Juicy Mediterranean Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Juicy Mediterranean Steak is perfectly pan-seared or grilled with a blend of warm spices like smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic, then topped with a velvety creamy garlic sauce infused with lemon and herbs. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with roasted vegetables, couscous, or warm pita for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time (Optional): 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 20–30 minutes (plus marinate time if applicable)
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Steak:
1 lb (450g) flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
2 tbsp cream cheese or Greek yogurt (optional for thickness)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried basil or thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving (optional):
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Lemon wedges
Roasted veggies, couscous, or warm pita
Instructions
Marinate the Steak (Optional but Recommended):
In a bowl or bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add steak and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Cook the Steak:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook steak for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. (Use a thermometer for precision: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.)
Transfer to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add cream cheese or Greek yogurt (if using) and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
Season with lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble & Serve:
Slice steak against the grain into thin strips.
Plate with your favorite sides and spoon creamy garlic sauce generously over the top.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Perfect Steak & Sauce
Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking:
This ensures more even cooking and a juicier interior.
Use a cast iron skillet for best sear:
It holds heat well and helps develop that golden-brown crust.
Rest the steak before slicing:
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking to keep juices inside the meat.
Slice against the grain:
This shortens muscle fibers and makes every bite more tender.
Don’t boil the cream sauce:
Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling or over-thickening.
Make it ahead:
The creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving.
Variations
Sauce Upgrades:
Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard or white wine for a sharper edge.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or capers for Mediterranean complexity.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for a touch of heat.
Creamy Sauce Alternatives:
Use Greek yogurt + a splash of milk for a lighter, tangy sauce.
Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta or pecorino for a saltier, more Mediterranean flair.
Protein Swaps:
Try with lamb chops, chicken thighs, or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Use sirloin tips or skirt steak if flank isn’t available.
Serving Ideas:
Serve over a bed of garlic-herb couscous, lemon orzo, or mashed potatoes.
Add roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Wrap it up in a warm pita with fresh greens and sauce for a Mediterranean steak wrap.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing it?
A: Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce. Just keep an eye on doneness.
Q: What cut of steak works best?
A: Flank steak, sirloin, skirt steak, or ribeye all work well. Flank and skirt are leaner, while ribeye is more marbled and juicy.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
A: You can use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk with a dairy-free butter and a touch of lemon and nutritional yeast for flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store steak and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently. Best consumed within 2–3 days.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx. 1/3 of recipe)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~450mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific cuts of meat and cream used.
Conclusion
This Juicy Mediterranean Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is where bold seasoning meets rich indulgence — a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. With tender, well-seasoned steak and a velvety, garlicky sauce full of zesty herbs and lemon, this recipe is perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions. Serve it with your favorite Mediterranean sides and enjoy the harmony of flavor and texture in every bite.