When you’re craving a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special, the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet delivers on every front. Tender bites of richly seared steak mingle with fragrant garlic, sweet honey, and buttery rice all in one pan—leaving you with deep flavors and hardly any cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this skillet dish never fails to impress and absolutely satisfies those steakhouse cravings right from your stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet shine is the way each ingredient layers in flavor without complicating your grocery list. Every choice here matters, bringing its own color, aroma, or richness to the finished dish.
- Sirloin steak (1½ lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Sirloin brings tenderness to the skillet and soaks up the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): This rice cooks up fluffy and separate, eager to absorb every drop of garlicky butter.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Butter is the key to lush richness and ties all the flavors together.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic turns aromatic and sweet, infusing the rice and steak with classic comfort.
- Honey (¼ cup): Honey gives the dish a sticky-sweet glaze that balances the savory and salty notes.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The salty, umami kick brings out the steak’s natural flavors and deepens the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that flavorful sear on your steak right from the start.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth to the rice, making every bite unforgettable.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A final pop of color and herby freshness that brightens up the skillet.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): For perfect seasoning at every step.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pinch if you like a gentle background heat with your sweet and savory.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Begin by seasoning your steak pieces generously with salt and black pepper—don’t shy away, because this is your chance to build that unmistakable steakhouse flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high. Add the steak in a single layer and let it sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them deeply browned without cooking through; this delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites later on. Once seared, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Garlic and Rice
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in another tablespoon of butter. Slide in the minced garlic, letting it become fragrant—a quick 30 seconds is all you need. Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring gently. Toasting the rice for 1 to 2 minutes adds fantastic texture and a subtle nuttiness, making the foundation for your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet even more irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer with Flavor
Pour in the beef broth along with the honey and soy sauce. Give everything a good stir, then bring it all to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and let the rice cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or just until it turns fluffy and the liquid is fully absorbed. At this stage, the aroma will fill your kitchen and start drawing everyone in.
Step 4: Finish with Steak and Butter
Return the seared steak and any juices on the plate to the skillet, stirring to coat every piece in the sticky, savory sauce. Let everything cook together for 3 to 4 more minutes, so the steak finishes and those flavors can truly meld. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a final silky flourish—believe me, your taste buds will thank you.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if you love a touch of heat) over the top. The vibrant green and spark of red give your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet a gorgeous finish. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum impact and ease.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and lifts the flavors with delicate herbaceousness. If you’re a heat lover, a pinch of red pepper flakes offers just enough zing. For a touch of decadence, a drizzle of extra melted butter before serving takes your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet over the top.
Side Dishes
While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, you can round out the experience with light side dishes. Think steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The freshness keeps your dinner balanced and adds satisfying crunch against the buttery steak and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet in individual cast iron pans or shallow bowls with extra parsley. Or, pile the skillet high in the center of the table and let everyone dig in family-style. Add a wedge of lemon on each plate for a subtle brightness that complements the honey-garlic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet keep well if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The rice and steak hold their flavor and texture for up to three days, making this a perfect dish for meal prepping your weeknight lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch or have extra portions, feel free to freeze this skillet meal. Just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to two months—just be aware that the rice may lose some of its texture when thawed, but the flavors will remain bold.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to bring everything back to life. If you’re short on time, microwaving in a covered dish works too—just use medium power and stir halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a fantastic choice for its tenderness and flavor, ribeye or strip steak work beautifully as well. Just be sure to slice them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed to keep them juicy.
Can I swap out the white rice for brown rice or another grain?
You sure can, but keep in mind that brown rice or other whole grains generally require a longer cooking time and possibly additional broth. The result is a nuttier spin on the classic Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet that’s just as delicious.
Is there a way to reduce the sodium in this dish?
Yes! Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to keep the saltiness in check without sacrificing flavor. You can always season to taste at the end with a bit more salt if needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add a half teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the rice as it simmers, or serve with a spicy condiment like sriracha on the side for guests who love an extra kick.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely. Chopped broccoli, snap peas, or even bell peppers are fantastic additions. Stir them in with the rice and broth so they have time to steam and soak up the garlicky honey butter sauce alongside the rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a skillet dinner that tastes like it took hours but comes together in just 40 minutes, Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is your new weeknight hero. Every bite brings together the savory, sweet, and buttery flavors you crave, all with the bonus of minimal cleanup. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender sirloin steak with fragrant garlic, sweet honey, and buttery richness, all served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté garlic. Stir in rice and toast. Add beef broth, honey, and soy sauce. Simmer, then cover and cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Return steak to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Stir in remaining butter. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or strip steak.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
