20-Minute Keto 5-Ingredient Steak

Prep: 5 minCook: 15 min1 servingsmedium
Keto 5-Ingredient Steak with Rich Onion Pan Gravy

A satisfying low-carb dinner featuring perfectly seared porterhouse steak topped with savory onion gravy made from pan drippings. The xanthan gum creates a silky, traditional gravy texture without flour, while garlic and caramelized onions add depth. This simple weeknight meal delivers steakhouse flavors in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy keto dieters who want restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 5 ounce beef porterhouse steak
    ribeye1:1keto

    richer flavor

  • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum, gluten free
    arrowroot powder1:1ketopaleo

    may be slightly less thick

    Full guide →
  • ½ medium white onion, thinly sliced
  • cup beef broth, ready-to-serve
    chicken broth1:1keto

    same flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and season steaks with salt and pepper on both sides

  2. 2

    Cook steaks in hot skillet on both sides to your preference, then remove and set aside to rest, leaving cooking juices in pan

  3. 3

    Thinly slice onion and garlic, then melt butter in the same skillet

  4. 4

    Add sliced onion and garlic to butter and cook gently over low-medium heat until tender and fragrant

  5. 5

    Add beef broth to skillet and bring to gentle boil

  6. 6

    Reduce to simmer, add xanthan gum, and continue simmering until sauce reduces and thickens to gravy consistency

  7. 7

    Serve rested steaks topped with hot onion gravy

Tips

Tip 1

Let steak rest after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness when serving

Tip 2

Don't clean the pan between cooking steak and making gravy - those browned bits add incredible flavor

Tip 3

Whisk xanthan gum thoroughly to prevent clumping and achieve smooth gravy texture

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked steak and gravy separately for up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Steak best cooked fresh, but gravy can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently

Serve With

Serve immediately while steak is warm and gravy is hot for best texture

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't move steak around while cooking to achieve proper sear

Watch

Keep heat at medium-low when cooking onions to avoid burning

Watch

Whisk xanthan gum thoroughly to prevent lumps in gravy

Substitutions

beef broth
chicken broth1:1keto

same flavor profile

Full guide →
porterhouse steak
ribeye1:1keto

richer flavor

beef broth
vegetable broth1:1ketovegetarian

lighter flavor

Full guide →
xanthan gum
arrowroot powder1:1ketopaleo

may be slightly less thick

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness and your preferred doneness level.

What if my gravy is too thick?

Add more beef broth gradually while whisking until you reach desired consistency. Thin gravies will thicken as they cool slightly.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store steak and gravy separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the meat.