There’s something about a skillet meal that feels like an invitation to slow down and savor. The Honey Butter Garlic Steak and Rice Skillet is exactly that kind of dinner — one that starts with the sizzle of steak meeting hot oil and ends with a cozy, fragrant plate that somehow manages to be both simple and indulgent.
Last week, I pulled this dish together on a day when I was juggling a few too many things at once — half-listening to a podcast while trying to remember if I’d turned off the oven. Somehow, the aroma of garlic mingling with honey and butter pulled me away from the chaos. The steak browned unevenly, I’ll admit, and I probably left the garlic in a fraction too long, but the warmth that filled the kitchen made those little imperfections fade into the background. By the time the rice had absorbed all those rich flavors, I found myself sitting down without even realizing how hungry I was. It’s not just food; it’s a quiet moment of comfort, a little pause in a busy day.
Why You’ll Love It
- Everything cooks in one pan, cutting down on cleanup — which is a big win if you’re already tired.
- The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a sauce that’s richly sweet and savory, but not overpowering.
- It’s hearty enough to feel like a full meal, but straightforward enough to make on a weeknight.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need to fuss over fancy techniques or rare ingredients.
Even if you’re new to skillet dinners, this one is forgiving. The flavors develop as it simmers, and you don’t have to stress about perfect timing.
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Honey Butter Garlic Steak and Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender steak, fluffy rice, and a rich honey butter garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steak strips to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, beef broth, and water, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
Return the steak strips to the skillet, distributing them evenly over the rice.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
Simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes
This recipe shines in a sturdy, wide skillet — nothing fancy needed. I usually serve it straight from the pan, letting everyone scoop right in. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced plate. If you want to switch things up, try swapping sirloin for flank steak or even chicken strips, though the cooking times might shift a bit. Sometimes I toss in a handful of mushrooms or sprinkle in some chili flakes for a little heat, though I haven’t tested those variations extensively. And if you’re out of long-grain rice, jasmine or basmati could work, just keep an eye on the liquid ratio.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Leftovers store well in the fridge for a couple of days, and reheating on the stove helps keep the steak tender.
What if I don’t have beef broth? Using water with a bit of extra seasoning can do in a pinch, though broth adds more depth.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Yes — just be sure your broth and any added seasonings are gluten-free.
Give this one-pan skillet a try next time you want a meal that’s comforting without the fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and you might just find yourself making it more often than you expect.