1. Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the head of garlic, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mash the roasted garlic with a fork until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic paste, softened butter, parsley, thyme (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place the garlic butter mixture on a piece of plastic wrap. Form into a log and refrigerate until firm. This can be done ahead of time.
3. Cook the Steaks:
- Let the steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then add the steaks.
- Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of the prepared roasted garlic butter on top of each steak to melt.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Transfer the steaks to a plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the steaks with additional slices of garlic butter on top and your choice of sides. Suggestions include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Steaks: Allowing the steaks to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steaks one or two at a time to avoid lowering the pan’s temperature too much, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
- Resting Time: Resting the meat before serving is crucial for a juicy steak, as it allows the juices to settle.
This Roasted Garlic Butter Steaks recipe is sure to impress, combining the simplicity of perfectly cooked steaks with the gourmet touch of homemade garlic butter. It’s a dish that celebrates the joy of cooking and the pleasures of eating, making any meal an occasion to remember. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!