One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a hectic evening. This Honey Butter Garlic Steak and Rice Skillet is one of those meals you can almost set on the table before the thought of cooking even crosses your mind. The sizzle of garlic butter mingling with sweet honey makes the kitchen smell like a little celebration, even if it’s just a Tuesday.

I remember the first time I made this—I was juggling a few things and almost forgot the garlic in the pan until I caught the aroma just in time. That slight hesitation added a pinch of extra roasted garlic flavor, which honestly made the whole dish feel even more homey. Mixing the tender strips of steak into the fluffy rice, coated in that glossy honey butter, it was like comfort food took a little detour into something special. And the fresh parsley on top? It’s a small touch, but it brightens the whole skillet in a way I didn’t expect.

Why You’ll Love It:

One-pan convenience—less cleanup means more time to relax (or scroll through Pinterest, no judgment).
The honey butter glaze adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory garlic steak perfectly.
It’s filling enough for dinner, yet light enough to not feel heavy after a long day.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques, just straightforward cooking that gets results.

If you’re worried about timing, the skillet method keeps everything moving smoothly, even if you’re multitasking in the kitchen. Just keep an ear open for that garlic sizzle so you don’t miss the perfect moment to stir.

Honey Butter Garlic Steak and Rice Skillet

Print Recipe

A savory and sweet one-pan meal featuring tender garlic butter steak cooked with fluffy rice in a skillet, finished with a honey glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add steak strips to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cook steak for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat with butter and garlic.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
While rice cooks, in a small bowl combine honey with remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once rice is cooked, return steak strips to the skillet and stir to combine.
Drizzle honey butter mixture over the steak and rice, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until steak is cooked through and honey butter is melted and glossy.
Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish.
Serve immediately.

Kitchen Notes: This skillet doesn’t demand any special equipment, just a trusty pan that can go from searing steak to simmering rice without fuss. Serve it up with a crisp green salad or even some roasted veggies if you want to sneak in something fresh. I’ve tried swapping the sirloin for chicken strips when in a pinch, and it worked okay, but I think the steak’s richness is what really makes this dish sing. You could also experiment with a little chili powder for heat, although I haven’t settled on the perfect level yet. Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end surprised me by cutting through the richness nicely, but that’s just me playing around.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice? You could, but it’ll take longer to cook and might need a bit more liquid. I haven’t tested it thoroughly, so keep an eye on the texture. What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Minced garlic from a jar can work in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference here. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet on low heat, just add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.

Ready to take this skillet from your screen to your stove? Go ahead, save it, print it, and get cooking—your dinner’s waiting.