ghee or a plant-based butter if you want a dairy-free option, though it changes flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor here. Garlic powder can work if you’re in a pinch, but fresh gives the best taste and aroma.
Herbs: Parsley gives freshness and color, while thyme adds earthiness. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano work nicely too.
How Do You Get a Perfect Sear on Wagyu Steak?
Searing builds a tasty crust that locks in juices without overcooking the inside. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture—wet steaks won’t sear well.
- Use a hot cast-iron or heavy skillet and add a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil.
- Place steaks in pan, don’t move them for 2-3 mins to form a crust.
- Flip and sear the other side the same way for medium-rare (adjust time if thick or thinner).
- Remove steak promptly, it will keep cooking slightly while resting.
Resting for at least 5 minutes after searing is key—this lets the juices redistribute so your steak stays juicy and tender. Adding garlic butter on top as it rests finishes the dish with rich, fresh flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast-iron skillet – great for getting a hot, even sear on your steak.
- Tongs – help you flip the steak without piercing it and losing juices.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the steak against the grain simple and neat.
- Cutting board – sturdy surface to rest and slice your steak safely.
- Small bowl – perfect for mixing your garlic butter ingredients.
- Cling film or plastic wrap – helps shape and chill your garlic butter log.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Wagyu for ribeye or New York strip if you want a more budget-friendly steak with good marbling.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the garlic butter for a little smoky heat.
- Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme into the butter for extra herb aroma.
- Top the steak with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Make Wagyu Steak with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 2 Wagyu ribeye or strip steaks (about 8 oz each, 1 to 1.5 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and mixing the garlic butter and seasoning your steaks, plus 6 to 8 minutes searing. Then, allow 5 minutes resting time after cooking, so the meat stays juicy. Overall, the whole process takes around 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Steaks Ready:
Take the Wagyu steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly. While waiting, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Shape it into a small log and chill it in the fridge until firm.
2. Season and Sear the Steaks:
Sprinkle the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat your skillet or cast-iron pan on high until very hot. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around. Carefully place the steaks in the pan and don’t move them for about 2-3 minutes so a nice crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time if your steak is thicker or thinner.
3. Rest and Serve:
Take the steaks off the pan and place them on a cutting board. Immediately add a couple of slices of the chilled garlic butter on top so it melts over the hot steak. Loosely cover the steaks with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices settle in for a juicy bite. Slice the steak against the grain if you like, and spoon any melted garlic butter onto each slice. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you want a pretty touch.
Can I Use Frozen Wagyu Steak?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and a better sear.
Can I Prepare Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the garlic butter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just slice and add it to the steak right after cooking for easy serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Steak?
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Wagyu Steak?
Simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement the rich flavors without overpowering the steak.