Savory Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice in a One-Skillet Supper You’ll Crave Again

Savory Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice is the kind of skillet meal that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple. With tender bites of pan-seared steak, aromatic rice, and a buttery honey-garlic glaze that ties everything together, this dish delivers comfort without complication. I enjoy making this recipe on nights when I want something rich and satisfying but do not want to juggle multiple pans. Everything cooks in one skillet, allowing the flavours to blend beautifully. The rice absorbs the steak drippings, the honey caramelises slightly as it reduces, and the garlic butter adds the unmistakable savoury depth that makes this meal truly memorable. Once, when I ran out of beef broth, I substituted half chicken broth and half water; the dish still turned out deliciously rich, proving how forgiving and adaptable this recipe can be. For effortless comfort and bold flavour, this skillet is always a reliable choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is a full meal cooked entirely in one skillet, cutting down on both effort and cleanup. The steak develops a gorgeous sear in garlic butter, and the rice cooks directly in the flavourful broth, absorbing every note of sweetness, savouriness, and aroma. It’s easy to customise, quick enough for busy evenings, and always satisfying. Whether you love sweet-savory combinations, buttery sauces, or hearty skillet dinners, this dish promises dependable comfort.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (sirloin or ribeye)
Steak provides the rich, tender protein base of the dish. Sirloin offers a leaner bite, while ribeye brings slightly sweeter flavour and buttery marbling.

Long-grain or jasmine rice
Rice cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing broth and sauce to become flavorful, fluffy, and aromatic.

Honey
Honey gives the glaze its signature sweetness and slight caramelisation as it reduces.

Soy sauce
Soy sauce balances the honey with savoury depth and enhances browning.

Garlic
Garlic is essential for fragrance and flavour, especially when sautéed in butter.

Butter
Butter adds richness and helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the steak while forming the base of the glaze.

Beef broth
Broth provides the cooking liquid for the rice and intensifies the savoury notes of the dish.

Olive oil
A small amount of oil prevents the butter from burning during the initial sear.

Onion
Onion brings subtle sweetness and blends seamlessly into the rice as it cooks.

Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that sharpen flavours and balance sweetness.

Fresh parsley
Parsley offers a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the richness of the dish.

Directions

Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and some of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the steak and set it aside. Lower the heat slightly, then add the rest of the butter along with minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in the honey and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly. Add the rice and stir to coat each grain. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook until the rice is tender. Return the steak to the skillet during the last few minutes, letting it warm through and absorb the glaze. Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice. When microwaving, heat in short intervals and stir in between to avoid drying out the steak. Add a touch of butter during reheating if the rice needs extra richness.

Variations and Customizations

Sweet-Heat Skillet
Add crushed red pepper or a splash of chili sauce for those who enjoy a spicy finish.

Vegetable-Forward Version
Stir in peas, carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli during the rice-cooking stage to make the dish more substantial and colourful.

Citrus-Honey Glaze
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or orange juice for brightness that cuts through the butteriness.

Low-Sodium Adaptation
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth to better control seasoning levels.

Ginger-Garlic Skillet
Add grated fresh ginger to the garlic for an aromatic upgrade inspired by Asian flavours.

Creamy Honey Garlic Rice
Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for a velvety finish.

Herb-Boosted Finish
Top with chives or fresh thyme for added freshness.

Chicken or Pork Variation
Swap the steak for chicken thighs or pork tenderloin while keeping the rest of the recipe unchanged.

Brown Rice Alternative
Use brown rice and increase the broth and cooking time, giving it more time to soften.

Crispy Steak Topping
Reserve a portion of the seared steak to add at the end for crisp edges and extra texture.

FAQs

Can I use minute rice?

No, it tends to become mushy and does not absorb the sauce properly.

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin and ribeye offer the best combination of tenderness and flavour.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, chicken breast or thighs work well.

Does jasmine rice work?

Yes, jasmine rice cooks beautifully and absorbs flavour effectively.

Should I rinse the rice first?

Rinsing reduces excess starch and prevents clumping.

Can I make this ahead?

It reheats well, though the steak is best when freshly cooked.

How do I keep the steak tender?

Avoid overcooking and cut against the grain.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, reduce the honey or add extra soy sauce to balance.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, use an extra-large skillet and adjust broth accordingly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, though the rice may soften slightly upon thawing.

Conclusion

Savory Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice in Skillet is a warm, deeply flavourful one-pan dish that offers both convenience and satisfaction. The steak sears beautifully, the rice absorbs every layer of the glaze, and the honey-garlic butter sauce ties it all together into a comforting, cohesive meal. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or shared with friends and family, this skillet recipe delivers dependable richness and memorable flavour. If you enjoy sweet-savory combinations and effortless comfort food, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

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