Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish

This garlic butter steak bites recipe has become my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender sirloin chunks bathed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce create a restaurant-quality meal that makes any evening feel special.

I first made this dish when my inlaws surprised us with a last minute visit. The look on their faces when they tasted the first bite told me everything I needed to know. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak: cut into bite sized pieces makes this dish cook quickly and ensures tender juicy results. Choose well marbled meat for the best flavor.
• Salt and pepper: to taste enhances the natural beefy flavor without overpowering it.
• 2 tbsp butter: creates the foundation of flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
• 5 cloves garlic: minced brings aromatic depth. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference compared to pre minced varieties.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: adds savory richness while creating the base for our sauce. Homemade is best but quality store bought works well too.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: provides luxurious body to the sauce. Full fat creates the silkiest texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: thickens the sauce naturally while adding nutty complexity. Freshly grated melts much better than pre packaged.
• Fresh parsley: for garnish brightens the rich dish with color and fresh herbal notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Steak:

Generously sprinkle your bite sized steak pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning allows the quality of the beef to shine through while enhancing its natural flavors. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Sear the Steak:

Heat your butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until it begins to foam but not brown. Working in batches if necessary add the steak pieces without overcrowding. Allow them to develop a deep golden brown crust on all sides about 3 4 minutes total. The goal is medium rare to medium inside with a flavorful exterior. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base:

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet with all those delicious meat drippings. Sauté just until fragrant about 30 seconds stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will tell you when its ready intense but not bitter.

Create the Sauce:

Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce slightly for about 1 minute before adding the cream. Once the cream is added reduce heat to medium low to prevent curdling.

Finish the Sauce:

Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring to ensure smooth incorporation. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about 3 5 minutes. You'll notice it becoming silky and slightly reduced.

Reunite and Serve:

Return the steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet gently folding them into the creamy sauce. Allow everything to heat through for about 1 minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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The magic of this recipe truly lies in the quality of your Parmesan cheese. I learned through multiple test runs that a properly aged Parmigiano Reggiano creates a depth of flavor that transforms the sauce from good to absolutely memorable. My family now judges all cream sauces against this one.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a lighter option serve it alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity helps balance the richness of the sauce.

For heartier appetites it makes an incredible topping for creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. The sauce seeps into every crevice creating flavor in every bite. My personal favorite is serving it with garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that precious sauce.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish shines when freshly made you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline dinner prep. Cut and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance keeping it covered in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the sauce separately and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve simply reheat the sauce gently over low heat adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its silky texture. Quickly sear the steak bites and combine with the warmed sauce. This approach makes it perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute cooking.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different preferences. For a steakhouse inspired variation add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions to the sauce. Wine lovers can substitute a splash of dry white wine for some of the beef broth during the deglazing step for added complexity.

Heat seekers might enjoy adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic step or finishing with cracked black pepper. For a lighter version substitute half and half for the heavy cream though the sauce won't be quite as rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak is best for this dish?

Sirloin steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor. Alternatively, ribeye or tenderloin can be used for a more indulgent option.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, consider adding mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach for extra texture and flavor.

→ How do I prevent overcooking the steak?

Sear the steak bites in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious Parmesan cream sauce.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients used, such as broth and Parmesan, are certified gluten-free.