Here’s a detailed recipe with FAQs for your Lemon and Herb Butter Steak with Fluffy Mashed Potatoes 🍋🥩🥔
🍋🥩 Lemon and Herb Butter Steak with Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1–1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme)
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Herb Butter
- 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
For the Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup warm milk (more if needed)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cube potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash until smooth.
- Stir in butter, warm milk, and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
2. Make the Lemon Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Chill in the fridge until slightly firm.
3. Cook the Steak
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
- Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for desired doneness).
- In the last 2 minutes, add butter, garlic, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Baste the steak with the melted butter.
- Rest steaks for 5–7 minutes before slicing.
4. Serve
- Place fluffy mashed potatoes on a plate.
- Slice steak and top with a dollop of lemon herb butter.
- Spoon extra pan juices over the steak.
🍴 Chef’s Tips
- For extra fluffy potatoes, use a potato ricer or whip with an electric mixer.
- Always let steak rest to keep juices locked in.
- Lemon zest adds brightness without overpowering the buttery flavor.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or filet mignon all work well. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.
Q2: Can I make this with chicken or fish instead of steak?
Absolutely—lemon herb butter works beautifully with chicken breast, salmon, or cod. Just adjust cooking times.
Q3: How do I know when my steak is done without a thermometer?
- Rare: Soft like raw meat
- Medium-rare: Soft with slight spring (like pressing your thumb pad)
- Medium: Firmer with some give
- Well-done: Very firm
Q4: Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—make them up to 2 days in advance. Reheat with a little milk or cream to bring back creaminess.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
- Steak: Refrigerate up to 3 days, reheat gently in a skillet.
- Mashed potatoes: Refrigerate up to 4 days, reheat with added milk or butter.
Q6: Can I freeze the herb butter?
Yes! Roll in parchment paper, freeze up to 3 months, and slice as needed.
Q7: How can I make the potatoes even lighter and fluffier?
Use Yukon Gold potatoes and whip with a hand mixer, adding warm cream slowly until fluffy.
Would you like me to also create a quick one-pan version (where steak and mashed are made together with minimal cleanup), or do you prefer the full classic style?