Garlic butter steak and potato foil packets – Camping recipe

Enjoy the simplicity and savory goodness of our garlic butter steak and potato foil packets, perfect for a summer family dinner. Bursting with rich buttery and garlicky flavors, these packets are a delightful treat whether cooked on the grill, campfire, or in the oven. Whether you’re at home or on the road, savor the ease and deliciousness of this versatile meal option.

Ingredients – What you will need this recipe

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to prepare our garlic butter steak and potato foil packets: tender steak cuts, potatoes, flavorful onions, aromatic garlic, rich butter, quality olive oil, fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous goodness, Italian seasoning for that classic flavor, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. With this delicious lineup, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Need to pay attention to when preparing

Steak: Opt for a tender cut that maintains its tenderness when cooked in foil packets. Top sirloin is a great choice and is commonly used for this recipe.

Potatoes: Choose fingerling or baby potatoes, or smaller Yukon Golds for convenience as they don’t require peeling and are quicker to prepare.

Olive oil: While olive oil is the preferred option, you can substitute with another vegetable oil if desired.

Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences. Doubling the garlic can enhance the flavor for those who enjoy a more intense garlic taste.

Additional flavor: For extra indulgence, consider adding chopped bacon and/or shredded cheddar cheese to the potatoes before sealing the packets.

Vegetables: If you’d like to include vegetables, such as green peppers, asparagus, or green beans, simply add them to the foil packets alongside the steak and potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Ideal steak cuts for this recipe

Choosing a tender steak cut is crucial for this cooking method. While top sirloin is my top choice for foil packets due to its tenderness, ribeye or porterhouse are also excellent options, albeit less lean.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking garlic butter steak and potato foil packets

Tips: We strongly recommend par-boiling your potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the foil packets! While I omitted this step in a previous version of the recipe, I’ve found that par-boiling yields better results.

Step 1: Once the potatoes have cooled sufficiently to handle, mix them with all the ingredients (excluding the butter)

Step 2: Evenly distribute the mixture among four large sheets of aluminum foil. For cooking over a campfire, I suggest using either a double layer of regular foil or heavy-duty foil.

Step 3: Seal the foil packets by folding the edges tightly to ensure no juices escape during cooking.

Step 4: Bake the foil packets in the oven, grill them, or cook them over the campfire (refer to the recipe card below for specific instructions for each cooking method).

Useful tips

Exercise caution when opening the foil packets as they contain a substantial amount of juices and steam. To avoid any accidents, place each packet on a plate or a flat surface before opening. Alternatively, you can place all the packets on a sheet pan to open them safely. Never open or eat foil packets while holding them in your lap, especially when camping.

We strongly suggest pre-boiling the potatoes, despite it being an additional step. The effort pays off in ensuring that neither the steak is overcooked nor the potatoes remain raw.
Please note that this recipe is intended for quick and easy dinners or for camping, rather than achieving the perfect steak. Cooking the perfect steak requires focused attention solely on the meat’s doneness. While this recipe offers simplicity and convenience, it may not result in a perfectly cooked steak.

If your potatoes are not fully cooked

If your steak finishes cooking significantly earlier than your potatoes (which may occur due to various factors, though less likely if you parboil the potatoes), gently take out the steak from the foil packets and transfer it to a plate. Cover it with a new piece of foil to rest. Proceed to cook the potatoes until they are fully cooked.

These foil packets can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best not to do so too far in advance to avoid the potatoes from oxidizing. I suggest assembling them 4-6 hours before cooking. They’re perfect for prepping at home and then transporting in your cooler to cook and enjoy at your campsite.

Serving ideas with this garlic butter steak and potato foil packets

Here are some serving ideas to complement your garlic butter steak and potato foil packets

Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a complete meal.

Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette for a light and refreshing side.

Bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Dipping Sauces: Offer dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, chimichurri, or aioli for added flavor.

Beverage: Serve with a cold beverage like lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine to refresh your palate.

These options will enhance your meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience. If you love it and are looking for dinner recipes, be sure to check out our recipes for more delicious ideas.