Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Imagine juicy cubes of steak seared to perfection, then tossed in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce with just the right rich touch of garlic. The flavor is pure comfort yet feels totally special, so it’s a dish you’ll crave after one bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to an absolutely irresistible meal, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce lies in its brilliant simplicity. Each ingredient adds its signature touch—tender beef, savory garlic, melty Parmesan, and cream—all coming together for a crave-worthy bite.
- Sirloin steak: Pick a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and juicy flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon is all you need to bring out the natural savoriness of the beef.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhanced depth to complement the steak and sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a hot base for the initial sear, locking in every bit of steak flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Divided for both searing and building a lush, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced—because that deep, savory aroma is simply irresistible in this dish.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, luxurious sauce that drapes beautifully over the steak bites.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Real parmesan melds into a creamy, nutty sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Italian seasoning: A tiny sprinkle infuses the sauce with robust herbal notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the dish a sly hint of heat—feel free to add for a little excitement.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish and make it pop on the plate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Step 1: Season and Prep Your Steak Bites
First things first, grab your sirloin and cut it into hearty 1-inch cubes—the perfect size for quick cooking and impressive searing. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this step ensures that glorious golden crust. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper, which not only enhances flavor but helps create the most satisfying exterior.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites to Perfection
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in your olive oil with one tablespoon of butter. When hot and shimmering (but not smoking), add the steak cubes in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. If you have a lot of steak, do this in batches for the best texture. Once browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter and Parmesan Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Scatter in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra zing. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy dream you can’t wait to taste.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Time for the main event: return your steak bites (and any juices from the plate) back to the skillet. Toss everything together so each juicy steak cube gets a generous coat of that luscious parmesan sauce. Let it cook another minute or two so the flavors meld and the steak warms through, then take the pan off the heat.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final flourish brightens every bite and makes your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce truly stand out. Now, serve up and get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A liberal sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal lift to the rich, savory notes of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. For even more wow-factor, add extra shaved Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right side transforms dinner into a memorable meal. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up every bit of sauce, pasta (like linguine or penne) makes for a hearty meal, and simple roasted veggies or steamed green beans add balance. Crusty bread is also a must for mopping up any leftover cream sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, think beyond the dinner plate! Pile Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce into mini bowls or on toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread. You can also spoon the steak and sauce over toasted crostini for a decadent party bite, or drizzle any leftover sauce over a baked potato for a luxurious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you can resist finishing every last bite, leftovers store beautifully. Transfer any remaining steak bites and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making for an excellent next-day treat. For best quality, enjoy within 2-3 days.
Freezing
While Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce can technically be frozen, creamy sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container, and thaw gently overnight in the refrigerator. Stir well and reheat slowly to help the sauce blend smoothly once more.
Reheating
For best results, reheat steak bites gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it. Avoid microwaving for too long or at high power, as that can cause the sauce to break and the steak to overcook.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Definitely! While sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness, you can also try ribeye for extra richness or strip steak for a bit more chew. Just remember to cut the meat into even 1-inch cubes for the best texture and quick, even cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter version of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a nondairy option, unsweetened coconut cream or a rich plant-based creamer can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I keep the steak from overcooking?
The key is to sear your steak over high heat just until browned, then remove it before building the sauce. Add the steak back only at the end to warm through, keeping each bite tender and juicy instead of tough.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh for peak creaminess and steak texture. However, you can cut and season the steak, and even prepare the sauce components in advance so dinner comes together truly fast when you’re ready.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is naturally gluten-free, provided you double-check that your Parmesan doesn’t contain added starches or fillers. Serve with your favorite gluten-free side for a completely safe option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that feels both indulgent and totally doable any night of the week, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce hits the mark every time. Try it once and you’ll be hooked—get ready for this flavor-packed favorite to become your new go-to at dinnertime!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender sirloin steak bites seasoned with garlic butter, served in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make dish is a savory delight that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/4 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat dry the steak bites, season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet, sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add remaining butter and garlic, then stir in cream, Parmesan, seasoning, and red pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return steak to the skillet, toss in the sauce, warm through, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for best sear
- Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmering
- Cuisine: American / European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
