Blackstone Dinner Recipe with Garlic Butter Steak
- Time: Active 10 minutes, Passive 15 minutes, Total 25 minutes
- Flavor/Texture Hook: Shatter crisp Yukon Golds paired with velvety garlic infused sirloin.
- Perfect for: Weekend family gatherings or a fast, high protein weeknight meal.
- Sizzle and Sear with this Blackstone Dinner Recipe with Garlic Butter
- Efficiency and Timing for the Perfect Outdoor Meal
- Component Analysis of Our Griddle Essentials
- The Building Blocks of a Flavorful Griddle Feast
- Tools for Managing High Heat Griddle Cooking
- Mastering the Flow of Griddle Dinner Preparation
- Preventing Common Errors in Griddle Heat Management
- Creative Adaptations for Different Flavor Profiles
- Debunking Griddle Cooking Beliefs
- Optimal Storage and Reheating for Griddle Leftovers
- Side Dishes that Pair Well with Garlic Steak
- Recipe FAQs
- 📝 Recipe Card
Sizzle and Sear with this Blackstone Dinner Recipe with Garlic Butter
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you step outside, the evening air cooling down just as the griddle starts to hum with heat. I remember the first time I tried to make this; I was so worried about the potatoes being raw while the steak turned into shoe leather.
But then, the first drop of avocado oil hit the surface, followed by the rhythmic tink tink tink of my spatulas, and I realized this isn't just cooking it's a performance.
This Blackstone dinner recipe with garlic butter steak will become your new weeknight favorite because it captures that smoky, outdoor essence while keeping the kitchen perfectly clean.
The aroma of minced garlic hitting a pool of melting butter is enough to bring the neighbors over. We've all had those dinners where the meat is gray and the potatoes are mushy, but we are leaving those days behind.
Today is about that beautiful contrast between the charred, salty exterior of the sirloin and the soft, buttery heart of a perfectly timed potato. It's mindful cooking at its best, where you have to stay present with the sizzle to get that result we're all after.
Trust me, once you see the way the smoked paprika stains the oil and coats every single cube of potato in a golden red hue, you'll never want to go back to a standard frying pan. This Blackstone dinner recipe with garlic butter is all about the harmony of high heat and cold butter.
We are going to transform 1.5 lbs of sirloin and some simple Yukon Golds into something that feels like a celebration, even if it's just a Tuesday night on the patio.
Efficiency and Timing for the Perfect Outdoor Meal
Maillard Acceleration: The massive surface area of the Blackstone allows for rapid moisture evaporation, which triggers the Maillard reaction across the entire surface of the steak cubes simultaneously.
Starch Retrogradation: Using Yukon Golds is vital because their medium starch content allows the exterior to dehydrate into a "shatter" crust while the interior remains creamy.
Emulsified Finishing: Adding chilled butter at the very end prevents the milk solids from burning instantly, creating a velvety sauce that clings to the protein rather than separating into grease.
| Steak Thickness | Internal Temp | Rest Time | Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch cubes | 135°F (Medium Rare) | 3 minutes | Deep brown crust, warm pink center |
| 1 inch cubes | 145°F (Medium) | 3 minutes | Firm exterior, slightly pink center |
| 1 inch cubes | 155°F (Well) | 2 minutes | Very firm, no pink visible |
Choosing the right cut is the first step in this journey. I usually reach for sirloin because it has enough lean muscle to hold its shape under the intense heat of the griddle without becoming overly greasy.
If you’re feeling like a little more indulgence, a ribeye works beautifully, though you’ll need to manage the flare ups from the extra fat. It's a mindful trade off between the beefy bite of sirloin and the melt in-your mouth texture of a more marbled cut.
Component Analysis of Our Griddle Essentials
| Ingredient | Science Role | Pro Secret |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | High smoke point (520°F) | Prevents the oil from breaking down and tasting bitter during the sear. |
| Cold Unsalted Butter | Temperature control | Lowers the surface temp slightly at the end to prevent garlic from scorching. |
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | Texture balance | The thin skin doesn't need peeling and crisps up faster than Russets. |
| Kosher Salt | Moisture extraction | Drawing surface moisture out of the steak helps create a faster, harder sear. |
I've learned the hard way that not all salts are created equal. Using a coarse Kosher salt is like having a little extra insurance; the larger grains don't dissolve instantly, giving you a lovely little crunch on the finished steak bites.
When you combine that with the earthy notes of fresh rosemary, the whole dish starts to feel grounded and rustic.
The Building Blocks of a Flavorful Griddle Feast
For this recipe, we are keeping things focused. Each ingredient has a job to do.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak: Cut into 1 inch cubes. Why this? Sirloin provides a robust beef flavor that stands up to heavy seasoning.
- Substitute: Ribeye cubes (adds more fat/richness).
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes: Cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Why this? They hold their shape perfectly and have a natural buttery flavor.
- Substitute: Red potatoes (slightly waxier, stays firm).
- 2 tbsp avocado oil: Why this? Its high smoke point prevents acrid flavors at high griddle temps.
- Substitute: Grapeseed oil or clarified butter (Ghee).
- 1 tsp Kosher salt: For seasoning.
- Substitute: Sea salt (use slightly less).
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper: For heat.
- Substitute: White pepper (milder, more floral).
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed. Why this? Chilled butter melts slowly, creating a glossy coating rather than just oily runoff.
- Substitute: Garlic infused olive oil (vegan option, though less creamy).
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced into a paste. Why this? A paste distributes more evenly across every bite of steak.
- Substitute: 1 tsp garlic powder (if you're in a massive rush).
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary: Finely chopped. Why this? The oils in rosemary are heat stable and won't turn bitter.
- Substitute: Fresh thyme or dried oregano.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley: For garnish.
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika: Why this? Adds a subtle "off the grill" smokiness and vibrant color.
- Substitute: Sweet paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.
If you find yourself craving a different kind of richness, you might want to try drizzling a little of my Silky Garlic Parmesan recipe over the finished potatoes for a truly decadent twist.
Tools for Managing High Heat Griddle Cooking
You don't need a professional kitchen, but you do need a few things to make this Blackstone dinner recipe with garlic butter work. A large griddle (like a Blackstone) is the star, but you can use a very large cast iron skillet if you're cooking indoors.
You'll need two heavy duty metal spatulas these are your hands on the griddle. They allow you to toss the potatoes and steak with speed, ensuring nothing sits on the heat for too long and burns.
A reliable infrared thermometer is another "secret" I share with everyone. Knowing that your griddle is exactly 400°F before the potatoes hit the surface makes all the difference. If it's too cold, they'll stick and steam; if it's too hot, they'll burn before the middle is soft.
Finally,, a small metal bowl can be used as a "dome" if your potatoes are taking a bit longer than expected and need a little steam to finish through.
Mastering the Flow of Griddle Dinner Preparation
- Dry the protein. Pat the 1.5 lbs of sirloin cubes with paper towels until bone dry. Note: Surface moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Season the cubes. Toss the steak with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper.
- Prep the potatoes. In a separate bowl, toss 1.5 lbs of Yukon Gold cubes with 1 tbsp avocado oil, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika.
- Heat the griddle. Set your Blackstone to medium high heat until you see faint wisps of smoke rising from the surface.
- Sear the potatoes. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on one side of the griddle. Cook for 10-12 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Create the steak zone. Apply the remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to the empty side of the griddle.
- Flash sear the beef. Spread the steak cubes out. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until a dark brown crust forms.
- Combine and toss. Push the potatoes and steak together in the center of the griddle.
- The butter finish. Drop the 4 tbsp of chilled butter cubes, minced garlic, and rosemary onto the pile.
- Infuse and serve. Toss everything rapidly for 60 seconds until the butter is frothy and the garlic smells fragrant. Remove immediately and garnish with parsley.
Chef's Note: If your potatoes are browning too fast, move them to the "cool zone" of the griddle (usually the far edges) while the steak finishes. Every griddle has these hot and cold spots learning yours is part of the fun.
Preventing Common Errors in Griddle Heat Management
The biggest mistake I ever made was adding the garlic too early. I thought it would flavor the oil, but instead, it turned into bitter little black specks that ruined the whole batch of steak. Garlic only needs about 45 to 60 seconds of heat to release its aromatics.
Any longer on a 400°F surface and it's toast.
Why Your Steak is Tough
If your steak feels like rubber, it's likely because the griddle wasn't hot enough. When the surface isn't hot, the meat "stews" in its own juices instead of searing. This takes longer to cook, leading to an overdone interior.
| Problem | Root Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes are sticking | Griddle not seasoned or too cold | Ensure the surface is shimmering hot before adding oil and potatoes. |
| Steak is gray, not brown | Crowding the griddle | Leave space between cubes so steam can escape; cook in batches if needed. |
| Garlic tastes bitter | Burned milk solids/garlic | Always add garlic with the butter at the very end of the cooking process. |
Common Mistakes Checklist
- ✓ Never crowd the steak; each cube needs its own "territory" to sear properly.
- ✓ Don't skip the "dry the meat" step it's the difference between a sear and a steam.
- ✓ Use avocado or grapeseed oil; butter alone will burn far too quickly at these temps.
- ✓ Keep the butter chilled until the moment it hits the griddle to maintain its creamy structure.
- ✓ Slice your potatoes into uniform 1/2 inch cubes so they all finish at the same time.
Creative Adaptations for Different Flavor Profiles
Scaling this recipe is quite simple because the Blackstone has so much room. If you are cooking for a crowd, don't try to double the ingredients on the same surface area at once. Instead, work in two distinct batches.
If you try to put 3 lbs of steak on at once, the griddle temperature will plumment, and you'll lose that "shatter" crunch we worked so hard for.
The Spicy Bourbon Twist
If you want something with a bit more "kick," whisk a tablespoon of bourbon and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into your minced garlic. When you add the butter at the end, the bourbon will deglaze the griddle and create a rich, smoky glaze that is out of this world.
It's a mindful way to add depth without adding a ton of calories.
The Low Carb Substitution
For those watching their carb intake, you can easily swap the Yukon Golds for cauliflower florets or radishes. Radishes, when cooked on a griddle, lose their sharp bite and become surprisingly similar to potatoes in texture.
You'll want to reduce the potato cook time by about 4 minutes if using radishes.
| Method | Time | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop (Cast Iron) | 30 minutes | Very crispy, but smokier indoors | Small batches (1-2 people) |
| Blackstone Griddle | 25 minutes | Consistent crust, easy cleanup | Families and outdoor hosting |
Debunking Griddle Cooking Beliefs
Many people think you have to flip the steak constantly to get it to cook evenly. Actually, for a Blackstone dinner recipe with garlic butter, the best thing you can do is let it sit undisturbed for at least two minutes. This allows the crust to develop.
If you move it too soon, it will stick, and you'll leave that beautiful brown flavor on the griddle instead of on your plate.
Another common myth is that you should marinate the steak in the garlic butter beforehand. Please, don't do this! The moisture in the marinade will prevent the steak from searing, and the garlic will burn before the steak is even halfway done.
Keep your fats and aromatics for the finish it's the "cold finishing" technique that professionals use to get that glossy, restaurant look.
Optimal Storage and Reheating for Griddle Leftovers
Storage: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The steak will naturally firm up, and the potatoes will lose some of their crunch, but the flavor only deepens as the garlic and rosemary continue to meld.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this specific dish. Potatoes often become grainy and mealy when frozen and thawed, and the steak will lose that tender "snap." It's best enjoyed fresh off the steel.
Zero Waste Tip: If you have leftover steak and potatoes, they make the world's best breakfast hash. Toss them back on a hot skillet with a couple of fried eggs and some sautéed onions.
You can even use the leftover potato skins (if you peeled them, though we didn't here!) to make crispy "griddle chips" as a snack.
Side Dishes that Pair Well with Garlic Steak
This Blackstone dinner recipe with garlic butter is a powerhouse on its own, but it loves company. A crisp, bright wedge salad with blue cheese dressing provides a cool contrast to the hot, savory steak.
If you want more greens, throw some asparagus spears or trimmed green beans onto the griddle right alongside the steak for the last 5 minutes. They’ll soak up some of that garlic butter and get a beautiful char.
If you are looking for a more Southern inspired meal, this dish is incredible alongside some Cracklin Cornbread Recipe to soak up any extra butter. The sweetness of the corn balances the salty, peppery steak perfectly. For a more formal vibe, serving this over a bed of arugula tossed in lemon juice adds a peppery, acidic brightness that cuts right through the richness of the butter.
Cooking on the Blackstone is about more than just food; it's about the air, the sound, and the shared experience of eating something that was made with intention. Every time I make this, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients, when treated with the right amount of heat and a little bit of patience, can transform into a meal that feels like a big, warm hug.
Grab your spatulas, head outside, and let the griddle do the talking.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best type of potato for this Blackstone recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Their medium starch content allows the exterior to dehydrate into a "shatter" crust while the interior remains creamy and tender when cooked on high heat.
Can I substitute sirloin steak for another cut?
Yes, ribeye cubes work beautifully as a substitute. They offer more fat and richness, but you may need to manage flare ups from the extra fat more carefully on the griddle.
How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Ensure your griddle is sufficiently hot before adding the steak. If the surface isn't hot enough, the meat will stew in its own juices instead of searing, leading to a tough texture.
When should I add the garlic and butter to the dish?
Add the garlic and butter at the very end of the cooking process. This technique, known as "cold finishing," prevents the garlic from burning and creates a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the steak and potatoes.
How long should I cook the steak cubes on the Blackstone?
Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, without moving them initially. This allows a deep brown crust to form, which is crucial for flavor and texture; avoid overcrowding the griddle to maintain high heat.
Is it true that I shouldn't marinate the steak in garlic butter beforehand?
Yes, this is a common misconception. Marinating steak in garlic butter beforehand will add excess moisture, preventing a proper sear, and the garlic will burn before the steak is cooked through; reserve the butter and garlic for the finishing step.
What can I serve with this Blackstone dinner recipe?
A crisp wedge salad or grilled asparagus would be excellent. For a more Southern inspired pairing, try serving this alongside some delicious Cracklin Cornbread Recipe to soak up any extra garlic butter.
Blackstone Garlic Butter Steak
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 639 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 54 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 515 mg |