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Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce

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Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick, restaurant-quality dinner that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. These Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce are the ultimate weeknight meal or special occasion dish. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection, tossed in a fragrant garlic butter, and smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The best part? This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce elevates simple steak bites to gourmet status.
  • Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce:

For the Steak Bites:

  • 1 lb sirloin steak: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the steak bites.
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to the garlic butter.
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced: For that irresistible garlic flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried): Adds a subtle earthy note.

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of the creamy sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced: Enhances the sauce with more garlic goodness.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the flavors.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak Bites

  1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the Steak: Add the steak cubes to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides.
  3. Set Aside: Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

2. Make the Garlic Butter

  1. Add Butter and Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  2. Toss the Steak: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes for your desired level of doneness.

3. Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce

  1. Melt Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Cook Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Whisk in Parmesan: Reduce the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Coat the Steak: Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Steak: Sirloin is a great choice for this recipe because it’s tender and flavorful. You can also use ribeye or filet mignon for an extra luxurious touch.
  • Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sear the steak bites quickly over high heat to achieve a golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Parmesan cream sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or Parmesan cream sauce for a hint of heat.
  • Lighter Sauce: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the calorie count.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

  • Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
  • With Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
  • Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced dinner.
  • With Pasta: Toss the steak bites and sauce with your favorite pasta for a decadent twist.

The Perfect Cut of Steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

When it comes to making Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce, choosing the right cut of steak is crucial. The quality and type of steak you use will significantly impact the flavor, tenderness, and overall success of the dish. While this recipe calls for sirloin steak, there are several other cuts that work beautifully for steak bites.

Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is a popular choice for steak bites because it’s flavorful, tender, and relatively affordable. It’s a lean cut with just enough marbling to keep the meat juicy when cooked quickly over high heat. When cutting sirloin into bite-sized pieces, be sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue to ensure even cooking.

Ribeye Steak: If you’re looking for a richer, more indulgent option, ribeye is an excellent choice. Known for its abundant marbling, ribeye steak is incredibly tender and flavorful. The fat melts during cooking, infusing the meat with a buttery richness that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce.

Filet Mignon: For a truly luxurious experience, consider using filet mignon. This cut is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it ideal for steak bites. While it’s more expensive than sirloin or ribeye, filet mignon delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat.

Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: These cuts are leaner and have a more robust beefy flavor. While they’re slightly less tender than sirloin or ribeye, they work well for steak bites when sliced thinly against the grain. Marinating the steak before cooking can help enhance tenderness and flavor.

No matter which cut you choose, the key to perfect steak bites is to cook them quickly over high heat. This ensures a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Pairing the steak with a rich Parmesan cream sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.


The Secret to a Velvety Parmesan Cream Sauce

The Parmesan Cream Sauce in this recipe is what takes the dish from good to extraordinary. Creamy, rich, and packed with savory flavor, this sauce is surprisingly easy to make. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so special and how to achieve the perfect consistency every time.

The Base: The foundation of the sauce is a combination of butter and heavy cream. The butter adds richness, while the heavy cream provides a smooth, velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick or indulgent.

The Flavor: Garlic is the star of this sauce, adding a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the steak bites perfectly. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor—avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar, as it can taste bitter and lack the freshness of whole cloves.

The Cheese: Parmesan cheese is what gives the sauce its signature nutty, umami flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

The Technique: To achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce, it’s important to whisk constantly as the cheese melts into the cream. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or cream.

Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. The salt helps to enhance the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of white wine.

With these tips, you’ll be able to create a Parmesan cream sauce that’s restaurant-quality and pairs perfectly with the garlic butter steak bites.

 Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

While these Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can turn the meal into a feast. Here are some ideas to inspire your next dinner:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for steak bites. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes complements the rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a harmonious combination. For a twist, try garlic mashed potatoes or add a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and colorful element to the meal. The caramelized edges of the vegetables provide a nice contrast to the tender steak bites and creamy sauce. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting.

Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier option, serve the steak bites over steamed rice or quinoa. The grains absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite even more satisfying. Brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice are excellent choices for a healthier twist.

Pasta: Turn this dish into a decadent pasta meal by tossing the steak bites and sauce with your favorite pasta. Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work particularly well. Add a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that delicious sauce go to waste! Serve the steak bites with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the sauce, making it a delightful addition to the meal.

Salad: Balance the richness of the steak bites and sauce with a light, refreshing salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the dish.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce

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Some recipes feel like a warm hug, and this one is no exception! These tender, juicy steak bites bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and smothered in velvety Parmesan cream are pure comfort food. It’s restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes—perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Try it tonight and watch it disappear from the plate! What’s your favorite side dish to pair with steak?

  • Author: Jessica Parker
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 min

Ingredients

✔ 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
✔ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔ 1 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ 4 garlic cloves, minced
✔ Salt and pepper, to taste
✔ 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

✔ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ 1 cup heavy cream
✔ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔ 1 tbsp garlic, minced
✔ Salt and pepper, to taste
✔ Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Notes

Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin works great, but you can also use ribeye or filet for extra tenderness.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing in batches ensures a perfect crust on the steak bites.

Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for a couple of minutes to keep it juicy.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If too thin, simmer longer until it thickens.

For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the Parmesan sauce.

Perfect Side Dishes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Spicy Kick: Love heat? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 410 Per Serving
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 35g

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Final Thoughts

These Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce are a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end steakhouse.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to pin it for later and share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

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