Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both quick to make and indulgent, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. This meal combines tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and topped with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce that is sure to satisfy. Best of all, it takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The flavor profile is simply divine: rich and garlicky steak bites, buttery goodness, and a decadent cream sauce loaded with Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes.
When cooking steak bites, achieving the perfect sear is essential. Using a cast iron skillet ensures you get that crispy, golden-brown crust. If you’re new to cooking with cast iron, check out this guide on how to cook steak bites in a cast iron skillet for more tips on mastering this technique.
Additionally, garlic is one of the key ingredients that makes this dish so flavorful. For the best results, always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced. Learn why using fresh garlic makes such a big difference in flavor and health benefits.
The Perfect Steak Bites
When it comes to making Garlic Butter Steak Bites, choosing the right cut of steak is essential. The best options for this recipe are tender cuts such as tenderloin, ribeye, or sirloin. These cuts are known for their tenderness and juiciness, making them ideal for quick-cooking dishes like steak bites. While other cuts like flank or skirt steak can work, they tend to be tougher and may not deliver the melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re looking for.
Prepping the Steak
Once you’ve selected your steak, the next step is prepping. Start by cutting the steak into 2-3 inch pieces. This size is perfect for bite-sized portions and allows each piece to cook evenly. For seasoning, coat the steak pieces with a light layer of avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil, which helps achieve a good sear. You can also use a homemade seasoning blend like Cajun or simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
After seasoning, let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and ensures the steak cooks evenly by removing the chill from the fridge.
Cooking Steak Bites
The key to perfectly cooked steak bites is using a hot skillet. A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well, helping you get a beautifully browned crust on each piece. For the best results, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the steak in batches if necessary.
- Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes per side without moving them to get a good crust.
- Flip the pieces just once to avoid overcooking and continue to sear the other side.
- Once you’ve achieved a golden-brown crust, remove the steak bites and let them rest briefly. If you want to ensure your sear is on point, check out this guide for tips on using a cast iron skillet for perfect results.
Making the Garlic Butter
The garlic butter is what takes these steak bites to the next level. The richness of the butter combined with the aromatic flavor of fresh garlic creates a sauce that coats the steak in pure deliciousness. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced (using fresh garlic is key to maximizing flavor)
- 5 tablespoons of butter (use high-quality, salted butter for the best taste)
Using fresh garlic is crucial because it brings out a bold, authentic flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t match. Not sure why? Learn more about the benefits of fresh garlic and how it can elevate your cooking.
Steps for the Perfect Garlic Butter
- Heat control is everything when making garlic butter. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. You don’t want the butter to brown at this stage, so keep the heat moderate.
- Once the butter has melted, add your minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter if burned.
- After the garlic is fragrant, return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter. This step ensures that each piece of steak is coated with the savory, buttery goodness, absorbing all the flavors.
By timing everything just right, you’ll have a garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the steak, enhancing its richness and making every bite more indulgent.
Parmesan Cream Sauce
The Parmesan cream sauce is the decadent finishing touch for your garlic butter steak bites, bringing a velvety, cheesy layer to the dish. This sauce is rich and creamy, made with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a slight kick and green onions for a pop of color and flavor
How to Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Sauté the garlic: Start by melting butter over medium heat in the same skillet you used for the steak bites, to keep those delicious brown bits for extra flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking as you go to avoid clumps. Bring the cream to a simmer, allowing it to reduce and thicken for about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking it into the sauce until fully melted and smooth. This will thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency. If you want an extra burst of flavor, toss in some red pepper flakes for heat and green onions for freshness.
Sauce Variations
For a lighter version of this sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or evaporated milk. While the sauce may be less rich, it still provides a creamy texture that complements the steak bites. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten up the flavor and add a touch of freshness to the dish.
The Parmesan cream sauce can be customized to your liking, but its creamy, cheesy base is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making the classic version or a lighter one, this sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that perfectly complements the garlic butter steak bites.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
To elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, pairing them with the right side dishes is essential. One of the best options is cheesy mashed potatoes, which perfectly complement the richness of the steak and sauce.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
To make cheesy mashed potatoes, start by boiling russet potatoes until fork-tender. Once they’re ready, drain and mash them with butter, heavy cream, and your choice of shredded cheese—Monterey Jack or mozzarella work particularly well. The result is creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes that serve as the perfect base for your steak bites, soaking up all the extra sauce.
Alternative Side Dishes
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, mashed cauliflower is a great substitute for mashed potatoes. Simply steam or boil cauliflower until soft, then blend it with butter and a little cream for a smooth, creamy texture. You can even add some shredded cheese for an extra flavor boost.
For a lighter side, consider roasted asparagus or broccoli. These green vegetables add a pop of color and a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the dish. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.
If you prefer a lighter meal, a simple green salad can also complement the dish. Toss together mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side that balances the indulgence of the steak and cream sauce.
With these side dishes, you can create a well-rounded meal that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
To ensure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips:
- Avoid overcooking: Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. Overcooking can make the steak bites tough and chewy.
- Preheat the skillet: Always start with a hot skillet—preferably cast iron. This high heat ensures a proper sear, locking in the juices and giving the steak a flavorful crust.
- Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial for preserving the juices, which makes the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Enhance the flavor with finishing touches: Before serving, garnish your steak bites with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your steak bites come out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding causes the steak bites to steam instead of sear. Always batch-cook your steak for the best results.
- Using the wrong cut of steak: Avoid lean cuts like flank or skirt steak, which can turn tough. Tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin are ideal for this dish.
- Not seasoning enough: Season the steak bites generously on all sides. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for steak bites?
Yes, but tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin are best. These cuts are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for quick cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half, milk, or evaporated milk as substitutes for heavy cream. While they may make the sauce lighter, they still offer a creamy consistency.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a lighter option like milk or evaporated milk.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the Parmesan cream sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook the steak bites fresh to ensure they’re juicy and tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe features tender, juicy steak bites cooked in rich garlic butter and served with a savory Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and indulgent dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the garlic butter-infused steak bites for a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (28g) butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Season the steak bites with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Steak: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and cook them until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the steak bites to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika to the sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g