Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsKennedy's SteakhousePorterhouse Recipe

Porterhouse Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves2

Make Porterhouse Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Steak & seasoning

Method

Steak & seasoning

  1. 1

    Bring steak to temperature

    Remove the porterhouse from the refrigerator 45–60 minutes before cooking and place on a rack or plate at room temperature. Pat very dry on all sides with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season

    Generously season both sides and the edges of the steak with the kosher salt, then sprinkle the garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it adheres.

Cooking fats & aromatics

  1. 3

    Preheat pan

    Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high to high heat for 5–7 minutes until very hot and just starting to smoke. Meanwhile, have the oil ready.

  2. 4

    Sear the steak

    Add the neutral oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat. Carefully place the porterhouse into the pan, laying it away from you to avoid splatter. Sear without moving for 2½–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 2½–3 minutes. Also sear the edges for about 30–45 seconds each by holding the steak with tongs.

  3. 5

    Baste with butter and aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary to the pan. As the butter foams, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the melting butter and aromatics over the top of the steak for 1½–3 minutes, or until internal temperature approaches desired doneness (see temperatures below). Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin (away from bone) to check temperature: 120°F for rare, 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. For a 1.25–1.5 inch porterhouse aim for 125°F (medium-rare) after resting.

Finishing & optional

  1. 6

    Rest

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 8–12 minutes (rest time allows juices to redistribute and internal temperature to rise ~5°F).

  2. 7

    Slice & finish

    After resting, sprinkle the coarse finishing salt over the top and, if desired, sprinkle chopped parsley. Slice the steak off the bone by cutting the tenderloin and strip portions into 1/2-inch thick slices across the grain. Serve with lemon wedges if using.

  3. 8

    Notes

    If you prefer using an oven: after searing both sides in the skillet for 2–3 minutes each, transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 4–8 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, then proceed to baste, rest, and slice as above. Adjust times for thicker steaks.

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