Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Featured in Simple and Satisfying Dinners.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce transforms simple sirloin into a restaurant-worthy meal. The steak is cut into bite-sized pieces and seared until golden brown, then tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The real star is the rich Parmesan cream sauce, made with heavy cream, fresh garlic, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce comes together while the steak cooks, making this an easy 25-minute meal. Perfect over mashed potatoes or rice, this dish brings steakhouse flavors right to your dinner table.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Feb 2025 13:44:16 GMT
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A restaurant-worthy dish comes alive in your kitchen with these succulent Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Tender cubes of premium beef are seared to perfection, then enveloped in a velvety parmesan cream sauce that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors that make this dish truly memorable.

Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've learned that selecting the finest ingredients makes all the difference between a good meal and an unforgettable one.

Essential Components

  • Steak: Choose USDA Prime sirloin or ribeye for rich flavor and tender texture. Abundant marbling ensures juiciness and a buttery finish.
  • Garlic: Use fresh, plump heads with tight, papery skin for the most aromatic and flavorful results. Avoid soft or sprouting garlic.
  • Butter: European-style butter with 82% butterfat content provides a richer, creamier flavor. Ideal for basting and enhancing the steak.
  • Heavy Cream: Opt for cream with a minimum of 36% butterfat for a thick, luxurious texture in sauces.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano aged at least 24 months offers a nutty, complex flavor. Grate fresh for the best results.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground Tellicherry peppercorns have a bold, citrusy aroma that enhances the dish with a touch of heat.
  • Sea Salt: Flaked sea salt allows better control of seasoning, bringing out the steak's natural flavors without overpowering it.

Creating Steak Perfection

Meat Preparation:
Begin with room temperature steak, cutting against the grain into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat completely dry with paper towels before seasoning generously.
Perfect Searing:
Heat a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet until water droplets dance across the surface. Add butter and arrange steak pieces with space between them for proper browning.
Sauce Development:
Create the foundation with slowly melted butter and freshly minced garlic. Allow garlic to release its oils without browning for optimal flavor.
Final Integration:
Incorporate cream gradually while stirring constantly. Add cheese in small portions to ensure smooth incorporation.
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My Italian grandmother taught me that patience with cream sauces yields the smoothest results. Her technique of slowly incorporating cheese prevents any graininess.

Complementary Pairings

Serve over fresh pappardelle pasta or creamy polenta to capture every drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms make perfect accompaniments.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different cheese combinations like Grana Padano or aged Asiago. Add wild mushrooms for earthiness or sun-dried tomatoes for brightness.

Storage Strategy

Keep leftovers in an airtight glass container. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

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After countless iterations of this recipe, I've discovered that respecting each ingredient's qualities creates a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. The key lies in attention to detail and understanding how flavors develop together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
Sirloin is ideal because it's tender and flavorful, but ribeye or New York strip also work great for this recipe.
→ How do I know when the steak bites are done?
For medium-rare, cook until the outside is nicely browned but the inside still shows a bit of pink, about 3-4 minutes total.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The Parmesan cream sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently on the stove, stirring often.
→ What sides go well with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
→ Why did my cream sauce become grainy?
To prevent graininess, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan and heat the sauce gently while stirring constantly.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter and topped with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, ready in just 25 minutes for a quick dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Dinner Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Steak

01 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 4 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
05 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
06 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ For the Creamy Sauce

07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 1 cup fresh heavy cream
09 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 1 tablespoon minced garlic
11 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Heat that olive oil in a large skillet until it's nice and hot. Season your steak bites with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes, turning them so they get that beautiful brown crust all over. Once done, scoop them out and set aside for a moment.

Step 02

In that same pan, drop in your butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Let those flavors bloom for a minute or two until your kitchen smells amazing. Now bring those steak bites back to the pan and give everything a good toss in that garlic butter.

Step 03

Grab a separate saucepan and melt your butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and let it get fragrant, then pour in your heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it gets thick and velvety, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 04

Pour that luxurious Parmesan sauce all over your steak bites and give everything a good toss to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve it up while it's hot and saucy.

Notes

  1. Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you're craving a bit of heat
  2. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
  3. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days - just reheat gently

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g