Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes – Perfect for Vanlife and Camping

There’s something special about cooking a hearty, satisfying meal outdoors after a day of adventure. Whether you’re out camping for the weekend or enjoying the open road in a motorhome, this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes dish is perfect for a cozy meal that feels like pure comfort. The combination of tender steak, buttery garlic-infused potatoes, and fresh herbs delivers flavors that are both simple and sophisticated. Plus, many parts of the dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for those who like to make camping meals as easy as possible.

Why Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes?

Steak and potatoes are a classic pairing that provides the perfect mix of protein and carbs to refuel your body after a day of hiking, exploring, or just relaxing by the campfire. This recipe adds a touch of elegance with the garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs, elevating it beyond your standard camping fare. The best part is that it’s easily adaptable for outdoor cooking, whether on a portable camping stove, cast-iron skillet over the fire, or in your motorhome’s kitchen.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb (650g) flank steak, sliced against the grain (or use ribeye, tenderloin, strip loin, etc.)
1 1/2 lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

For the Marinade:

1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a paleo or gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon hot sauce (we recommend Sriracha)
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Pre-Trip Preparation

To make cooking this dish during your camping trip a breeze, you can do some prep work before leaving home. Here’s what to prepare ahead:

Marinate the Steak: Slice the steak and place it in a sealable bag or container with the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), olive oil, hot sauce, and pepper. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before your trip, or up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse the meat, making it even more delicious and tender when cooked.
Pre-Cook the Potatoes (Optional): If you want to cut down on cooking time at the campsite, parboil the potato wedges in salted water for about 8 minutes at home. Drain and let them cool before packing them in an airtight container.
Chop the Herbs and Garlic: Mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs, then store them in small containers or resealable bags. This step saves time during cooking, allowing you to enjoy your meal sooner.

Close-up of steak strips marinating in a bowl with a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, hot sauce, and cracked pepper. The setting is a rustic camping environment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano scattered around on a wooden surface. The marinade is visibly coating the steak, giving it a rich, flavorful appearance.

Directions:

Heat It Up: When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat on your camping stove. Add 1 tablespoon of tallow and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the potato wedges. Cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they are golden and fork-tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
Sear the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the minced garlic, red chili pepper flakes (if using), and the chopped fresh herbs. Add the steak strips, laying them in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute on each side, or to your desired doneness. If the steak was marinated for a longer time, it might release some liquid; you can reserve this marinade for extra flavor later.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked potato wedges back to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the steak and garlic butter sauce. Optionally, pour in the reserved marinade for a boost of flavor and cook for an additional 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the garlic butter steak and potatoes immediately. Garnish with more fresh herbs, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the potatoes for an extra touch of flavor.

strips of steak cooking in an iron skillet over a camping stove, with more strips sizzling and seared to a juicy brown. Garlic and herbs are visible in the skillet, adding to the dish’s flavor. The scene captures a rustic outdoor camping environment, featuring a camping table and a forested background, showcasing the experience of outdoor cooking during a camping trip.

Cooking Tips for the Best Camping Experience

Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you’re cooking over a campfire, a cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly and adds a rustic feel to your meal. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned, so nothing sticks.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking the steak in batches ensures you get a nice sear instead of steaming the meat.
Make It Your Own: This steak and potatoes dish is versatile. You can add mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor. If you have some extra roasted garlic on hand, toss it in for an even deeper garlic taste.

A Perfect Meal After a Day of Adventure

After a day spent hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s nothing quite like a delicious homemade meal to end the day on a high note. This garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe offers a taste of comfort and luxury, even when you’re miles away from a traditional kitchen. With the right preparation, it’s just as easy to make outdoors as it is at home. Enjoy this hearty dish, and let it become a staple on your camping menu!

What to Pair It With

While this steak and potatoes dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, you can elevate your outdoor dining experience by pairing it with a few simple sides:

Grilled Asparagus or Carrots: Just drizzle with a bit of olive oil and grill until tender.
Campfire Bread: Warm up some crusty bread over the fire and dip it into the garlic butter sauce.
Roasted Garlic: Wrap a head of garlic in foil with a little olive oil and roast it on the fire for a sweet and savory addition.

Cooking outdoors should be fun and stress-free, and this recipe ensures you get both deliciousness and ease. So, next time you hit the road, pack your skillet, some fresh herbs, and enjoy a meal that’ll make you feel right at home – even when you’re far away.

A completed dish of garlic butter steak cooked in strips and chunky potato strips served in a camping setting. The steak strips are seared to a juicy brown, and the potatoes are cut into thick strips, garnished with fresh herbs. The meal is presented on a rustic metal camping plate, with a scenic outdoor view featuring trees and nature.

Why This Recipe Works So Well for Vanlife and Camping

Camping meals need to be practical, tasty, and nourishing, and this dish ticks all those boxes. Here’s why it’s perfect for your outdoor adventures:

Fewer Dishes: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup. This is a huge advantage when washing dishes is limited to a small basin or camp spigot.
Nutrient-Dense: The steak provides ample protein to help rebuild muscles after a day of outdoor activities, while the potatoes offer energy-sustaining carbs.
Flavorful Without Extra Fuss: The garlic butter and fresh herbs pack in the flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. It’s a gourmet meal with minimal effort.

The Vanlife Vibe: Cooking and Dining Under the Stars

Eating outdoors is one of the true pleasures of vanlife and camping. Imagine sitting under a canopy of stars, a soft breeze rustling through the trees, as you tuck into a plate of Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes. The meal doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it enhances the entire camping experience.

Pro tip: If you’re near a scenic spot, consider taking your meal out to enjoy it with a view. Whether it’s overlooking a mountain range, the ocean, or a tranquil forest, pairing this dish with nature’s beauty makes the moment truly memorable.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort after a day of exploring the outdoors. With some advance preparation and a bit of flexibility in your cooking methods, this meal can become a staple in your camping repertoire. So, the next time you hit the road, don’t settle for boring camp meals. Bring your skillet, your favorite cut of steak, and prepare to enjoy a gourmet camping dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This dish captures the essence of vanlife – simple ingredients, big flavors, and a touch of adventure. Enjoy your meal, and may every bite be as satisfying as the journey itself.

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