If you are craving a steakhouse-worthy meal that you can easily make at home, this Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe is going to be your new favorite. The tender filet mignon steaks get beautifully seared to develop a savory crust, and then finished in the oven for perfect doneness. What really steals the show is the vibrant cilantro butter that melts slowly on top, infusing each bite with garlic, herbaceous brightness, and buttery richness. Trust me, this dish combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to create an indulgent yet approachable dinner that feels like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet absolutely essential to bring out the best taste, texture, and color in your steak. From the fresh herbs in the cilantro butter to the precise seasoning of the filet, each component plays a key role in crafting a beautifully balanced dish.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup and another ¼ cup): Use room temperature butter for the cilantro butter and cold butter for searing, ensuring both smooth mixing and a rich basting flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic zest that’s perfectly mellowed by the butter.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): This herb is the star of the butter, lending a fresh, vibrant note that lifts the steak.
- Filet mignon steaks (2 pieces, 8 ounces each): This tender cut is worth every penny for its buttery texture and clean flavor.
- Kosher salt (4 teaspoons) and ground black pepper (4 teaspoons): Generous seasoning helps create a beautiful crust and intensifies the steak’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity undertone and raises the smoke point for perfect searing in the pan.
How to Make Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Butter
Begin by mixing softened unsalted butter with freshly minced garlic and chopped cilantro. This blend forms the vibrant cilantro butter that will elevate the steak. Roll the mixture into a log using plastic wrap, then refrigerate it so it firms up and becomes easy to slice right before serving. This step is like creating a bouquet of bright flavors that will melt deliciously over your steak.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
Take your beautiful filet mignon steaks and season them generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper on both sides. It might seem like a lot—about one teaspoon per side—but this ensures a perfectly seasoned crust develops during searing. Proper seasoning enhances every bite, so don’t be shy here.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Heat a cast iron skillet—or your heaviest pan—until it is screaming hot. Add half the butter along with the olive oil carefully, then immediately place the steaks in the pan. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a gorgeous brown crust forms. That crust locks in all the juices and flavors, making your steak mouth-wateringly delicious. Don’t forget to spoon the butter and oil mix over the steaks during searing—it’s like giving them a luscious butter bath.
Step 4: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Once the steaks have that beautiful sear, transfer them to a baking sheet and pop them in your preheated 400°F oven. Bake them for about 6 to 8 minutes for a perfect medium-rare at 135°F internal temperature. If you prefer your steak more done, just add a couple more minutes. This gentle oven finish ensures your steak is cooked evenly without sacrificing juiciness.
Step 5: Add the Cilantro Butter and Serve
Right after taking the steaks out of the oven, place a slice of the chilled cilantro butter on top of each one. As the butter melts, it will create a silky, aromatic sauce that beautifully melds garlic and fresh cilantro flavors with the rich steak. This simple finishing touch brings the Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe to life, making it taste restaurant-quality and yet totally doable at home.
How to Serve Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top add a lively burst of green and fresh herbal aroma—an inviting way to brighten the plate and complement the cilantro butter flavor. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance texture and deepen the savory experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your steak with hearty mashed potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes for comforting, crispy textures on the side. A crisp salad with citrusy vinaigrette or grilled asparagus offers freshness and balance. For a real show-stopper, consider garlic butter mushrooms to echo the rich garlic in the cilantro butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each steak on a warm wooden board or large white plate to highlight the glorious sear and vibrant green cilantro butter. Drizzle any melted butter pooling on the plate around the edges for extra indulgence. For a romantic touch, add a sprig of fresh cilantro next to the steak, and let your guests watch the butter melt over their steaks at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers and keep it in the refrigerator. This protects the flavor and prevents the steak from drying out. Leftover steak is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked steak by wrapping it securely in freezer-safe wrap or bags. Be sure to label with the date and consume within 2 months for optimal taste, though fresh steak always shines brighter than frozen.
Reheating
To reheat without sacrificing tenderness, gently warm your steak in a low oven or covered skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Adding a small pat of the cilantro butter as it warms will help maintain moisture and flavor, recreating some of that original magic.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While filet mignon offers incredible tenderness, ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin will also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times slightly to account for thickness and fat content.
How far in advance can I make the cilantro butter?
The cilantro butter can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep it tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve. This makes dinner prep much simpler and faster.
What if I don’t have cast iron cookware?
No worries! Although cast iron gives the best sear, a heavy stainless steel or non-stick skillet will also do the job. Just make sure the pan is very hot before adding the steak.
How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. The steak will continue to cook slightly after removing it from the oven.
Can I substitute the cilantro butter with another herb butter?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with parsley, chive, or tarragon butters. Each herb will bring its own unique twist, though cilantro adds an especially fresh and vibrant note that pairs wonderfully with steak.
Final Thoughts
This Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe really shows how a few simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can transform an ordinary dinner into something truly special. Whether you are celebrating a big occasion or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this steak delivers rich flavor, juicy tenderness, and a beautiful presentation every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!
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Restaurant Steak with Cilantro Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This restaurant-style steak recipe features perfectly seared filet mignon topped with a flavorful homemade cilantro garlic butter. The steak is seasoned generously, seared to develop a rich crust, then finished in the oven to achieve a juicy medium-rare doneness. Topping each filet with chilled cilantro butter before serving adds a luscious herbaceous richness that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cilantro Steak Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, ½ stick)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Steak & Cooking
- 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Butter: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix the softened ¼ cup unsalted butter with minced garlic and chopped cilantro until combined. Roll this mixture into a log using plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season the Steaks: Pat the filet mignon steaks dry. Season both sides of each filet generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper, using about 1 teaspoon of each seasoning per side to ensure flavorful crust formation.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat the remaining ¼ cup unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over high heat until it reaches a screaming hot temperature. Place the filets in the hot pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, creating a deep brown crust. During searing, frequently spoon the melted butter and oil over the steaks to baste them and build flavor.
- Bake the Steaks: Transfer the seared filets to a baking sheet and place in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Adjust the baking time slightly if you prefer your steak more well-done.
- Serve with Cilantro Butter: Remove the steaks from the oven and immediately top each with a slice of the chilled cilantro garlic butter. As the butter melts, it will enhance the steak’s richness and add a vibrant herbaceous note, making it irresistibly delicious.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet if available for the best searing results, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after baking if you prefer to retain juices better before serving.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on personal taste but the recommended amount ensures a flavorful crust.
- Filet mignon is a tender cut perfect for this preparation, but ribeye or sirloin can be substituted if preferred.
- The cilantro butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
