Elevate Your Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Grilling the perfect steak is a rewarding experience, but adding a dollop of homemade herb butter takes it to a whole new level. Inspired by Iowa Girl Eats’ delectable recipe, this guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality results with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients for the Perfect Steak:

• 4 steaks of your choice (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon work beautifully)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil for brushing

Ingredients for the Herb Butter:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools:

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Mixing bowl and spoon for the herb butter
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Place the butter mixture on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll it into a log. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Bring Your Steaks to Room Temperature

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling. Letting them come to room temperature ensures even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Season Generously

Brush the steaks lightly with olive oil, then season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning highlights the natural flavors of the steak.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

Heat your grill to high. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are white-hot. For gas grills, set all burners to their highest setting. A hot grill ensures a great sear and locks in juices.

Step 5: Grill the Steaks

Place the steaks on the grill and let them cook without moving for 4-5 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Rotate 90 degrees to create cross-hatch grill marks, then flip and repeat on the other side.

Cooking times for desired doneness:

• Rare: 120-125°F (6-8 minutes total)
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F (8-10 minutes total)
• Medium: 140-145°F (10-12 minutes total)

Step 6: Rest the Steaks

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

Step 7: Add the Herb Butter

Slice the herb butter into rounds and place one on top of each steak. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates every bite.

Pro Tips:

1. Experiment with Herbs: While this recipe uses parsley, thyme, and rosemary, you can customize the herb butter with your favorite herbs or even a touch of citrus zest for added brightness.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
3. Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: Leave space between each steak to ensure even cooking.

Grilling a steak with herb butter is a simple way to create a luxurious meal that’s sure to impress. The combination of a perfectly seared steak and the rich, flavorful butter makes this dish unforgettable. Fire up your grill, and treat yourself to this mouthwatering experience!