Every Christmas Eve, my kitchen smells like garlic and rosemary. My three kids circle the stove while I sear our family’s favorite holiday dinner. We call it Christmas Steak, and it turned a busy mom’s night into a cherished tradition.
Honestly, this Christmas Steak recipe saves my sanity during the holidays. It feels fancy, yet it takes less time than a turkey. If you want an easy Christmas Steak dinner, you are in the right place.
This Steak is juicy, buttery, and foolproof. Let me show you why this Christmas Steak earns a spot on your holiday table.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS STEAK RECIPE
First, this Christmas Steak needs just one pan. Second, it cooks in under 30 minutes. Therefore, you spend less time cleaning and more time with family.
This holiday steak dinner also looks impressive. Furthermore, the garlic butter sauce tastes rich and comforting. Kids and adults both love this Steak.
Plus, you can prep the Steak ahead of time. In short, this Steak makes the holidays simple and delicious.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Here is what you need for this recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ribeye or New York strip steaks | 2 (1-inch thick) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh thyme | 2 sprigs |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can swap ribeye for sirloin for a leaner recipe. Moreover, try ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free Christmas Steak. Add a splash of red wine to the pan for a festive Christmas Steak sauce.
For a smoky recipe, sprinkle smoked paprika. You can also grill this Steak outdoors. Finally, use dried herbs if fresh ones run out.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the steaks
First, pat the Christmas Steak dry. Then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Christmas Steak
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the Christmas Steak and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side. After that, lower the heat.
Add the butter and herbs
Then add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Spoon the melted butter over the Christmas Steak for 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, rest the Christmas Steak for 5 minutes before slicing.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Always bring the Christmas Steak to room temperature first. Consequently, it cooks evenly. Use a hot pan for a golden crust on your recipe.
Do not skip the resting time for the Christmas Steak. Also, use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare recipe. Lastly, slice the Steak against the grain for tender bites.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store leftover Christmas Steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Meanwhile, keep the garlic butter sauce separately. Reheat the Steak gently on low heat.
However, avoid the microwave, or the Steak turns tough. Slice leftover recipe cold for salads the next day.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Serve this recipe with mashed potatoes and green beans. Also, a simple holiday salad pairs well. In addition, crusty bread soaks up the garlic butter from the Christmas Steak. For drinks, offer sparkling cider with your Steak.
FAQS
What are the best steaks to serve for Christmas dinner?
Prime Rib Roast (Bone-In Ribeye Roast): The ultimate festive centerpiece richly marbled, juicy, and perfect for carving at the table.
Filet Mignon (Tenderloin): Exceptionally tender, lean, and elegant. Ideal for individual plating or preparing as Beef Wellington.
New York Strip Roast: Offers a robust, beefy flavor with a tight grain structure that holds up well to herb crusts and rich pan sauces.
Ribeye Steaks: Thick-cut bone-in “Tomahawk” or cowboy ribeyes deliver high visual impact and maximum flavor for smaller holiday gatherings.
What is the 3-3-3 steak rule?
It is a simplified cooking method for a 1-inch thick steak in a hot skillet (usually cast iron):
3 Minutes: Sear the first side undisturbed over high heat.
3 Minutes: Flip and sear the second side.
3 Minutes: Remove from heat and let the steak rest on a board so the juices redistribute before slicing.
What is a popular Christmas meat?
Prime Rib / Roast Beef: Highly favored for formal, upscale Christmas dinners.
Spiral-Sliced Glazed Ham: The most common traditional centerpieces across North America and Western Europe.
Roast Turkey or Goose: Popular traditional choices, particularly in the UK and European holiday customs.
What are some good steak recipes for Christmas dinner?
Garlic Butter Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction: Pan-seared tenderloin steaks basted with butter, rosemary, and thyme, finished with a glossy shallow pan sauce made from red wine and beef stock.
Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast: A whole ribeye roast coated in olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt, slow-roasted and served with au jus and horseradish cream.
Classic Beef Wellington: Tenderloin coated in mushroom duxelles and prosciutto, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked until golden brown.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
This Christmas Steak brings warmth to your table. Try this Christmas Steak this holiday, and make it your new family tradition.
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Christmas Steak
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Description
A juicy, buttery, and foolproof Christmas Steak recipe made with ribeye or New York strip steaks, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. It cooks in one pan in under 30 minutes, making it an easy and impressive holiday dinner that the whole family loves.
Ingredients
- Ribeye or New York strip steaks – 2 (1-inch thick)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Butter – 3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Fresh rosemary – 2 sprigs
- Fresh thyme – 2 sprigs
- Salt and pepper – To taste
Instructions
- 1. Pat the Steak dry. Then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the Steak and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side. After that, lower the heat.
- 3. Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Spoon the melted butter over the Steak for 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, rest the Christmas Steak for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Always bring the Steak to room temperature first so it cooks evenly. Use a hot pan for a golden crust on your Steak.
Do not skip the resting time for the Christmas Steak. Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare Christmas Steak. Slice the Steak against the grain for tender bites.
Store leftover Steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the garlic butter sauce separately.
Reheat the Christmas Steak gently on low heat and avoid the microwave, or the Christmas Steak turns tough.
Slice leftover Steak cold for salads the next day. You can swap ribeye for sirloin for a leaner recipe.
Try ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free Christmas Steak. Add a splash of red wine to the pan for a festive Christmas Steak sauce.
For a smoky Steak, sprinkle smoked paprika. You can also grill this recipe outdoors. Use dried herbs if fresh ones run out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Christmas Steak, holiday steak dinner, garlic butter steak, rosemary steak, easy Christmas dinner, one pan steak