Pin it
A perfectly cooked steak with garlic mushrooms is one of life's simple pleasures. This stovetop method creates a beautiful caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. After years of experimenting with different techniques, I've found that the secret lies in proper temperature control and knowing when to add each component.
Last night, I made this for a small dinner party, and my guests couldn't believe it wasn't from a steakhouse. The key was letting the steaks come to room temperature before cooking.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Ribeye Steak: Look for good marbling and thickness of at least 1-inch
- Mushrooms: Choose firm, fresh mushrooms with tight caps
- Butter: European-style butter has less water content and browns better
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add wonderful aromatics
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, not pre-minced, for best flavor
- Oil: Use high smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed
Pin it
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Perfect the Steak
- Step 1:
- Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking
- Step 2:
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
- Step 3:
- Season generously with salt and pepper
- Step 4:
- Heat pan until it's smoking hot
2. Master the Sear
- Step 1:
- Add oil just before steak goes in
- Step 2:
- Place steak away from you to prevent oil splatter
- Step 3:
- Don't move the steak for 3-4 minutes
- Step 4:
- Flip only once for best crust development
3. Create the Garlic Mushrooms
- Step 1:
- Remove steak to rest
- Step 2:
- Add mushrooms to the same pan
- Step 3:
- Cook until golden before adding garlic
- Step 4:
- Finish with herbs and butter
In my early days of cooking steaks, I learned the hard way that constantly moving and checking the meat prevents that perfect crust from forming. Now I trust the process and let the steak do its thing.
Temperature Control
Understanding your stovetop's heat levels is crucial. I start with high heat for the sear, then reduce to medium-high for the mushrooms to prevent burning the garlic.
Mushroom Selection
While button mushrooms work well, I prefer a mix of cremini and shiitake for more complex flavor. They become almost meaty when cooked in the steak's juices.
Timing Strategy
The mushrooms cook in the time it takes for the steak to rest, making this truly a one-pan meal with perfect timing.
Pin it
Final Thoughts: This Garlic Mushroom Steak recipe proves that steakhouse quality is achievable at home. The combination of perfectly cooked beef and savory mushrooms creates a meal that's both impressive and satisfying. Whether it's a special occasion or just a craving for something delicious, this dish never fails to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What temperature should I cook the steak to?
- For medium-rare, cook to 135°F (57°C), medium 140°F (60°C), medium-well 150°F (66°C). Temperature will rise 5°F while resting.
- → Why bring the steak to room temperature?
- Room temperature steaks cook more evenly and develop better browning than cold steaks straight from the refrigerator.
- → Can I use different mushrooms?
- Yes, any mushroom variety works well. Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms are all excellent choices.
- → Why use a cast iron skillet?
- Cast iron retains heat well and creates the best sear on steaks. If unavailable, use any heavy-bottomed pan.
- → Why let the steak rest?
- Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak that doesn't lose liquid when cut.