Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Savory Delight
Cooking Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce has become one of my go-to recipes for a quick yet decadent meal. The combination of tender steak bites coated in a rich, velvety sauce is not just crowd-pleasing; it’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between ease and indulgence, making it an instant favorite for weekday dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is a surefire winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy steak without breaking the bank. Lastly, the creamy Parmesan sauce elevates these steak bites to gourmet status—perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
“I made these steak bites for dinner, and they were an absolute hit! The sauce was rich and full of flavor. My family is still raving about it!” – A satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce involves a few simple steps that yield fantastic results. You’ll start by preparing your steak and then searing it to perfection. Next, you’ll whip up a delicious garlic butter and finally, a creamy Parmesan sauce to bring it all together. Each step builds flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is a delight.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items before you start cooking:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
You can substitute the steak with other cuts if you’re looking for a different texture or flavor, but ribeye or sirloin is ideal for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the steak: Pat your steak cubes dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. This helps to achieve a nice crust while cooking.
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Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then return the steak to the pan and toss to coat.
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Prepare the Parmesan cream sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
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Serve: Pour the sauce over the steak bites or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile in how you choose to serve them. For a hearty meal, consider pairing them with buttery mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf. For a lighter option, serve with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. A crisp white wine or a bold red can also complement the richness of the dish beautifully.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After preparing this savory delight, you may find yourself with some delicious leftovers. To store:
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled steak bites and sauce in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the steak bites without the sauce in a suitable freezer container. They can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your containers!
When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat the steak bites in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of cream or broth to restore its consistency.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. This helps achieve that beautiful brown crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking—don’t hesitate to spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat!
Recipe Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some creative twists to try:
- Herbed version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an aromatic touch.
- Mushroom lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Low carb: Serve the steak bites over zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta or rice.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the best type of steak for this recipe?
A: Ribeye or sirloin are ideal choices due to their tenderness and flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, half-and-half can be a lighter alternative, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Q: How do I ensure the steak is cooked to my preferred doneness?
A: For medium-rare, sear the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Adjust cooking time as necessary for your preference.
Cooking these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce is not only a culinary adventure but also a guaranteed way to impress your family or guests. With its rich flavors and inviting presentation, this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Pat steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in batches, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then return the steak to the pan and toss to coat.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the steak bites or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately!
