When a steak dinner craving strikes, this Brown Butter Steak with Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower is the perfect solution! Pan-seared ribeye steaks are served over creamy, garlicky cauliflower, all drizzled with a savory brown butter parsley sauce. This rich yet light dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat, offering an indulgent blend of flavors and textures.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 heads of garlic

• Olive oil

• 2 large boneless ribeye steaks (about 1 ¼” thick, approximately 1 lb each)

• Kosher salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 (1 ½ lb) head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets

• 4 tbsp salted butter

• 2 large cloves of garlic, very thinly sliced

• ¼ cup champagne vinegar

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• Flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Trim the top off the garlic heads, exposing the garlic cloves. Place the garlic, cut-side up, on a piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Fold the foil and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the garlic out.

2. Allow the ribeye steaks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.

3. Pat the ribeyes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a 12” cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Sear the ribeyes for 4-5 minutes, creating a browned crust. Flip and transfer the skillet to the oven. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (for medium-rare).

4. Drop the cauliflower florets into the boiling water and cook for about 12 minutes until softened.

5. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes.

6. While the steaks rest, melt butter in the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and toast until crispy, stirring often. Turn off the heat and stir in the champagne vinegar and parsley. Set aside.

7. Ladle ½ cup of cooking water from the cauliflower into a food processor. Add the cauliflower and roasted garlic, and process until smooth. Mix in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper.

8. Slice the steaks against the grain. Spoon the whipped cauliflower onto a platter and arrange the steaks on top. Drizzle with brown butter sauce, garnish with toasted garlic, sea salt, and extra parsley.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 600-700

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 50g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 5g

The Heart of the Dish: Ribeye Steak

Ribeye steaks are known for their rich marbling of fat, which makes them incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful. When seared correctly, the exterior develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, locking in the steak’s natural juices while allowing the interior to remain tender and succulent. In this recipe, the ribeye steaks are pan-seared to perfection before being transferred to the oven for a final cook, ensuring a tender, juicy center with a perfectly browned crust. Seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper allows the natural flavors of the steak to shine, while the brown butter sauce further enhances the richness of the meat, making it a true indulgence.

The key to achieving the perfect steak lies in controlling the cooking temperature and time. By allowing the steak to rest at room temperature before cooking, you ensure even cooking throughout. The addition of a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a consistent, high heat for searing, resulting in a crisp, flavorful crust. The oven method helps regulate the heat, allowing the steak to cook through to your preferred level of doneness without the risk of overcooking.

The Role of Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower

While steak is undoubtedly the star of this dish, the roasted garlic whipped cauliflower serves as the perfect complement, offering a creamy, velvety texture and a depth of flavor that elevates the overall experience. Cauliflower, often used as a substitute for mashed potatoes in lighter dishes, takes on a whole new dimension when roasted garlic is incorporated into it. Roasting the garlic at a low temperature allows it to caramelize and become sweet and mellow, removing any sharpness. This roasted garlic then infuses the cauliflower with a rich, savory undertone that complements the richness of the ribeye steak.

The cauliflower is cooked until tender and then pureed with a bit of heavy cream to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The addition of reserved cooking water from the cauliflower ensures that the mixture maintains the right texture, while a dash of salt and pepper brings out the natural flavors. The result is a decadent, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, without sacrificing any of the flavor or richness typically expected from a traditional side dish.

The Savory Brown Butter Sauce

No steak dinner would be complete without a sauce to enhance the flavors of the meat, and the brown butter sauce in this recipe does just that. Made by melting salted butter and toasting thinly sliced garlic until crispy, the sauce develops a rich, nutty flavor that infuses the steak with its warmth. The champagne vinegar adds a subtle tang, balancing out the richness of the butter and giving the sauce a slight acidity that cuts through the heaviness of the steak. Fresh parsley is added for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens up the overall dish.

The brown butter sauce is drizzled over the steak just before serving, ensuring that each bite is infused with the savory, aromatic sauce. The crispy garlic bits sprinkled on top add an additional layer of texture, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tenderness of the steak and the creamy cauliflower. This sauce is truly the finishing touch that ties the dish together, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.

Creating the Perfect Balance: Flavors and Textures

One of the most striking elements of this dish is the contrast between the rich, meaty steak and the creamy, light cauliflower. While the ribeye steak offers a hearty, indulgent flavor, the whipped cauliflower provides a smooth, light texture that helps balance the overall richness of the dish. The brown butter sauce, with its nutty and slightly tangy notes, ties the two elements together, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and satisfying without being overwhelming.

The roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates both the steak and the cauliflower, infusing the dish with an irresistible aroma that beckons you to take a bite. The crispy garlic topping adds another dimension of texture, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft, tender steak and creamy cauliflower. This combination of textures—crisp, tender, creamy, and crispy—ensures that each bite is a delightful experience for the palate.

Pairing the Dish

When it comes to pairing a drink with this dish, a bold red wine is an excellent choice. A full-bodied wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the ribeye steak while enhancing the earthiness of the roasted garlic and cauliflower. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the dish, balancing out the flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon can provide a bright and crisp contrast to the heaviness of the meal. Alternatively, an herbal iced tea can also be a great option, offering a light, refreshing taste that doesn’t overpower the flavors of the dish.

The Versatility of the Dish

While this Brown Butter Steak with Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower is an ideal option for special occasions or a weekend treat, its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in various settings. The steak can be easily adjusted to suit different preferences, whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, or well-done. Additionally, the cauliflower can be made in advance and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy something indulgent without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The recipe also lends itself to customization. For example, if you’re looking to add some extra flavor, you could experiment with different herbs in the brown butter sauce, such as thyme or rosemary. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese over the whipped cauliflower could also add a savory depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own and tailor it to your specific tastes.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Steak with Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower is a dish that masterfully combines the richness of a perfectly cooked ribeye steak with the creamy, savory flavors of roasted garlic cauliflower, all drizzled with a fragrant brown butter sauce. The careful balance of flavors and textures ensures that each bite is a delightful experience, making this dish the perfect choice for any special occasion or simply when you want to indulge in a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.

With its versatility, ease of preparation, and the ability to be tailored to individual tastes, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe for steak lovers and those seeking a comforting yet elegant dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, Brown Butter Steak with Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower is guaranteed to impress.