Seasoned and cracked black pepper-laden New York strip steaks are pan-seared and then finished off in the oven. Save time and effort by preparing the flavored butter in advance.

Cracked Pepper Steak with Roasted Garlic-Chive Butter

2 teaspoons coarsely cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (3-inch-thick) New York strip steak, trimmed (2 1/2 pounds)

1/4 cup butter, melted

 

Roasted Garlic-Chive Butter:

2 heads garlic

1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup water

3/4 cup butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

 

Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

1. Combine first 3 ingredients; press evenly onto steak.
2. Cook steak in butter in a cast-iron or heavy oven-proof skillet over medium heat 2 minutes on all sides. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 25 to 27 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes.
3. Slice and serve with Roasted Garlic-Chive Butter. Garnish, if desired.
4. For Roasted Garlic-Chive Butter: Cut garlic heads in half crosswise and place in a shallow pan. Drizzle with oil. Add water to pan; cover and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes.
5. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let cool. Remove skins and finely mince garlic.
6. Combine garlic, butter and chives; cover and chill. Makes 3/4 cup butter.

Makes 6 servings.