How to Perfect Juicy Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

If you want to savor the ultimate summer cookout, learning how to make a juicy grilled steak with herb butter is an absolute must. This recipe blends tender, perfectly seared steak with rich, aromatic herb butter that melts into every bite, making your meal unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve steakhouse-quality results at home. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to this mouthwatering classic that’s bursting with flavor and juicy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly juicy steak: Achieve that ideal balance of a tender inside with a delicious crust on the outside every time.
• Simple yet flavorful: Minimal ingredients come together to create layers of rich taste without overwhelming your palate.
• Herb butter magic: Fresh herbs blended with creamy butter add a luscious finish that elevates the steak.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a special dinner, this recipe fits any event beautifully.
• Easy to customize: Adapt the herbs and seasonings to suit your personal taste effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a juicy grilled steak with herb butter that’s bursting with flavor and depth. Each component plays a vital role in tenderizing, seasoning, or accentuating the steak to perfection.

• Ribeye or sirloin steak: Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy tenderness and rich flavor.
• Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out flavor and helping to form a crisp steak crust.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle mild heat and enhances the meat’s natural taste.
• Unsalted butter: The creamy base to carry herbs and melt into the steak beautifully.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary): Fragrant herbs that impart bright, earthy notes to the butter.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the butter with warm, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with steak.
• Lemon zest (optional): Adds a refreshing citrus kick to balance richness.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes an even sear on the grill.

Variations for Juicy Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Feel free to customize this steak recipe based on your preferences, pantry ingredients, or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and forgiving, so the opportunities for delicious tweaks are endless.

• Cowboy style: Add smoked paprika and chili powder to the seasoning for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Garlic and parmesan herb butter: Mix grated parmesan into the herb butter for an extra layer of umami richness.
• Vegan option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
• Citrus herb butter: Incorporate fresh lemon or orange juice for a tangy herb butter flair.
• Asian-inspired: Infuse the butter with ginger and scallions, then finish the steak with a soy glaze.

How to Make Juicy Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Step 1: Prep Your Steak

Bring your steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy throughout. Meanwhile, pat the steak dry to ensure a better sear and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, and optionally, a little lemon zest. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Chill in the fridge until firm.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 450-500°F (232-260°C). Oil the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and achieve those coveted grill marks. High heat is crucial to developing a flavorful crust on the steak.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Place the steak directly over the hottest part of the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it to create a good sear. Flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.

Step 5: Rest and Top with Herb Butter

Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for ultimate juiciness. Top the warm steak with a couple of slices of your prepared herb butter so it melts luxuriously over the meat.

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

• Room temperature steak: Always start with bringing your steak to room temperature for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid guesswork, check internal temp for perfectly cooked steak every time.
• Don’t over-flip: Turning the steak just once or twice encourages a better crust formation.
• Resting is key: Let steak rest after grilling to keep those flavorful juices locked in.
• Butter at the end: Adding herb butter after grilling starves the meat in a luscious, fresh flavor boost.

How to Serve Juicy Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh visual and taste appeal. Thin lemon slices or extra herb sprigs also enhance presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully with the rich steak and herb butter. For a heartier meal, creamy mac and cheese or grilled corn on the cob are fantastic complements.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the steak thinly against the grain and fan it out on a serving platter topped with glistening herb butter rounds. Alternatively, serve the whole steak with a small ramekin of herb butter on the side for dipping and letting everyone customize their bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover steak tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the herb butter separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked steak for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the herb butter log wrapped in parchment and foil separately to preserve flavor.

Reheating

Reheat steak gently in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Add fresh herb butter on top after reheating for that just-cooked taste and moisture.

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

Ribeye, sirloin, and strip steaks are ideal choices because of their marbling and tenderness, which help keep the steak juicy on the grill.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning precisely; salted butter may make the dish too salty when combined with the steak seasoning.

How do I know when my steak is medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check: medium-rare is at 130°F (54°C). Alternatively, learning to gauge doneness by touch can help, but a thermometer is the most reliable method.

Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?

Absolutely! Herb butter can be made days ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the fridge. This allows flavors to meld and saves time on grilling day.

Is it necessary to rest the steak after grilling?

Yes, resting is essential as it allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, resulting in a moister and more flavorful steak when you cut into it.

Final Thoughts

This juicy grilled steak with herb butter is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat without being complicated or intimidating to make. The perfect sear, balanced seasoning, and that creamy herb butter melt combine to deliver sensational flavor in every bite. I hope this guide inspires you to fire up your grill and enjoy this classic recipe with family and friends—because nothing beats sharing a beautifully cooked steak that you nailed yourself.

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