The Longhorn Steakhouse-Inspired Steak is a mouthwatering dish that brings the rich flavors of a steakhouse experience right into your home kitchen. This recipe focuses on simplicity and quality, allowing the natural flavors of the steak to shine through with the help of a well-crafted seasoning blend and expert cooking techniques.
The journey to the perfect steak begins with choosing the right cut of meat. Ribeye and sirloin are both excellent choices for this recipe, offering a balance of tenderness and flavor. Ribeye, known for its marbling, provides a juicy and flavorful bite, while sirloin offers a leaner option with a robust beefy taste. Selecting a well-marbled steak ensures that the fat within the meat melts during cooking, infusing the steak with a rich, buttery flavor.
Before cooking, the steaks are allowed to come to room temperature, which is crucial for even cooking. The steaks are then patted dry to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a perfect sear. The seasoning blend is simple yet effective, combining kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. This mix creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the steak without overpowering it.
Cooking the steak requires high heat, whether you choose to use a cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill. The high heat sears the steak, locking in the juices and creating a beautifully caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The addition of butter during the final moments of cooking elevates the flavor, adding a luxurious richness as it melts and coats the steak.
Resting the steak after cooking is a critical step that should not be overlooked. Tenting the steak with foil and allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
For those looking to add an extra layer of indulgence, a simple garlic butter can be prepared while the steak rests. This garlic butter, made with softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice, adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the steak. A dollop of this butter melting over the warm steak enhances the richness and introduces a burst of garlicky goodness that pairs beautifully with the savory seasoning.
The Longhorn Steakhouse-Inspired Steak is best served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. The simplicity of the steak allows it to be the star of the meal, providing a restaurant-quality experience that’s easy to recreate at home.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious steak dinner, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and satisfaction. The careful attention to seasoning, cooking, and resting ensures that every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with the rich, savory flavors that make steakhouse dining so beloved.
Ingredients:
- For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 12 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- For the Garlic Butter (Optional):
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the steaks on both sides with olive oil, then generously season with the spice mixture, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
- Cook the Steaks:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until very hot.
- Add the steaks to the pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking, spooning the melted butter over the steaks to enhance the flavor.
- Rest the Steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Tent the steaks with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter (Optional):
- While the steaks are resting, prepare the garlic butter by combining the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Mix until well combined.
- Serve:
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve them topped with a dollop of garlic butter if desired.
- Pair the steaks with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Steak: Ribeye and sirloin are great choices for this recipe, but you can use your favorite cut of steak. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
- Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your preferred doneness (130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-145°F for medium).
- Resting the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for retaining its juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
- Grill Option: For a more authentic steakhouse flavor, cook the steak on an outdoor grill over high heat, following the same timing and seasoning instructions.
Enjoy your Longhorn Steakhouse-Inspired Steak at home, perfectly seasoned and cooked to your liking, with a rich and flavorful finish!
