Name: Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 steaks Steaks (your choice of cut) (About 6–8 oz each, room temperature); 2 tbsp Olive oil (For searing, heated until shimmering); 4 cloves Garlic (Minced, press or finely chop for best flavor); 1/2 cup Heavy cream (Cold from fridge); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (Well stirred); to taste Salt (Coarse salt recommended); to taste Pepper (Freshly ground pepper recommended); 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and bursting with garlic flavor — this Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns a weeknight into a celebration. Imagine a perfectly seared steak finished in a silky garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite: comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. Fun fact: a quick garlic cream sauce like this is a favorite in many bistros because it elevates humble ingredients into something luxurious without fuss. If you love straightforward recipes that taste restaurant-quality, this one fits the bill.

This dish stands out because it’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for both date nights and casual dinners. If you enjoy recipes like my garlic-butter steak bites with pasta, you’ll find the same rich flavors here with fewer steps — try this garlic butter steak bites and creamy pasta for a pasta-focused cousin to this dish. Get your skillet ready — you’re about to make something memorable.

What is Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce?

What’s in a name? Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce sounds like a mouthful because it is — in the best way. Why “luscious”? Because the garlic-infused cream sauce envelops the steak in a rich, velvety blanket that makes every bite indulgent. Where did the name come from? Maybe from someone who tasted it, sighed, and declared it “luscious” on the spot. Who knows — perhaps it was served on Valentine’s Day, proving once again that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

Think of it as simple comfort dressed up: steak for substance, garlic cream for show. Curious? Give it a try and see if your own family starts renaming it at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll fall for this recipe for three big reasons:

Main highlight: The garlic cream sauce. It’s silky, deeply flavored from sautéed garlic, and finishes with a touch of Dijon for balance. It takes the steak from great to unforgettable.
Cost-saving benefits: Making this at home costs a fraction of a restaurant dinner yet delivers the same luxurious feel. A little heavy cream and garlic go a long way.
Flavor-packed ingredients: Simple pantry staples — garlic, Dijon mustard, and cream — come together to create layers of savory goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the plate.

If you enjoyed a creamy steak pasta on this site, this recipe offers those same savory notes with fewer ingredients and less effort — try a richer pasta pairing in the related post garlic butter steak bites and creamy pasta for another take. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking — you’ll be glad you did.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, fast, and satisfying. The technique is simple: sear steaks in a hot skillet for a flavorful crust, then make a quick cream sauce in the same pan so all those browned bits add depth. Expect about 10 minutes of hands-on prep and 10–15 minutes of cooking, for a total time of roughly 25 minutes. Standout element: the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the steak, creating a rich, glossy finish.

Ingredients

2 steaks (your choice of cut) — about 6–8 oz each, room temperature
2 tbsp olive oil — for searing, heated until shimmering
4 cloves garlic (minced) — press or finely chop for best flavor
1/2 cup heavy cream — cold from fridge
1 tbsp Dijon mustard — well stirred
Salt and pepper (to taste) — coarse salt and freshly ground pepper recommended
Fresh parsley (for garnish) — chopped, about 1 tbsp

Directions

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it shimmer but not smoke.
Add the steaks to the hot pan. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for thickness and preferred doneness). For a 1-inch steak, aim for 3–4 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip once.
Remove the steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5–7 minutes. Resting keeps the juices inside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for 20–30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Return the steaks to the pan, spooning sauce over them to coat. Cook together for 30–60 seconds to reheat the steaks and meld flavors.
Transfer steaks to plates, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce

What to Serve With

Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes — soak up the garlic cream sauce.
Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or sautéed spinach — bright, crisp vegetables balance the richness.
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette — adds acidity and freshness.
Crusty bread — perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Wine pairing: a medium-bodied red like Merlot or a fuller Chardonnay for cream-focused pairings.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Steak cut: Choose ribeye for more marbling and richness, or sirloin for a leaner, budget-friendly option.
Temperature matters: Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steaks in a single layer for proper searing.
Garlic timing: Add garlic after steaks are removed to avoid burning; burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Sauce consistency: If sauce is too thin, simmer a little longer; if too thick, loosen with a splash of beef broth or water.
Dijon substitute: Use whole-grain mustard for texture or skip for a milder sauce.
Avoid overcooking: Use an instant-read thermometer — 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sauce and steak together to maintain flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked steak with sauce, but the cream sauce may separate when thawed. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has separated to help it recombine. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the steak tough.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk will produce a thinner sauce and may not thicken as nicely. If you must, use whole milk and simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken.

How do I know when the steak is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer: 125–130°F for rare, 130–135°F for medium-rare, 135–145°F for medium. Also look for a browned crust and slight spring in the meat when pressed.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently, but fresh is best. If preparing ahead, store the sauce in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding a splash of cream to restore texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes — the flavors are familiar and comforting. Reduce the Dijon mustard if your kids prefer milder tastes, and serve with mashed potatoes or plain veggies.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Substitute with yellow mustard for a milder flavor, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce mixed into the cream for umami depth.

Conclusion

This Steak with Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce is proof that a simple skillet and a few pantry staples can create a dinner-worthy meal. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for anyone who loves rich, garlicky flavors without a lot of fuss. Want more variations and inspiration? Check out this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms – Lena’s Kitchen for a mushroom-studded version, or try the Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Gourmet Martha to compare techniques and sauces. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the applause at your dinner table.