Name: Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds skirt, flank, or flat iron steak, cut against the grain into ¼-inch-thick strips; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ cup soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; ¼ cup beef or chicken stock; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups snow peas; Green onions, thinly sliced (optional); Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional); Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you are craving something rich, flavorful, and quick to prepare, this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe will become your new weeknight hero. The tender strips of skirt or flank steak soak up a savory soy-based marinade, then sizzle in a luscious garlic butter sauce with crisp snow peas for the perfect bite of texture and freshness. This dish beautifully balances indulgence with simplicity, making it both a satisfying and accessible meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a dish in a black pan with two main layers: on the left side, there are many thin, dark brown cooked meat slices with a slightly shiny texture, scattered with small bits of green herbs and white garlic pieces; on the right side, there are bright green snow peas, some of which are open to show the peas inside, with a fresh and slightly glossy look, all placed over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe plays a vital role in creating those bold flavors and delightful textures. From the rich butter that adds creaminess to the fresh snow peas providing a sweet crunch, this carefully chosen lineup will make cooking a joy and eating an experience to remember.

Steak (2 ½ pounds): Skirt, flank, or flat iron cut thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
Kosher salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
Freshly cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
Soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos (¼ cup): Gives the marinade its savory umami quality.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps create a beautifully crispy crust on the steak.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Needed for high-heat cooking without burning.
Beef or chicken stock (¼ cup): Adds moisture and rich flavor to the sauce.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings that luscious, silky finish and enhances the garlic flavor.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star that infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and taste.
Snow peas (2 cups): Provide a crisp, sweet bite that contrasts nicely with the beef.
Green onions (optional): For a fresh, mild oniony crunch and a pop of green color.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbal note and freshness.
Cooked rice (optional): Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce and making the meal complete.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Steak

First up, season your steak strips liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning ensures every bite of beef shines through. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth, then toss the steak strips in this mixture so each piece is coated well. This marinade locks in flavor and gives the steak that wonderful crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat your vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat until it just starts to smoke. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, lay the steak in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully crisp and browned. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate while you work through the rest of the meat. This searing step is essential for developing those deep caramelized flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beef or chicken stock along with the butter and minced garlic. As the butter melts, the garlic slowly infuses the sauce, creating an intoxicating fragrance that’s the hallmark of this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is tender but not burnt.

Step 4: Add the Snow Peas and Combine

Next, toss in the snow peas and stir occasionally for about 2 minutes so they begin to soften while retaining their vibrant color and snap. Return the steak with all the juices back into the pan, add the optional green onions and parsley for freshness, then give everything a good toss. The sauce will cling to the steak and veggies, coating each piece in flavorful, buttery goodness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with two layers side by side: on the left, a layer of dark brown cooked sliced beef with a slightly shiny texture, sprinkled with small chopped green herbs; on the right, bright green snow peas with a slightly glossy surface mixed with small white bits, also topped with green herb pieces. In the upper right corner, a white bowl holds more chopped green herbs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley over the finished stir-fry for a lively burst of color and a herbaceous note that complements the richness perfectly. A little extra cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice, which soaks up the luscious garlic butter sauce and lets the steak shine. For a lighter option, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can bring refreshing contrast and balance the richness as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe in individual bowls over a bed of rice, topped with microgreens or toasted sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Alternatively, wrap the stir-fry in warm lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on dining experience that adds crunch and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled completely and transferred to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you satisfying meals ready within minutes during busy times.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the snow peas may soften after thawing, so it’s best to freeze without rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce and keeps the steak juicy. Microwave reheating is possible but may yield less even heating and softer veggies.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While skirt, flank, and flat iron steaks are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with sirloin or ribeye slices. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?

Definitely. Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots would be delicious additions, just add them in after the garlic butter sauce and cook until tender-crisp.

How can I make the steak strips extra tender?

Placing the meat in the freezer for an hour before slicing helps achieve very thin, uniform strips that cook quickly and stay tender. Also, slicing against the grain makes a huge difference.

Is this Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well, making it a great candidate for meal prep lunches or dinners. Just store rice separately if possible to keep textures fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and so satisfying. It manages to impress with its bold flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen, which is truly a win-win. Go ahead and give it a try for your next meal; once you do, it just might become your new favorite go-to dinner.