Honestly, I’m obsessed with this garlic irish steak recipe. Been making it for years and it never disappoints! The combo of tender Irish beef with that rich garlic flavor is something that’ll make ur taste buds dance. What makes this recipe special is how the garlic infuses into the meat creating this amazing depth of flavor that store-bought marinades just can’t match. The smell that fills ur kitchen when this is cooking? Absolutely incredible. Keep reading cuz I’m gonna share all my tips to make this the best garlic irish steak you’ve ever had!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Irish Steak:
- 2 pounds Irish beef steaks (ribeye or striploin work best)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with garlic here!)
- 3 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
The quality of your steak matters so much here! Irish beef is amazing cuz of the grass-fed flavor – it’s more tender and has this subtle sweetness that works perfectly with garlic. If you can’t find specifically Irish beef, look for grass-fed beef instead.
For the garlic, fresh is absolutely necessary. Those pre-minced ones in jars don’t have the same punch. When it comes to herbs, fresh thyme makes a huge difference but dried works in a pinch.
If ur watching sodium, you can reduce the salt a bit, but don’t skip it completely as it helps bring out all those amazing flavors.
How to Make the Perfect Garlic Irish Steak
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
- Take steaks out of fridge at least 30 mins before cooking – room temp meat cooks more evenly
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels (this is super important for a good sear!)
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, butter, thyme, and dried rosemary
- Mash together until well combined
- Let sit while you prepare to cook (this gives time for flavors to meld)
Step 3: Cook the Perfect Garlic Irish Steak
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot (seriously, get it HOT)
- Add olive oil to pan
- Carefully place steaks in pan – you should hear an immediate sizzle
- Cook for about 3-4 mins without moving (this gets that perfect crust)
- Flip once and cook another 2-3 mins for medium-rare
- Add the garlic butter to the pan and tilt pan slightly to collect melted butter
- Use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks with the garlic butter for about 1 minute
- Look for visual cues – the outside should have a rich brown crust while the inside stays juicy
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Transfer steaks to a cutting board
- Pour remaining garlic butter sauce over the top
- Let rest for at least 5 mins (don’t skip this – it keeps all those juices inside!)
- Slice against the grain and serve with extra garlic butter from the pan
The smell when that garlic butter hits the hot pan with the steak? Absolutely incredible! Your whole house will smell amazing.
Amazing Variations of Garlic Irish Steak
Blue Cheese Garlic Irish Steak
Add 2 oz crumbled blue cheese to the garlic butter mixture for a tangy, rich variation that’s perfect for special occasions.
Whiskey Garlic Irish Steak
Add 2 tbsp of Irish whiskey to the pan after cooking the steak and before adding the garlic butter. Let it reduce slightly for an amazing depth of flavor that complements the garlic irish steak perfectly.
Mushroom Garlic Irish Steak
Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in the same pan after removing the steak. Add them back on top of the garlic irish steak before serving for an earthy, delicious addition.
Spicy Garlic Irish Steak
Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a version with a nice kick that still lets the garlic irish steak flavor shine through.
Herb-Crusted Garlic Irish Steak
Before cooking, press a mixture of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) into the surface of the steak after seasoning for an aromatic crust that complements the garlic flavors.
Garlic Irish Steak FAQs
How do I know when my garlic irish steak is done?
The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Remember the temp will rise about 5°F during resting! If you don’t have a thermometer, press the steak with your finger – it should feel like the base of your thumb when touching your middle finger.
Can I make garlic irish steak in the oven?
Absolutely! Sear the steak in a hot pan first, then transfer to a 375°F oven to finish cooking. Add the garlic butter during the last few minutes. This method works great for thicker cuts of Irish beef.
What’s the best way to store leftover garlic irish steak?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, slice thinly and warm briefly in a pan with a tiny bit of butter. Don’t microwave if possible – it’ll make the texture tough! Check out our <a href=”https://thecrispychef.com/garlic-butter-steak-bites/”>Garlic Butter Steak Bites</a> recipe for a great way to use leftovers.
What sides go best with garlic irish steak?
Classic sides include roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For something different, try roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or a warm mushroom salad. The garlic flavor in the steak pairs well with almost any veggie side!
Can I use frozen steaks for this garlic irish steak recipe?
It’s best to use fresh, but if using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat very dry before cooking as frozen steaks often release more moisture. You might need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Is garlic irish steak healthy?
In moderation, yes! Irish beef is often grass-fed which contains more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef. The garlic has amazing health benefits too, like boosting immunity and reducing blood pressure. Just watch your portion size!
How important is the resting time for garlic irish steak?
Super important! Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it too soon, all those flavorful juices will run out onto your plate instead of staying in your garlic irish steak. At least 5 mins for a regular steak, 10-15 for larger cuts.
Final Thoughts on This Incredible Garlic Irish Steak
There’s something special about serving this garlic irish steak to ppl you care about. My family has this tradition now where I make it for special occasions, and seeing everyone’s face light up when they take that first bite is honestly priceless.
What I love about this recipe is how it honors the tradition of Irish cooking (simple ingredients, letting quality meat shine) while adding that perfect garlic twist. Make it your own by adjusting the garlic amount or trying one of the variations!
Next time you’ve got someone to impress or just want an amazing dinner, give this garlic irish steak recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and whoever you’re cooking for will be begging for the recipe!
Garlic Irish Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Garlic Irish Steak:
- 2 pounds Irish beef steaks ribeye or striploin
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
Prep the Steaks
- Remove steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make Garlic Butter
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, butter, thyme, and rosemary.
- Mash and let sit.
Cook the Steak
- Heat skillet on high until smoking.
- Add olive oil and steaks.
- Sear 3-4 mins without moving, flip, and cook 2-3 mins more.
- Add garlic butter and baste for 1 min.
Rest and Serve
- Remove steaks and pour garlic butter on top.
- Let rest 5 mins.
- Slice against the grain and serve.