Some of the best dinners come from the simplest ingredients, and this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice in Skillet is a shining example of that. It all started one evening when I was staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration would strike. I had some steak, a bit of garlic, and leftover broth from another recipe and just enough rice to make something filling. I didn’t want to fire up the oven, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood to wash a bunch of dishes. So, I grabbed my skillet and got to work.
What came out of that kitchen was nothing short of a weeknight miracle. Tender strips of steak, coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, nestled into perfectly cooked rice that soaked up all the flavor. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients just real, satisfying food that made the whole family stop what they were doing to eat together.
This recipe quickly became a go-to, especially on busy nights when I wanted something comforting but didn’t want to spend an hour cooking. It’s ideal for family dinners, quick lunches, or even casual get-togethers when you want to impress without the stress. If you’re into one-pan wonders that deliver both flavor and convenience, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One skillet, full meal: Who wants to clean multiple pots and pans after dinner? This dish is cooked in just one skillet from start to finish. Less mess, more enjoyment.
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Sweet, savory, and satisfying: The combination of garlic butter, honey, soy sauce, and a touch of Dijon mustard brings out deep flavors that balance perfectly with the richness of the steak.
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Rice that soaks up flavor: The rice doesn’t just sit on the side, it simmers in beef broth and garlic butter to become the perfect base for the steak, absorbing every drop of that delicious sauce.
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Fast and family-friendly: This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights, and picky eaters won’t complain when steak and honey are involved.
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Budget-friendly steak dinner: Using just a pound of steak and pantry staples, you get a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without the price tag.
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Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead, divide into containers, and reheat for lunches. The flavors actually get better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-skillet steak and rice:
- 1 lb steak – Cut into thin strips.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper and let them sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes so they develop a good crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant; don’t let it brown or burn.
Step 3: Add the honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to combine everything and let the mixture simmer for about 1 minute to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
Step 4: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it around so that it gets coated with the sauce. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 16–18 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Once the rice is nearly done, return the cooked steak to the skillet and nestle the pieces into the rice. Cover and let everything cook together for another 5 minutes so the steak can finish cooking and reheat in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Variations
Want to switch things up or adjust for dietary needs? Here are a few easy and delicious ways to make this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet work for everyone:
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Gluten-Free Twist
Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without losing that savory, umami flavor. Just double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten, so this small tweak makes it safe and still delicious. -
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
Ditch the rice and serve the honey garlic butter steak over cauliflower rice or sautéed cabbage. You’ll still get that juicy, flavorful bite but without the extra carbs. You can also reduce the honey slightly or use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendlier sauce. -
Vegan Version
While steak is the star of this dish, you can go plant-based by replacing it with hearty alternatives like tofu cubes, seitan strips, or portobello mushroom slices. Use vegan butter, a plant-based broth, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. You’ll still enjoy a bold, rich flavor with every bite.
How to Serve
This skillet dish is super flexible when it comes to plating and pairing. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, here’s how to serve it like a pro:
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Add a Colorful Side
A crisp green side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds color, texture, and freshness to the plate. It balances out the rich, garlicky butter sauce perfectly. -
Finish with a Garnish
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds brightness and a little extra flair. If you’re feeling bold, a few red pepper flakes or toasted sesame seeds can give the dish a fun twist. -
Pair with a Drink
Keep things refreshing with a glass of lemon-infused water, cucumber-lime sparkling water, or even unsweetened iced green tea. These light, crisp beverages help cut through the richness of the sauce and make every bite more enjoyable.
Recipe Tips
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Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will absorb some of the sauce overnight, but you can easily reheat it with a little splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to life. This meal also freezes well for up to 1 month just store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
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Meal Prep: To make this recipe even easier during busy weeks, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the steak and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prepare the garlic and honey sauce ahead of time, so when it’s time to cook, all you need to do is cook the rice and sear the steak. It’s a great way to cut down on prep time!
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Make it a One-Pan Meal: For added flavor and nutrition, feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli when cooking the steak and rice. You can even sauté them along with the steak or add them to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking for a well-rounded dish.
Cooking Notes
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Searing the Steak: To get that perfect sear on your steak, make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. This will help develop that crispy, caramelized exterior that adds tons of flavor. If the pan is too cool, your steak will cook more slowly and won’t get that nice sear.
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Rice Cooking: If you’re using pre-cooked rice, you can skip cooking it with the broth, but you may want to warm it up separately before combining it with the steak. Fresh rice gives this dish the best texture, but pre-cooked rice works in a pinch!
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Don’t Overcook the Steak: Since the steak strips are thin, they cook pretty quickly. Be sure to avoid overcooking them by keeping a close eye on the heat and checking the steak’s doneness. They should be tender and juicy, not tough!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 740mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, flank, or even skirt steak all work well. Just make sure to slice it thin against the grain to keep it tender.
Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking it in the skillet?
Yes! If you’re using pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth to ½ cup and stir it in at the end just to heat through. Be careful not to overmix, or it may become mushy.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can skip it or use a tiny bit of yellow mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor. It’s optional but adds a nice tang to balance the honey.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture.
Can this dish be frozen?
Technically yes, but it’s best fresh. Freezing may change the texture of the rice and sauce. If you do freeze it, let it cool fully and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is one of those recipes that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make all in one skillet! The combination of savory steak, sweet honey garlic sauce, and creamy rice is just pure magic.
What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but special enough for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests without too much effort.
It’s also super flexible! If you want to switch things up, you can add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the steak for chicken. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup a definite win in my book.
So next time you’re craving something hearty and flavorful but don’t want to spend all evening cooking, reach for this recipe. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. Enjoy!
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Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice in Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb steak – Cut into thin strips.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper and let them sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes so they develop a good crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant; don’t let it brown or burn.
Step 3: Add the honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to combine everything and let the mixture simmer for about 1 minute to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
Step 4: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it around so that it gets coated with the sauce. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 16–18 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Once the rice is nearly done, return the cooked steak to the skillet and nestle the pieces into the rice. Cover and let everything cook together for another 5 minutes so the steak can finish cooking and reheat in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 510
- Sodium: 740
- Protein: 28