If you’re someone who loves quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meals, you’re in for a treat with this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet! It’s a dish that brings together all the deliciousness of tender steak, savory garlic butter, and a sweet kick of honey, making it the perfect comfort meal for any night of the week.
I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of honey and garlic with steak is just magic the sweet and savory flavors balance out beautifully. I paired it with rice to create a complete meal that’s filling, flavorful, and comforting. This skillet is ideal for family dinners, meal prep for the week, or a cozy dinner for two.
It’s also a dish that can easily be customized. Whether you like your steak more medium-rare or well-done, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences. The rice absorbs all the delicious sauce, making every bite packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to meals when you need something quick and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are a few reasons why this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet stands out as a go-to meal in my house. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup always a win in my book! You cook everything in the same skillet, so the flavors meld together beautifully. The steak gets perfectly seared, while the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, creating a rich and hearty meal that requires minimal effort.
The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic butter creates a sauce that’s addictively good. The steak’s tenderness, paired with the rice, offers a comforting bite, while the addition of soy sauce and Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth to the flavor. This dish is not just easy; it’s deliciously complex, with layers of flavor that will have your family or guests asking for seconds.
And if you’re a fan of steak but want something a little lighter and quicker than a traditional steak dinner, this recipe is perfect. The rice helps balance the richness of the steak, and it keeps the meal hearty without being too heavy. Plus, the honey garlic sauce makes the steak taste just a little bit sweeter, which makes it irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb steak (cut into strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3:
Add the honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4:
Add the rice to the skillet and stir it into the sauce, ensuring it’s coated. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Step 5:
Return the steak to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the steak to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Variation Ideas:
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences or to switch things up based on what you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free: If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure to also check the ingredients on your beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the steak with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or even portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely plant-based meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little spice, try adding some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. A dash of Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper would also give it an extra kick, complementing the sweetness of the honey and the savory flavors in the dish.
- Vegetable Boost: For a healthier version, toss in some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. You can either sauté them in the pan before cooking the steak or steam them separately and add them in when the rice is almost done. This adds extra color, nutrients, and texture to the dish.
- Add More Cheese: To take this dish to the next level, sprinkle some grated cheese over the rice and let it melt before serving. Parmesan or shredded mozzarella works best, adding a deliciously creamy richness that complements the savory steak.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet:
This skillet dish is hearty on its own, but there are plenty of ways to enhance it further! Serve it with a side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the steak and rice. A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or zucchini would complement the dish well and provide some extra crunch.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, serve it with a tangy dipping sauce, like a garlic aioli or a soy sauce-based sauce with a hint of sesame oil. A light, refreshing cucumber salad would also be a great pairing, offering a crisp contrast to the savory meal.
Recipe Tips:
- Choosing the Right Steak: For the best results, choose a steak that’s tender and cooks quickly, such as flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts are perfect for stir-frying or searing, and they take on the flavors of the sauce beautifully. If you’re in a rush, you can also use pre-cut steak strips, which will cook even faster!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steak, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam rather than brown. You may need to cook the steak in batches depending on the size of your pan. This ensures that each piece gets that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of extra beef broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Resting the Steak: After searing the steak, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.
- Meal Prep Tip: This dish works great for meal prep! Prepare the steak and sauce, cook the rice, and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything in the skillet together, and you’ll have a quick, delicious meal in no time.
Cooking Note:
To achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender steak, it’s essential to watch your cooking time closely. Steak strips should be cooked just until golden brown don’t overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. Also, be mindful of the garlic. While it adds a beautiful flavor, it can burn easily if cooked for too long. Always cook it on medium heat, and add the sauce soon after it becomes fragrant.
Another key tip is to allow the sauce to simmer before adding the rice. This helps it thicken and coat the steak and rice evenly. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use water, but the broth adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.
Lastly, don’t forget the finishing touch: fresh parsley. A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herby flavor that brightens up the richness of the sauce.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 500
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 700mg
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, you can! While flank steak or sirloin are recommended, you can use any steak you prefer, like ribeye or tenderloin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and tenderness of the steak.
2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This skillet meal is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently to preserve the texture of the steak and rice.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking the beef broth for gluten-free certification. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
For a perfectly cooked steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly once it’s off the heat.
5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. You’ll need to add more beef broth and extend the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes, depending on the type of rice.
Conclusion:
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is everything you need in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, and full of flavor. The tender steak, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s a meal that satisfies without taking up too much time in the kitchen, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile enough to be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a spicier kick, a vegan twist, or extra veggies, the options are endless. It’s also a great dish for meal prep, ensuring that you’ll have delicious leftovers ready to go for the next day.
PrintHoney Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb steak (cut into strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3:
Add the honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4:
Add the rice to the skillet and stir it into the sauce, ensuring it’s coated. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Step 5:
Return the steak to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the steak to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
To achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender steak, it’s essential to watch your cooking time closely. Steak strips should be cooked just until golden brown don’t overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. Also, be mindful of the garlic. While it adds a beautiful flavor, it can burn easily if cooked for too long. Always cook it on medium heat, and add the sauce soon after it becomes fragrant.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sodium: 700
- Protein: 35