Question: The Sizzle on the Steak
By: Sam Chapman
Published: March 1, 2011

Does finishing a steak with butter add much flavor, or is it just more fat and calories?

Answers:
Chris Paulk

Restaurants do it because the taste, smell and sizzle it gives a luxurious appeal. Some poach the steak in butter before grilling it and some will grill it it butter to give it a crisp outside texture. A lot of times the butters will be flavored with garlic, shallots, mushrooms, herbs ect for additional flavor. My favorite steakhouse puts slices of beef fat on top of the steaks while they grill instead of butter. It's decadent and delicious and I'm almost ashamed to admit how mouthwatering it makes the steaks.
Most of the time I use a dry rub on my steaks and don't use a butter- the steaks turn out great- without the extra fat. They're juicy and flavorful and we never miss the butter.
But who doesn't love a little butter dripping off their steak.
Mary Helen McNally

It's certainly not necessary, but it does add another layer of deliciousness, especially when you flavor/season the steak butter well.