There’s something about Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions that feels just right on a busy weeknight—quick to cook, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without the fuss. I remember the first time I made these for my kids after a long day juggling work calls and homework chaos. The kitchen was a mess, the counters cluttered, but those tender, garlicky steak bites brought everyone together around the table. That’s the kind of meal that sticks with you: simple, satisfying, and made with a bit of love (and a lot of black pepper). If you’re anything like me, you want your dinners straightforward and delicious, and that’s exactly what these medallions deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

When I transitioned from my full-time office job to cooking more at home, I quickly realized that complicated recipes didn’t fit into my reality. Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions are one of those gems that feel fancy but are incredibly easy to pull off. Here’s why they’ve become a staple in my home:

Speedy and Simple: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for those “I have no idea what to cook” evenings.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Bold garlic and pepper hit the spot without overpowering picky eaters.
Minimal Ingredients: No need to hunt for exotic spices or spend a fortune.
Versatility: Serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies.
Comfort Food Vibes: Reminds me of those loud, late dinners in my childhood apartment—simple, hearty, and full of love.

Plus, the medallions are tender and juicy, which means you get a restaurant-quality meal right at your own kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

Ingredients for Savor the Flavor of Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch thick medallions
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a shortcut)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a nice depth)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a gluten-free swap)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

When I first started cooking for my family, I loved how adaptable these ingredients are. No fancy sauces or long marinating times—just good quality beef, garlic, and pepper doing all the heavy lifting.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (based on 4 servings)
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 450mg

These medallions pack a solid protein punch while keeping carbs low—perfect if you’re looking for a hearty dinner that won’t weigh you down. And because it’s mostly whole ingredients, you’re avoiding all those sneaky processed extras.

Savor the Flavor of Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

Print Recipe

Learn how to make delicious Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch thick medallions
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a shortcut)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a nice depth)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a gluten-free swap)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by patting your steak medallions dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Season both sides of the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it’s the star here.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. I like cast iron for this—my dad always swore by his trusty pan for even cooking.
Add the steak medallions to the pan without overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You’ll see a beautiful brown crust form—that’s flavor!
Flip the medallions and add the minced garlic and butter to the pan. Use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter and garlic as they cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium works best here).
Just before removing from heat, drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the medallions and give them one last baste to lock in that umami goodness.
Transfer steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial—trust me, I learned this the hard way when my steaks ended up tough from skipping the rest.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

One thing I’ve learned as a mom-cook is that resting your meat is like giving yourself a mini break in the kitchen. It’s a small step that pays off big time in tenderness and flavor.

Author: Jenny
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: International

Keywords: Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions, recipe, cooking, food

Steps to Create Your Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

Start by patting your steak medallions dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Season both sides of the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it’s the star here.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. I like cast iron for this—my dad always swore by his trusty pan for even cooking.
Add the steak medallions to the pan without overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You’ll see a beautiful brown crust form—that’s flavor!
Flip the medallions and add the minced garlic and butter to the pan. Use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter and garlic as they cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium works best here).
Just before removing from heat, drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the medallions and give them one last baste to lock in that umami goodness.
Transfer steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial—trust me, I learned this the hard way when my steaks ended up tough from skipping the rest.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

One thing I’ve learned as a mom-cook is that resting your meat is like giving yourself a mini break in the kitchen. It’s a small step that pays off big time in tenderness and flavor. Learn more: Savor the Flavor: Salmon Cakes with Zesty Lemon Garlic Drizzle

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin is budget-friendly and flavorful, but filet mignon or ribeye work beautifully if you want to splurge.
Don’t Skip Drying the Meat: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Pat those medallions dry!
Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Pre-ground pepper doesn’t pack the same punch. Freshly cracked black pepper makes all the difference.
Control Your Heat: Medium-high is ideal. Too hot and the garlic will burn; too low and you’ll miss out on that sear.
Adjust Garlic to Your Family’s Taste: If your kids aren’t big on garlic, start with less and add more as you get comfortable.
Rest Your Meat: It might be tempting to dig in right away, but I promise the wait is worth it.

When I’m cooking for my family, I keep these tips in mind to make sure dinner is not just edible but something everyone looks forward to—even my picky eater who usually runs from anything too “spicy.”

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Final dish - Savor the Flavor of Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions

Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them, inspired by the cozy family dinners I grew up with:

Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The steaks’ peppery crust pairs beautifully with buttery mash. Bonus: kids love mashing the potatoes themselves—it’s messy, but oh so fun.
With Roasted Vegetables: Think carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus tossed with olive oil and herbs.
On a Bed of Garlic Rice: A quick garlic fried rice or simple steamed rice is a great way to soak up the juices.
With a Fresh Salad: Light greens with a tangy vinaigrette balance the richness of the steak.
Wrapped in Warm Tortillas: For a fun twist, slice the medallions thinly and serve as steak tacos with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.

One night, I even served these medallions with my kids’ favorite mac and cheese—a total comfort food mash-up that had us all smiling despite the chaos in the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Life with two kids and a busy schedule means leftovers are my best friend. Here’s how to keep your Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions tasting great even the next day:

Store cooled steak medallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat.
If you have freezer space, you can freeze cooked medallions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Use leftover steak slices in sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries to stretch your meal further.

I often find that leftovers become the star of lunchboxes or quick dinners when time is tight. Trust me, having a stash of these medallions in the fridge feels like a little victory in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions?

The main ingredients for Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions?

The total time to make Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions ahead of time?

Yes, Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions?

Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Pepper Steak Medallions have become one of those go-to recipes that I turn to when I want a meal that feels both special and completely doable. They bring me back to my childhood kitchen—the late dinners, the noise, the love stirred into every pot. They remind me that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real. So next time you’re staring blankly into the fridge, remember this recipe. It’s a simple way to put a warm, hearty dinner on the table without the overwhelm. And from my kitchen to yours, that’s a little piece of comfort you can count on.