Why does your steak smell like butter?

The buttery smell in your steak could be attributed to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that occurs when proteins and sugars are heated together. This reaction produces a range of flavorful compounds, including diacetyl, which is a compound found in butter and responsible for its characteristic aroma. The presence of diacetyl in your steak could be due to the specific cooking method used, the type of beef, or even the aging process.