Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Introduction
Are you craving a quick yet indulgent recipe that delivers all the flavor you could ever want? Garlic butter steak bites are a mouthwatering option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even an impromptu dinner party. The combination of tender steak, rich garlic butter, and irresistible seasoning makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep handy. Dive in and explore how easy it is to whip up these decadent steak bites!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Steak
1 1/2 pounds of steak, such as sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
Garlic
Separate and mince 4 to 5 fresh garlic cloves
Butter
Use approximately 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Seasonings
Include freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika for flavor
Fresh Parsley
Roughly 1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped, for garnish
Prep Time
If you’re planning on creating this flavorful dish, set aside about 10 to 15 minutes for preparation. During this time, you’ll dice the steak, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and gather your seasoning ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking these decadent garlic butter steak bites takes about 5 minutes on high heat, ensuring the steak sears perfectly and locks in those juicy flavors. Including prep time, the total time required to make this dish is around 15 to 20 minutes, making it an incredibly quick recipe. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or a small group of friends.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
– Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Trim any excess fat if needed.
– Season the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to avoid overcrowding the steak bites. Use cast-iron if possible for an even sear.
– Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the heated skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
– Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the steak bites in a single layer in the pan. Avoid overcrowding as this will lead to steaming instead of searing.
– Sear the steak bites for about 1-2 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms. Use tongs to flip them over. Work in batches if necessary.
– Remove the cooked steak bites from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
– Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt.
– Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 5: Combine the Steak with the Sauce
– Return the steak bites (and any juices on the plate) to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
– Toss the steak bites in the sauce to coat them evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure they are warmed through and infused with the garlic butter flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
– Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the steak bites for garnish.
– Serve immediately. These steak bites can be enjoyed as is or paired with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
Note 1: Steak Selection
– Choose a tender cut of steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for the best results.
Note 2: Cooking Time
– Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the steak bites and your desired level of doneness. Smaller pieces and thin cuts will cook faster.
Note 3: Avoid Overcrowding
– Always cook the steak in batches if your skillet cannot accommodate all pieces in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will prevent proper searing.
Note 4: Garlic Cooking Tip
– Garlic burns quickly. Keep an eye on it when adding to the butter and stir frequently to prevent it from turning bitter.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
– These steak bites pair well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Note 6: Storage and Reheating
– If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or olive oil if needed.
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Cook techniques
How to prepare the steak bites for even cooking
Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and achieves a good sear.
Searing the steak bites
Use a heavy skillet, such as cast iron, heated over medium-high heat for a perfect sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the bites in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
Deglazing the pan
After cooking the steak bites, don’t clean the pan. Deglaze it by stirring butter, garlic, and any released steak juices. This process lifts flavorful bits off the pan to create a rich sauce.
Cooking the garlic butter sauce
Melt butter in the same skillet used for the steak. Lower the heat, add minced garlic, and stir frequently. Cook until fragrant but not browned to enhance the sauce’s taste.
FAQ
What type of steak works best for steak bites?
You can use sirloin steak, ribeye, or striploin. Choose a well-marbled cut to ensure tenderness and flavorful bites.
Should I marinate the steak beforehand?
Marinating isn’t necessary for this recipe. The garlic butter sauce complements the steak perfectly without extra preparation.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Cook the bites over medium-high heat for only a few minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces. This ensures a perfectly juicy interior.
Can I add other ingredients to the garlic butter sauce?
Yes, you can customize the sauce with fresh parsley, thyme, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
What should I serve with garlic butter steak bites?
Garlic butter steak bites pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, but keep in mind that reheating may slightly affect the steak’s texture.
How do I store leftover steak bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, consume them sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a simple yet delicious dish that can elevate your meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender steak cubes coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce makes it a versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. This recipe proves that great flavors come from simple ingredients handled with care.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Pair the steak bites with creamy mashed potatoes infused with rosemary and garlic for a hearty and comforting meal.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Serve the steak bites over a bed of garlic butter pasta for a carb-loaded, indulgent dinner.
Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
Include roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini sprinkled with parmesan cheese to balance the meal with freshness and texture.
Caesar Salad
Add a crisp and tangy Caesar salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak bites.
Honey Glazed Carrots
The slightly sweet, tender carrots will complement the savory garlic butter sauce perfectly.
Garlic Bread
Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and complete the dish.
Creamy Spinach
Prepare a side of creamy spinach to add depth and a touch of elegance to the plate.
Buttery Rice Pilaf
A light and flavorful rice pilaf can make a great base for the steak bites while enhancing the buttery profile.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Cook some cheesy stuffed mushrooms as a side or appetizer to pair with the steak bites for an additional burst of umami.
Herb Salad
A simple herb salad with parsley, dill, and a lemon vinaigrette would add a fresh, zesty note to the meal.
