If you are looking for a comforting yet impressive dish that combines juicy steak, fluffy rice, and a decadent sauce, then the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This one-pan meal is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and buttery flavors that come together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a satisfying dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a key role, bringing the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color to the skillet.
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice): Tender and flavorful, steak is the star protein that makes this dish hearty.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the steak to lock in its juices and develop a beautiful crust.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This provides a light, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds richness and moisture to cook the rice perfectly, infusing it with savory depth.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates the luscious base for the honey garlic sauce, giving it a silky texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the buttery notes.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances savory flavors with gentle sweetness, making the sauce irresistibly sticky.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami and a touch of saltiness to amplify the steak’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warm, subtle spice that brightens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the steak and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Fresh and vibrant, the green onions add a delightful pop of color and a mild crunch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized steak pieces generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet and let it cook without moving for a couple of minutes until it develops a nice brown crust. Turn the pieces to cook evenly on all sides, around 3 to 4 minutes total. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to preserve its juices while you prepare the rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Using the same skillet, add the rice and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine and bring everything up to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 15 to 18 minutes. This process allows the rice to absorb the broth’s rich flavors while becoming tender—perfect for soaking up the sauce we’re going to add later.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
While your rice is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with garlicky warmth, creating an irresistible aroma that signals deliciousness ahead.
Step 4: Add Honey, Soy Sauce, and Ginger
To the melted garlic butter, stir in honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, which helps it thicken slightly and lets the flavors meld together. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe, marrying sweet, savory, and spicy notes beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Rice with Sauce
Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, return the cooked steak pieces to the skillet. Pour the thickened honey garlic butter sauce evenly over the steak and rice mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite of steak and grain of rice is coated in that buttery, garlicky, honey glaze we love so much. This step transforms the dish into a cohesive, flavorful feast.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling the chopped green onions across the skillet. The green onions brighten the dish with a pop of color and a fresh crunch, making the presentation as inviting as the taste. Serve immediately, and get ready to dig into an utterly satisfying, cozy meal.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are a classic garnish for a reason—they add that perfect fresh bite and vibrant hue to this rich skillet meal. If you want to take it up a notch, try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or fresh chopped parsley for an earthy crunch and extra visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish works beautifully as a one-pan meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the skillet family-style at the table so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a wedge of lemon on the side to add a splash of brightness. You could also elevate the dish by topping it with a fried egg for extra richness and a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture of the rice may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain wonderful.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, warm the skillet recipe gently on the stovetop or microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help keep the rice from drying out. Reheat just until heated through to preserve the steak’s tenderness and the sauce’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice works best for its light and fluffy texture, you can substitute jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly to get tender rice.
What cuts of steak are best for this skillet recipe?
Ribeye or sirloin are ideal because they remain tender and flavorful when cooked quickly. However, you can also use flank or skirt steak thinly sliced if that’s what you have on hand; just be careful not to overcook.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap standard soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This adjustment keeps the deep umami flavor while making the dish safe for gluten intolerance.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bite-sized veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas during the rice cooking step to add color and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times so the vegetables stay crisp.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the honey garlic butter sauce simmer a bit longer before adding it to the skillet. Alternatively, you can whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to help it thicken quickly without altering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe yet, you are in for a real treat. It’s a deliciously simple and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of steak cooked to perfection and combined with fluffy white rice. The dish is elevated with a rich honey garlic butter sauce infused with soy sauce and ginger, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Garnished with fresh green onions, this easy skillet recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner packed with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Steak and Rice
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Prepare the honey garlic butter sauce: While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Combine steak, rice, and sauce: Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour the honey garlic butter sauce over the steak and rice, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the skillet meal immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the steak with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms during rice cooking.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic in the sauce to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
