Garlic Butter Steak Bites

This garlic butter steak bites recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Juicy, tender steak cubes seared to perfection alongside herb-infused potatoes create a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying without hours of work.

I first made these steak bites when hosting an impromptu dinner party, and they disappeared faster than any other dish I served. Now they're my go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: Transforms into juicy, tender morsels that sear beautifully when cut into cubes
• Baby red and yellow potatoes: Add color and a buttery texture that complements the steak perfectly
• Fresh herbs: Such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary, infuse the entire dish with aromatic flavor
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden crust on both the steak and potatoes
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds its own subtle flavor
• Garlic cloves: Build a foundation of flavor that permeates the entire dish
• Red pepper flakes: Provide a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the other flavors and help create a perfect crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potato mixture:

Begin by melting one tablespoon of butter with half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination prevents burning while maximizing flavor. When the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly, it's ready for the potatoes.

Cook the potatoes and herbs:

Add the cubed potatoes, minced garlic, all the chopped herbs, and red pepper flakes to the hot skillet. Stir to coat everything in the butter mixture. Allow them to cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. The potatoes should become fork tender but still maintain their shape. Season with salt and pepper, tasting to adjust as needed.

Set potatoes aside:

Once the potatoes reach the right texture, transfer them to a plate. This prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the steak. Carefully remove any burned bits of garlic or herbs from the skillet, as these could impart a bitter flavor to the steak.

Prepare the skillet for steak:

Increase the heat to high and wait until you see wisps of smoke rising from the pan. This indicates it's hot enough to create a beautiful sear on the steak. Add the remaining olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the pan surface.

Sear the steak bites:

Carefully add the steak cubes to the sizzling hot skillet. Resist the urge to stir immediately let them sear undisturbed for a full minute to develop a rich brown crust. After the initial sear, stir and continue cooking until all sides are caramelized and the steak reaches your preferred doneness, typically 4-6 minutes total.

Season and reunite components:

Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste, then return the potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together gently and cook for one more minute to rewarm the potatoes and allow the flavors to meld together.

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The butter is truly the secret ingredient here. I've tried making this with just olive oil, and while it's still good, the butter creates a richness and depth that transforms ordinary steak and potatoes into something truly craveable. My son always knows when I'm making this dish just from the aroma of garlic and herbs in butter that fills the house.

Getting the Perfect Sear

The key to restaurant-quality steak bites lies in the searing process. Make sure your pan is smoking hot before adding the steak. Cold meat in a lukewarm pan will steam rather than sear, robbing you of that flavorful crust. For the best results, pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook the steak in batches to maintain the high heat necessary for a proper sear.

Choosing the Right Steak

While this recipe calls for sirloin, I've experimented with several cuts over the years. Ribeye offers incredible richness but comes at a higher price point. Top sirloin provides an excellent balance of tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank. In a pinch, even chuck steak can work if cut against the grain and cooked more gently. Whatever cut you choose, look for good marbling as those thin lines of fat will melt during cooking, keeping the steak juicy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. They also make excellent party food served with toothpicks and a horseradish dipping sauce on the side. My favorite way to enjoy them is alongside roasted asparagus with a glass of bold red wine for a date night at home that rivals any steakhouse experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, avoid the microwave which can toughen the meat. Instead, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small pat of butter. The gentle heating and additional moisture help preserve the tenderness. These steak bites also make excellent additions to breakfast hash or scrambled eggs the next morning if you're looking for creative ways to repurpose leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you cook the steak bites perfectly?

Cook steak bites in a hot skillet and sear without moving for about a minute to create a crust. Turn and cook until browned on all sides, adjusting the time to reach desired doneness.

→ What type of steak is best for this dish?

Sirloin steak is ideal for its balance of flavor and tenderness. Ensure it's cubed evenly for consistent cooking.

→ How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Cut the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes and stir occasionally while cooking over medium heat until tender but firm.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ What herbs work well in this recipe?

Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary are perfect for enhancing the dish's flavor. Substitute with dried herbs if fresh isn't available.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can pre-chop the steak and potatoes, but for the best flavor and texture, cook them right before serving.