Here’s a classic, restaurant-style recipe for Pan-Seared Steak with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Potatoes—simple, flavorful, and satisfying:
Pan-Seared Steak with Caramelized Onions & Roasted Potatoes
Servings: 2–3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the roasted potatoes:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the caramelized onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
- Pinch of salt
For the steak:
- 2 ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steaks (1–1¼ inches thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
1. Roast the potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Caramelize the onions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and salt; cook slowly 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
- Add sugar if desired for deeper color. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Pan-sear the steak
- Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat. Add olive oil.
- Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Spoon melted butter over steaks for 1–2 minutes.
4. Rest and serve
- Remove steaks and let rest 5 minutes.
- Serve topped with caramelized onions alongside roasted potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Steak
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking.
- Don’t move the steak while searing—this builds a great crust.
- Use a thermometer for doneness:
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 135–145°F (57–63°C)
If you want, I can also give you a one-pan version, a garlic-butter sauce upgrade, or a keto-friendly twist with herb cauliflower instead of potatoes.
