Skillet Steak And Potatoes

Skillet Steak and Potatoes: A Perfectly Hearty Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-cooked steak paired with crispy, golden potatoes. This classic combination, enhanced with a flavorful garlic butter, is a surefire way to impress family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this skillet steak and potatoes recipe is perfect. It combines the robust flavors of a perfectly seared steak with the comforting crunch of potatoes, all brought together by a rich garlic butter sauce. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 lb. red or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Steak and Garlic Butter:

• 2 rib-eye or New York strip steaks, each about one inch thick, or 1 lb. of flank steak, halved
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1. Heat the Skillet:
   • Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Gently place the potato wedges in the heated oil, cut sides down. This helps achieve a nice, crispy edge.
   • Sprinkle the potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
   • Let them cook for about 10 minutes without disturbing them. This allows them to develop a golden crust.
   • After 10 minutes, turn the potatoes over to cook the other side for an additional 10 minutes or until they are tender and golden brown on all sides.
   • Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Steaks

1. Clean the Skillet:
   • Using a paper towel, carefully wipe the skillet clean to remove any residue from cooking the potatoes.
2. Season the Steaks:
   • Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a good sear.
   • Sprinkle both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the Steaks:
   • Heat the skillet again over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
   • Place the steaks in the skillet and cook for about one minute on each side. This initial sear will help prevent the steaks from sticking.
   • Continue to cook the steaks for a total of four minutes, flipping them halfway through. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness:
     • For medium-rare: cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
     • For medium: cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.
     • For well-done: cook for about 5-6 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

1. Add the Butter:
   • Once the steaks are nearly done, add the unsalted butter to the skillet.
2. Add Garlic and Parsley:
   • As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and chopped parsley.
   • Gently swirl the pan or use a spoon to baste the steaks with the garlic butter, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Final Sear:
   • Turn the steaks once more in the skillet to coat them thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture.
   • Let them cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve

1. Rest the Steaks:
   • Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.
2. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the steaks hot, alongside the crispy potatoes.
   • Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the steaks for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Enjoy:
   • Enjoy your quick and hearty skillet steak and potatoes meal!

Tips for Perfect Steak and Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Rib-eye and New York strip steaks are ideal for this recipe due to their marbling and flavor. Flank steak is a leaner option but still delicious.
2. Room Temperature Steaks: Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is small, cook the steaks in batches to ensure they sear properly.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the garlic butter. If you prefer, you can substitute with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
5. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the garlic butter before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Conclusion

This Skillet Steak and Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The combination of a well-seared steak, crispy potatoes, and aromatic garlic butter makes this dish a timeless favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and enjoy a meal that celebrates the joys of home-cooked goodness.