Name: Garlic Butter Steak Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (ribeye/sirloin), cubed; 3 cups day-old cooked rice; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup frozen peas & carrots; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 2 green onions, chopped

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Why This Garlic Butter Steak Rice Works

What You’ll Need

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Rice

Serving and Storage Tips

Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Rice Variations

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of savory steak, aromatic garlic butter, and perfectly cooked rice. This garlic butter steak rice recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family requesting it again and again. The rich, buttery flavor infuses every grain of rice while tender chunks of steak add a satisfying heartiness that makes this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this garlic butter steak rice checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction.

Why This Garlic Butter Steak Rice Works

This garlic butter steak rice recipe works brilliantly because it combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures while using simple cooking techniques that anyone can master. The key to its success lies in the garlic-infused butter that coats every grain of rice and piece of steak, creating a cohesive dish where every bite delivers maximum flavor.

Using day-old rice is a game-changer for this recipe. The dried-out grains separate beautifully when stir-fried, absorbing the savory garlic butter without becoming mushy. The high heat cooking method creates those desirable crispy bits of rice while maintaining a tender interior texture.

Additionally, the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a complex umami flavor profile that elevates this dish beyond basic fried rice. The steak adds a luxurious element, making this a complete one-pan meal that feels special enough for a celebration but easy enough for everyday cooking.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

It transforms affordable ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes
The recipe is incredibly versatile – customize with your favorite vegetables or protein
It’s a complete meal in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup
The garlic butter creates an irresistible aroma and flavor that elevates simple rice
Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
It’s perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for quick future meals

What sets this garlic butter steak rice apart is how it combines the comfort of homemade fried rice with the decadence of a steakhouse meal. The magic happens when the garlic-infused butter coats every grain of rice, creating a luxurious base that’s complemented by tender, juicy pieces of steak. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover rice and stretch a small amount of steak into a satisfying meal that feels special.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

1lb steak (ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 green onions, chopped

Tools

Large wok or high-sided skillet
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Sharp knife for cutting steak
Cutting board
Small bowl for beating eggs
Measuring spoons and cups
Garlic press (optional)

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Rice

Let’s break down the process of creating this delicious garlic butter steak rice into simple, manageable steps:

Prepare your ingredients: Cut steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Mince garlic, chop green onions, and measure out all sauces and seasonings. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smoother.
Cook the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in your wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot and foaming, add steak pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice sear, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove steak to a plate and set aside.
Create the garlic butter: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the eggs: Push the garlic butter to one side of the pan and pour in beaten eggs. Let them set slightly, then scramble until just cooked. Mix with the garlic butter.
Add vegetables: Add frozen peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Add rice: Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to get coated in the garlic butter mixture.
Season the rice: Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Return the steak: Add the cooked steak pieces back to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine and heat through for about 1 minute.
Finish and serve: Toss in chopped green onions, give everything a final stir, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

This entire cooking process takes just about 15 minutes once all ingredients are prepped. The key to perfect garlic butter steak rice is cooking over high heat and moving quickly to prevent the garlic from burning or the rice from becoming mushy.

For an authentic touch similar to these delicious garlic butter steak bites, make sure to cook your steak pieces quickly over high heat to develop a beautiful sear while maintaining a juicy interior.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve your garlic butter steak rice in a large shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for visual appeal.
Side suggestions: While this is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with a simple cucumber salad, kimchi, or steamed bok choy for added freshness and nutrition.
Temperature matters: This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the wok, when the aromas are at their peak and the rice has the perfect texture.
Family-style serving: Place the wok or a large serving dish in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves – the communal aspect enhances the dining experience.

For storage, let any leftover garlic butter steak rice cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and microwave covered, or reheat in a skillet with a small amount of butter to revive the flavors and prevent dryness.

If you want to freeze portions for later, divide cooled rice into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

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You Must Know

Never use freshly cooked rice – it will turn mushy when stir-fried. Day-old refrigerated rice is essential for proper texture.
Don’t overcook the steak – it will continue cooking when added back to the hot rice, so keep it slightly underdone initially.
Avoid burning the garlic – it turns bitter quickly and will ruin the entire dish.
Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s crucial for the signature rich flavor that makes this dish special.

Another common mistake is cooking with low heat. Stir-fries like garlic butter steak rice need high heat to properly sear the meat and prevent the rice from steaming instead of frying. Keep your heat high and your movements quick for the best results.

Overcrowding your pan is also problematic as it lowers the temperature and causes ingredients to steam rather than fry. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain proper heat levels and achieve that desirable wok hei flavor.

Lastly, avoid adding too many wet ingredients. Excess moisture will make your rice soggy. If using fresh vegetables with high water content, cook them separately first to remove some moisture before adding to the rice.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, marinate your steak pieces in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking
Break up refrigerated rice with your hands before adding to the pan to prevent clumping
Use clarified butter (ghee) for an even richer flavor that won’t burn at high heat
Add a splash of fish sauce for deeper umami flavor that enhances the steak
For a spicy kick, include a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha in the sauce mixture

If you’re looking for the perfect steak for this dish, consider following techniques from this garlic herb steak bites recipe, which explains how to achieve the ideal texture and doneness for small pieces of steak.

To enhance the garlic flavor without risk of burning, infuse your butter with garlic ahead of time. Simply simmer minced garlic in butter on low heat for 5 minutes, then strain out the solids for a smooth garlic butter that won’t burn during high-heat cooking.

For a time-saving hack, prepare extra rice next time you’re making a meal, and refrigerate it specifically for this garlic butter steak rice. Having pre-cooked, properly dried rice on hand makes this dish come together in minutes when you’re craving it.

Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Rice Variations

The beauty of this garlic butter steak rice recipe is its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Surf and Turf: Add cooked shrimp or scallops alongside the steak for a luxurious twist. Check out our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe for tips on perfectly cooking seafood.
Vegetable-Forward: Double the vegetables by adding bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños, a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste), or a teaspoon of chili flakes for heat lovers.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal. If you enjoy low-carb recipes, you might also like our Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe.
Pineapple Twist: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a sweet-savory combination that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter and steak.
Thai-Inspired: Add a tablespoon of red curry paste and substitute lime juice for some of the soy sauce for a Thai-influenced version.

For inspiration on combining steak with rice in different ways, you might want to explore this classic Pepper Steak and Rice Recipe, which uses a different flavor profile but similar cooking techniques.

FAQs:

What's the best type of rice to use for garlic butter steak rice?

Medium to long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Jasmine rice is particularly good because of its fragrant quality and ability to maintain individual grains when stir-fried. Basmati rice also works well. The most important factor is using day-old, refrigerated rice that has dried out slightly, as fresh rice will become mushy.

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

While day-old rice is strongly recommended, if you’re in a pinch, you can use freshly cooked rice with this hack: spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet in a thin layer and place in the refrigerator uncovered for 30-45 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture and cool the rice quickly, making it more suitable for stir-frying.

What cut of steak is best for garlic butter steak rice?

Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices because they have good marbling and remain tender when quickly cooked. Flank steak and skirt steak also work well when sliced thinly against the grain. For a more economical option, chuck steak can be used if cut into small pieces and not overcooked. Avoid lean cuts like tenderloin, which can dry out easily.

Can I make garlic butter steak rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish up to 2 days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. To refresh the flavors when reheating, add a small pat of butter and a sprinkle of soy sauce. For best texture, reheat in a skillet rather than a microwave if possible.

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely! Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. Chicken thighs are preferable to breast meat as they remain juicier and more flavorful when stir-fried. You could also use shrimp or pork as alternatives to steak in this versatile recipe.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this garlic butter steak rice?

Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by substituting the steak with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. For tofu, press it well to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes and pan-fry until golden before proceeding with the recipe. You might want to add extra mushrooms for a meaty umami flavor.

Conclusion

This irresistible garlic butter steak rice recipe is the perfect solution for those nights when you crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory steak, aromatic garlic butter, and perfectly cooked rice creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

What makes this garlic butter steak rice truly stand out is its versatility. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with one of the variations, you’ll end up with a satisfying meal that brings together protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one delicious package. The rich, buttery flavor profile appeals to even picky eaters, making this a reliable family favorite.

Like our Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, which combines familiar flavors in an exciting way, this garlic butter steak rice takes comfortable, familiar ingredients and transforms them into something special through simple but effective cooking techniques.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed your family a nutritious meal, or simply treat yourself after a long day, this garlic butter steak rice recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender steak, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a memorable dish that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food!