Mom used to make this back in the 1960s in Central Utica, New York, indoors all year long in a cast-iron skillet or broiled.
We didn't have great weather all year round, but she would always come up with an indoor barbecue idea all winter long when we couldn't use the charcoal grill we had.
Back then we money was tight, and she would turn inexpensive cuts of meat into a banquet of flavors.
You can use any of your favorite pieces of beef you prefer; we have made this with ribeye, T-bone, and porterhouse; they are all spectacular in flavor.
The recipe is simple; you will need a good Chianti red wine (or another dry wine you prefer) and several herbs and spices.
If you love steak, this will one to keep in your recipe collection.
We also love other stovetop steaks Mom made: Italian Sauce Steak, Steak Marsala, and Salisbury Steak, all favorites as a kid and now.
Scroll down to my step-by-step easy instructions for this printable recipe.
Steak and Chianti
Any kind of steak and wine go famously together but this really melts in your mouth and so tender in every bite.
I even will give you a chart to follow to cook the steak from rare to well done below.
Just pick a steak you like and if you haven't invested in a grided grill pan that's cast iron, it's a must-have for this steak.
I use a Le Creuset pan that I am a big fan of.
If you are lucky to be able to grill all year long, I still use the gridded pan outdoors because I don't want to lose any of the delicious juices and sauce this steak makes.
For more flavored butter do check out the many kinds I make.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: You only need a handful of ingredients. Big flavor: Garlic butter and red wine add incredible richness.
- Restaurant-style at home: A simple steak becomes an elegant dinner.
- Customizable: Use Worcestershire sauce for a classic savory flavor or soy sauce for a slightly deeper, saltier taste.
- Perfect for entertaining: This steak looks and tastes impressive without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Serving Ideas
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Creamed spinach
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Grilled vegetables
- A crisp garden salad
- Crusty Italian bread
- Baked potatoes
Tips:
- Meat can be marinated the day before with seasoning, but add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to it and store in a sealed plastic bag
- Sear each side on high heat first to seal in the juices for at least 2 minutes on each side
- Use tongs to flip the meat
- I prefer to use boneless steak, but use whatever you like; bone-in is tastier
- Let meat rest 5 to 7 minutes before serving
- For the best results, let your steak sit at room temperature for a short time before cooking. Pat it dry before seasoning so you get a better sear.
- Don't overcrowd the pan, and avoid constantly flipping or pressing down on the steak.
- Once cooked, give the steak time to rest before slicing.
- This helps keep the juices inside instead of letting them run all over your cutting board.
- For the most accurate results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature according to your preferred level of doneness.
Meats To Use:
- Sirloin
- Burgers
- Chuck Steak
- Ribeye
- Porterhouse
- T-bone
- Veal Steaks
- Pork Chops
- Note: I don't use chicken as it turns pink but you can try it!
Temperature Chart:
Try More Recipes We Love:
Flavored Herb ButterChicken Fried T-Bone
Italian Fried Steak
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of steak? Absolutely. Ribeye and top sirloin are excellent choices, but New York strip, filet mignon, or another favorite steak can also be used. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness.
- Can I use another red wine? Yes. Merlot is wonderful with steak, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or another dry red wine can be substituted.
- Should I use Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce? It's completely up to your taste. Worcestershire gives the steak a traditional savory steakhouse flavor, while soy sauce provides a deeper, saltier umami flavor.
- Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook the steak. Let it soften slightly before serving.

Grilled Steak with Chianti Butter
Yield: 1
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min
Grilling steaks are a favorite summer and barbecued meal. This regular steak turned into a gourmet flavor using a compound butter made with Chianti red Italian wine. It's an unforgettable delicious steak grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
- Chianti Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Chianti or red wine
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Steak Seasoning:
- 1 2-1/2- to 3-pound steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic, sliced lengthwise
- a few sprinkles of dried oregano
- Top the steak with freshly chopped Italian parsley randomly
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- First, make the butter spread:
- Use a spatula, mix softened butter in a mixing bowl until it's spreadable.
- Add wine and salt and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Place compound butter on a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape into a log and twist the ends to seal. Place butter in the refrigerator to harden.
- Brush steak with olive oil, season well with salt and pepper, make slits into the steak, and fill with garlic slices.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, and oregano.
- Stovetop Cast Iron Grill Pan:
- Sear the steak on high heat on each side 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top with a few slices of Chianti Butter.
- Lower heat and cook either using an internal thermometer or see my chart below.
- For Outdoor Gas Grills:
- Heat the grill on high heat. ( I still place the steak in a heated cast iron skillet)
- Sear steaks on each side.
- Then lower to medium-low heat; cook to desired taste- rare, medium, or well done see chart below.
- Top with a few slices of Chianti Butter.
- For more compound butter recipes, visit at Flavored Butter Recipes
- Thickness and Times for Rare (120-130)
- 1 inch 8 minutes.
- 1 1/4 inches 10 minutes
- 1 3/4 inches 12 minutes
- Thickness and Times for Medium Rare (130-140)
- 1 inch 10 minutes
- 1 1/4 inches 12 minutes
- 1 3/4 inches 14 minutes
- Thickness and Times for Medium (140-150)
- 1 inch 13 minutes
- 1 1/4 inches 15 minutes
- 1 3/4 inches 17 minutes
- Thickness and Times for Medium Well (150-160)
- 1 inch 18 minutes
- 1 1/4 inches 20 minutes
- 1 3/4 inches 22 minutes
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Mississippi London Broil Pot Roast
Pressure Cooker Beer Stew
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2011. It was edited and re-published in 2020










