If you’re craving something truly comforting, packed with flavor, and downright irresistible, this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is the answer to your dinner prayers. Tender, juicy steak pieces glazed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce mingle perfectly with fluffy, savory rice in one skillet meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve for guests, making it an absolute favorite in my recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create bold, layered flavors. Each component adds a unique touch—from the rich butter and umami-packed soy sauce to the sweetness of honey and the hearty texture of tender steak and rice.
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice): Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a perfect searing base that locks in steak juices.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The foundation of the dish that soaks up all those savory flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds depth to the rice with rich, meaty undertones.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky, luscious sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, punchy aroma that’s essential to that garlic flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds that perfect umami richness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a subtle warmth and spice that rounds out the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basics that enhance and brighten every flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized steak pieces generously with salt and pepper and add them to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning to get a delicious golden-brown crust on every side. This step locks in the steak’s juices and creates that mouthwatering caramelized exterior. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Rice in Flavorful Broth
Using the same skillet, add your long-grain rice and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything to combine and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice gently cook for 15-18 minutes. This method infuses the rice with meaty flavor and ensures it emerges fluffy but tender, perfectly ready to soak up the honey garlic butter sauce coming next.
Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
While the rice simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes beautifully fragrant but not browned—this releases the garlic’s sweetest, mellowest notes. Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a rich, sticky texture that will coat everything wonderfully.
Step 4: Combine and Glaze the Dish
Once your rice is perfectly cooked, return the seared steak to the skillet. Pour the warm honey garlic butter sauce over the steak and rice mixture. Stir gently to make sure every morsel is evenly coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce. This is where the rows of ingredients join forces into a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle chopped green onions over the skillet, adding a fresh crunch and vibrant pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy the bounty of flavors in every spoonful. This is where your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe truly shines—comfort food made spectacular, quick, and fuss-free.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the green onions, you can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for some nuttiness and a hint of texture contrast. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can also elevate the freshness factor and add a bright note to this rich dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas balances the richness of the butter and steak for a well-rounded dinner experience. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe family-style straight from the skillet placed at the center of the table—it invites everyone to dig in and share the warmth. Alternatively, plate individual portions garnished with extra green onions and a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce for a polished look that feels restaurant-worthy but homemade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy second meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes well too. Divide into portions and place in freezer-safe containers or bags. When properly sealed, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works well; just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice absorbs flavors beautifully, jasmine or basmati rice can add a fragrant twist. Keep in mind the cooking times might vary slightly.
What cut of steak is best for this recipe?
Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices because they are tender and flavorful. However, you can use any steak you prefer—just adjust cooking times based on thickness and tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish holds up well to leftovers and makes a satisfying meal prep option. It’s great for reheating during busy weekdays when you want a hearty, homemade meal quickly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons or adjust to your taste. You can also add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a one-skillet meal that delivers big on flavor, simplicity, and comfort all at once. The Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe ticks all of those boxes and then some. I truly hope you take a moment soon to try this recipe—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have you reaching for seconds and even thirds. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
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Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized steak pieces cooked to perfection and simmered with fragrant garlic, honey, and butter sauce. Combined with fluffy white rice, this savory-sweet dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 steak pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned on all sides, then 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 and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Prepare the sauce: While the rice cooks, melt butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Add honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger to the butter and garlic. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine steak and rice with sauce: Once the rice is done, add the cooked steak back into the skillet. Pour the honey garlic butter sauce over the steak and rice mixture. Stir to combine, making sure the steak and rice are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if desired.
- Ribeye or sirloin are preferred for tender cuts of steak, but any steak suitable for quick cooking works well.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ensure the rice is covered while simmering to cook evenly and absorb all the liquid.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
