Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect recipe for anyone who loves rich, savory flavors but wants to keep things simple. The combination of tender steak cubes seared to perfection, paired with golden, garlicky potatoes, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe delivers on taste and ease. The addition of fresh herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes adds depth and a little kick that balances the butter’s richness.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time but still want a homemade meal full of comforting flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines protein and a side in one skillet, reducing your cooking time and the number of dishes you’ll have to clean. So, let’s dive in!
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that bring this delicious meal together:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a base for cooking and prevents the butter from burning.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with steak and potatoes.
- 1 lb baby red and yellow potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes: These bite-sized cubes cook quickly and crisp up nicely, offering a satisfying contrast to the steak.
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter and steak with its aromatic, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped: Complements the savory flavors and brings an earthy tone to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides an extra layer of woodsy fragrance.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your spice tolerance. This ingredient adds a little heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 – 1 ¼ lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Sirloin is a perfect cut for this dish, offering tenderness without being too fatty.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
1. Preparing the Potatoes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and melt 1 tablespoon of butter with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in the cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and rosemary). Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Allow the potatoes to cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the potatoes to become tender but not mushy. They should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but firm enough to hold their shape. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the cooked potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cooking the Steak
Before cooking the steak, make sure your skillet is free of any burnt garlic or herbs, as this can impact the flavor of your steak bites. Crank up the heat to high and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Once the skillet is hot and the butter begins to foam, add the steak cubes. Let them sear for about 1 minute on each side without stirring too much. This will give the steak that nice, brown crust that seals in the juices. Continue to cook for about 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. You’ll want the outside to be golden brown while the inside remains juicy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combining the Flavors
Once the steak bites are cooked to your preference, return the potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together gently, allowing the potatoes to reheat and absorb some of the delicious juices from the steak. Cook for another minute or so, and you’re ready to serve!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
Choosing the Right Steak Cut
Sirloin is the recommended cut for this recipe because it’s tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly. However, you can also opt for ribeye or tenderloin if you prefer a more luxurious cut. Be mindful of not overcooking these more delicate cuts, as they can dry out quickly.
The Secret to a Perfect Sear
To achieve that perfect sear on your steak bites, resist the temptation to stir the steak constantly. Let it sit undisturbed for at least 1 minute on high heat before flipping. This method ensures a caramelized, golden crust that locks in moisture.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some ingredient swaps that work well with this recipe:
- Potatoes: Substitute the baby red and yellow potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter contrast to the rich garlic butter.
- Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about half.
- Steak: If sirloin isn’t available, feel free to use flank steak or strip steak, both of which will yield similar results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Steak
Steak bites cook very quickly, so it’s easy to overdo them. Keep an eye on the clock, and aim for no more than 6 minutes for medium doneness. A meat thermometer can help ensure precision—look for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
Burning the Garlic
Garlic can burn easily, especially when cooking over high heat. Make sure to add it in with the potatoes while cooking on medium heat and avoid letting it sit in the pan for too long before adding other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Steak Bites pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a great, light complement to this rich dish.
- Mashed potatoes: If you want even more potato goodness, a side of creamy mashed potatoes will work wonders.
- Rice or quinoa: For a lighter grain-based side, rice or quinoa provide a neutral base to balance the richness of the steak.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing in the Refrigerator
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
To maintain the tenderness of the steak, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat. You can also use the microwave, but do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Add a little butter to the skillet when reheating to refresh the flavors.
Equipment Needed for the Recipe
To make Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’ll need:
- A large skillet (cast iron is ideal for the perfect sear)
- Tongs for flipping the steak
- A sharp knife for cutting the potatoes and steak
- Cutting board
- Spatula for stirring
FAQ Section
What kind of steak is best for steak bites?
Sirloin is a great choice because it’s tender and cooks quickly, but you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for a more luxurious option.
How do I keep the steak from drying out?
Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak, and don’t overcook it. Keeping it to about 4-6 minutes of total cook time should yield juicy bites.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While steak bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to cook the steak.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a perfect dish for any occasion, offering both indulgence and simplicity. The combination of steak, potatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more quick and delicious meals!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Enjoy these juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with tender potatoes, cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a base for cooking and prevents the butter from burning.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with steak and potatoes.
- 1 lb baby red and yellow potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes: These bite-sized cubes cook quickly and crisp up nicely, offering a satisfying contrast to the steak.
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter and steak with its aromatic, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped: Complements the savory flavors and brings an earthy tone to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides an extra layer of woodsy fragrance.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your spice tolerance. This ingredient adds a little heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 – 1 ¼ lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Sirloin is a perfect cut for this dish, offering tenderness without being too fatty.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Potatoes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and melt 1 tablespoon of butter with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in the cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and rosemary). Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Allow the potatoes to cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the potatoes to become tender but not mushy. They should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but firm enough to hold their shape. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the cooked potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cooking the Steak
Before cooking the steak, make sure your skillet is free of any burnt garlic or herbs, as this can impact the flavor of your steak bites. Crank up the heat to high and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Once the skillet is hot and the butter begins to foam, add the steak cubes. Let them sear for about 1 minute on each side without stirring too much. This will give the steak that nice, brown crust that seals in the juices. Continue to cook for about 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. You’ll want the outside to be golden brown while the inside remains juicy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combining the Flavors
Once the steak bites are cooked to your preference, return the potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together gently, allowing the potatoes to reheat and absorb some of the delicious juices from the steak. Cook for another minute or so, and you’re ready to serve!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Steak Bites pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a great, light complement to this rich dish.
- Mashed potatoes: If you want even more potato goodness, a side of creamy mashed potatoes will work wonders.
- Rice or quinoa: For a lighter grain-based side, rice or quinoa provide a neutral base to balance the richness of the steak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner