Garlic Herb Sirloin Steak
Juicy, pan-seared sirloin steak finished with rich garlic butter, buttery diced onions, and a melt-over-the-top garlic herb compound butter for steakhouse flavor at home.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French, Mediterranean
Keyword: comfort food, grilled, herb-infused, steak
Servings: 4 people
Author: Courtney ODell
Cost: 20
- 1 ½ –2 lb sirloin steak top sirloin preferred, 1–1 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried) (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional, for serving
- Lemon wedges optional, for serving
Garlic Herb Compound Butter (for serving)
Make compound butter: In a small bowl, mash together softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Scoop onto parchment/plastic wrap, roll into a log, and chill while you cook (or just keep it in a bowl—either works).
Prep the steak: Pat steak dry. Season all over with salt and pepper. (Optional: let sit 30–60 minutes for best crust.)
Heat the pan: Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high to high heat until very hot (sometimes I will pop in the oven for 10-15 minutes to get it scorching). Add oil.
Sear: Add steak and don’t move it for 3–5 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes.
Cook diced onion: Push steak to one side (or remove briefly). Add diced onion to the pan and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Garlic butter baste: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 3 tbsp butter, garlic, and thyme/rosemary. Tilt pan and spoon garlic butter over steak for 30–60 seconds. Toss onions in the butter so they get glossy and flavorful.
Check doneness: Remove steak at target temp (it will rise while resting):
Medium-rare: 125–130°F (rests to ~130–135°F)
Medium: 135–140°F (rests to ~140–145°F)
Medium-well: 145–150°F (rests to ~150–155°F)
Rest: Transfer steak to a board and rest 5–10 minutes. Spoon some pan butter + onions over the top.
Serve with compound butter: Slice against the grain. Add a pat of compound butter on each portion and let it melt. Top with more buttery onions, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon if you like.
Best texture: Sirloin is most tender at medium-rare to medium.
Don’t burn garlic: Always lower heat before adding it.
Onion option: If you want deeper sweetness, cook onions 5–7 minutes (remove steak to rest briefly while onions finish).
Compound butter shortcut: Make a double batch and freeze extra logs for chicken, pork, or veggies.
Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 831IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg
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