Red Wine Glazed Steak – Easy Skillet Steak with Garlic Butter Red Wine Sauce

This Red Wine Glazed Steak is juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, glossy red wine butter glaze that’s absolutely delicious! Made with beautifully seared steak, fresh garlic, shallots, red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and butter, this easy skillet steak recipe tastes like something you’d order at a fancy steakhouse.

If you’re looking for an impressive steak dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, this red wine glazed steak is a wonderful choice.

There’s something so delicious about a perfectly seared steak with a golden-brown crust, especially when it’s finished with a rich, savory red wine glaze.

The steak is cooked in a hot skillet until beautifully browned, then removed to rest while you prepare the glaze.

And the best part?

The red wine glaze is made right in the same skillet!

All those delicious browned bits left behind from searing the steak add incredible flavor to the sauce.

The red wine is simmered with garlic, shallots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar until reduced into a rich, flavorful glaze.

Then a few tablespoons of cold butter are stirred in at the end to give the sauce a beautiful glossy finish.

Spoon that delicious glaze over the steak, and you have an absolutely wonderful homemade dinner.

This recipe is perfect for date nights, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a delicious steakhouse-style meal.

Why You’ll Love This Red Wine Glazed Steak

Steakhouse flavor: A beautifully seared steak with a rich red wine glaze.
Made in one skillet: The steak and sauce are prepared in the same pan.
Rich, glossy glaze: Red wine, beef broth, and butter create a delicious finishing sauce.
Simple ingredients: Made with everyday seasonings and a few flavorful additions.
Perfect for special occasions: Wonderful for date nights, holidays, and celebrations.
Easy to customize: Use your favorite steak cut.
Delicious with potatoes: The glaze is wonderful spooned over mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
Ready in approximately 35 minutes: An impressive dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Red Wine Glazed Steak Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35–45 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the Steak

2 New York strip steaks or ribeye steaks, approximately 1–1 1/2 inches thick
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary, optional

For the Red Wine Glaze

1 Tablespoon butter
1 small shallot, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Salt, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, optional, for garnish

How to Make Red Wine Glazed Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Pat both sides of the steaks dry with paper towels.

This helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust when the steaks are seared.

Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Set aside while the skillet heats.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.

Allow the skillet to become hot.

Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.

The oil should shimmer before adding the steaks.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot skillet.

Allow them to sear undisturbed for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side.

Flip the steaks and cook for another 3–4 minutes on the second side.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred doneness.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter

During the final 1–2 minutes of cooking, add 1 Tablespoon of butter, the smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary if using.

As the butter melts, carefully tilt the skillet and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks.

This adds wonderful flavor and helps create a rich, buttery finish.

Step 5: Rest the Steaks

Transfer the steaks to a clean plate or cutting board.

Loosely tent with foil and allow them to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes.

Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

While the steaks rest, prepare the red wine glaze.

Step 6: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Carefully remove any burned garlic or herb stems.

If the skillet contains excessive grease, carefully pour off most of it, leaving approximately 1 Tablespoon of flavorful pan drippings.

Add 1 Tablespoon of butter.

Stir in the minced shallot and cook for approximately 2 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 7: Add the Red Wine

Pour the red wine into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

These browned bits add incredible flavor to the glaze.

Bring the wine to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until reduced by about half.

The wine should become slightly thicker and more concentrated.

Step 8: Add the Beef Broth and Seasonings

Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried thyme, and black pepper.

Continue simmering for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and begins to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

The glaze should be rich and flavorful, but still pourable.

Step 9: Finish with Cold Butter

Reduce the heat to low or remove the skillet from the heat.

Add the cold butter, one small piece at a time, whisking until completely melted and incorporated.

The butter gives the red wine glaze a beautiful glossy finish and smooth texture.

Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the butter, because the glaze can separate.

Step 10: Glaze the Steaks

Return the rested steaks to the skillet briefly, turning them in the warm glaze, or place them on serving plates and spoon the glaze generously over the top.

For a beautiful presentation, slice the steaks against the grain and drizzle the red wine glaze over the slices.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a small sprig of thyme.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Jennie’s Thoughts

I absolutely love a good steak dinner, especially when the steak has a beautiful golden-brown crust and a rich, flavorful sauce.

And this Red Wine Glazed Steak is such a wonderful way to make a homemade steak dinner feel extra special.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that everything is made in one skillet.

You start by searing the steaks until they’re beautifully browned, then use the same pan to make the red wine glaze.

All those delicious browned bits left in the skillet add so much flavor!

I love using garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth with the red wine.

The combination creates such a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with steak.

And I like adding just a little brown sugar.

Not enough to make the sauce sweet, but just enough to balance the red wine and help create a beautiful glaze.

Then I finish the sauce with cold butter.

This is one of my favorite tricks for making a sauce look rich, smooth, and glossy.

The butter gives the glaze a beautiful finish and makes it taste absolutely delicious.

I also love how versatile this recipe is.

You can use New York strip steaks, ribeyes, or even filet mignon.

And the glaze is wonderful served over mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or buttery egg noodles.

For a really beautiful dinner, I would serve this steak with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

It’s the kind of meal that looks like it came from a steakhouse, but it’s easy enough to make right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a special birthday dinner, or simply want a delicious steak recipe, this Red Wine Glazed Steak is a wonderful choice.

Tips for the Best Red Wine Glazed Steak

Choose a good steak. New York strip, ribeye, and filet mignon all work beautifully.

Pat the steaks dry. Removing surface moisture helps create a better sear.

Use a hot skillet. A properly heated skillet develops a flavorful golden-brown crust.

Don’t move the steaks too soon. Let them sear undisturbed before flipping.

Use a meat thermometer. This is the most reliable way to check doneness.

Let the steaks rest. Resting helps keep the meat juicy.

Use the same skillet for the glaze. The browned bits add incredible flavor.

Reduce the red wine. Simmering concentrates the flavor and creates a richer sauce.

Add cold butter at the end. This creates a smooth, glossy finish.

Don’t boil after adding butter. Gentle heat helps keep the glaze silky.

Serve immediately. The steak and glaze are best enjoyed warm.

What Is the Best Steak for Red Wine Glaze?

Several steak cuts work beautifully with this recipe.

New York Strip Steak

New York strip steak has a rich beef flavor and a tender texture.

It’s a wonderful choice for skillet cooking because it develops a beautiful crust.

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye has generous marbling, which makes it juicy and flavorful.

The rich red wine glaze complements the beef beautifully.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is especially tender and makes a wonderful choice for a special occasion.

The red wine glaze adds extra richness to this leaner cut.

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin is a more budget-friendly option that also works well with a red wine sauce.

Just be careful not to overcook it.

What Kind of Red Wine Is Best for Steak?

A dry red wine works best for this recipe.

Some excellent choices include:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Malbec
Dry red wine blends

Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with beef.

Merlot is a little smoother and softer.

Pinot Noir creates a slightly lighter glaze.

Choose a dry red wine rather than a sweet wine.

You don’t need an expensive bottle to make a delicious red wine glaze.

How to Make a Thick, Glossy Red Wine Glaze

The secret to a beautiful red wine glaze is reducing the liquid.

Start by simmering the red wine until it reduces by approximately half.

This concentrates the flavor.

Next, add the beef broth and seasonings.

Continue simmering until the sauce reduces enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

Finally, whisk in cold butter off the heat.

The butter adds richness and gives the glaze a beautiful shine.

If the sauce is too thin, reduce it a little longer before adding the butter.

If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.

How to Tell When Steak Is Done

The best way to check steak is with an instant-read meat thermometer.

For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to an internal temperature of at least 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest.

Some people prefer steak cooked to lower temperatures, but those temperatures do not meet the USDA’s recommended minimum.

Remember that steak temperature may continue to rise slightly while resting.

Delicious Red Wine Glazed Steak Variations

Garlic Butter Red Wine Steak

Add two extra cloves of garlic and an additional Tablespoon of butter to the glaze.

Red Wine Mushroom Steak

Add 8 ounces of sliced baby bella mushrooms to the skillet after removing the steaks.

Sauté until golden, then prepare the red wine glaze.

Red Wine Balsamic Glazed Steak

Add 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.

Rosemary Red Wine Steak

Add 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary to the glaze.

Honey Red Wine Glazed Steak

Replace the brown sugar with 1 teaspoon honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Creamy Red Wine Steak Sauce

After reducing the sauce, stir in 2 Tablespoons heavy cream for a richer, creamier finish.

Peppercorn Red Wine Steak

Add 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black peppercorns for a bold steakhouse-style flavor.

What to Serve with Red Wine Glazed Steak

This rich, savory steak pairs beautifully with all kinds of delicious side dishes.

Some wonderful serving ideas include:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
Baked Potatoes
Roasted Asparagus
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Honey Butter Carrots
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables
Buttery Egg Noodles
Creamed Spinach
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Caesar Salad

For a beautiful steakhouse-style dinner, serve the steak with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

Spoon a little extra red wine glaze over the potatoes for even more flavor.

Can You Make Red Wine Glaze Ahead of Time?

Yes!

You can prepare the red wine glaze ahead of time, although it’s best to add the finishing butter just before serving.

Prepare the sauce through the reduction step.

Allow it to cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.

When ready to serve, reheat gently in a saucepan.

Once warm, remove from the heat and whisk in the cold butter.

This helps create a fresh, glossy finish.

How to Store Leftover Red Wine Glazed Steak

Allow the steak to cool slightly before storing.

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours.

Store for up to 3–4 days.

Keep any extra glaze in a separate container if possible.

To reheat, warm the steak gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a small splash of beef broth.

Reheat leftovers to 165°F for food safety.

Avoid overheating if possible, because steak can become tough.

Can You Freeze Red Wine Glazed Steak?

Cooked steak can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly after reheating.

Allow the steak to cool completely.

Wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.

The red wine glaze can also be frozen separately before adding the finishing butter.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Cook Steak in a Skillet?

Absolutely! A cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet is one of the best ways to cook a flavorful steak with a beautiful seared crust.

What Is Red Wine Glaze Made Of?

This red wine glaze is made with red wine, beef broth, garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, herbs, and butter.

What Red Wine Is Best for Steak?

Dry red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir work beautifully.

Does Red Wine Glaze Taste Sweet?

This recipe has a rich, savory flavor with just a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar.

Can I Make Red Wine Glaze Without Brown Sugar?

Yes! You can omit the brown sugar for a more savory glaze.

Can I Use Onion Instead of Shallots?

Absolutely! Finely diced yellow onion works well as a substitute.

Can I Add Mushrooms?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms are delicious in red wine steak sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?

Yes. Replace the red wine with additional beef broth and a small splash of balsamic vinegar. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Does the Alcohol Completely Cook Out?

No. Simmering reduces the alcohol content, but it does not guarantee that all alcohol is removed.

Why Is My Red Wine Glaze Too Thin?

The sauce may need more time to reduce.

Simmer until it lightly coats the back of a spoon before adding the finishing butter.

Why Did My Glaze Separate?

The sauce may have been too hot when the butter was added.

Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in cold butter gradually.

More Delicious Steak and Beef Recipes

If you love this Red Wine Glazed Steak, be sure to try:

Red Wine Mushroom Gravy
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Steak with Mushroom Sauce
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Homemade Beef Tips and Gravy
Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak
Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes
French Onion Steak
Balsamic Glazed Steak
Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Final Thoughts

This Red Wine Glazed Steak is a rich, flavorful, and impressive dinner made with beautifully seared steak and a glossy homemade red wine butter glaze.

The combination of garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and red wine creates a delicious savory sauce that complements the steak perfectly.

And because everything is made in one skillet, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a steakhouse-style dinner, this red wine glazed steak is a wonderful recipe to make at home.

Save this delicious Red Wine Glazed Steak recipe for later!