Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Who doesn’t love a good steak? And when you combine juicy, tender steak bites with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even a romantic dinner at home. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly easy to make.
Preparation
Preparing the Steak
Start by selecting a high-quality sirloin steak. Trim any excess fat and cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
Making the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cooking the Steak Bites
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Add the steak pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a nice brown crust forms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Garlic Butter: Pour the prepared garlic butter over the steak bites. Toss to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Making the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Heat the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining the Steak Bites with the Sauce
Once your steak bites and sauce are ready, combine them in the skillet. Make sure the steak bites are evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Stir gently and let the flavors meld together for a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is best served hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- A crisp green salad
- Crusty French bread
Variations and Substitutions
Different Cuts of Meat
While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or even flank steak for this recipe.
Alternative Ingredients for the Sauce
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth in the sauce.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Information
- Protein: The steak provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium: The Parmesan cheese and cream are excellent sources of calcium, promoting bone health.
- Healthy Fats: Butter and olive oil contribute to your intake of healthy fats, which are important for brain function and energy.
Benefits of Main Ingredients
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Parsley: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking Hacks for Beginners
- Room Temperature Steak: Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Hot Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak to get that perfect sear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the steak in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Overcooking the Steak: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure your steak bites remain tender and juicy.
Pairing with Drinks
Best Wines
- Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with this rich dish.
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay can balance the creaminess of the sauce.
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Sparkling Water: A lemon or lime-flavored sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea with a splash of lemon is a great choice.
Storing and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best Reheating Methods
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to cook? The entire process, from preparation to serving, takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic? You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Parmesan cheese and ensure no cross-contamination.
- How can I make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a delectable dish that’s sure to impress. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields mouthwatering results. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Who doesn’t love a good steak? And when you combine juicy, tender steak bites with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, you’ve got a dish that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a mouthwatering recipe that's perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even a romantic dinner at home. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs steak filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil this has a higher smoke point than olive oil
- Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 10 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 green onions, diced green and white parts
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes less if desired
- 2/3 cup parmesan grated/shredded/shaved
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup half and half warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- pepper to taste about 1/2 tsp each
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika regular paprika works too
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Cut steak into 2-3" pieces. Rub evenly with avocado oil then season well on all sides with blackened seasoning. Allow steak to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temp to remove the chill from the fridge while preparing potatoes.
- Peel potatoes and quarter them. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove the excess starch. Drain, then place them in a pot of salted water and boil them until fork tender while you cook steak.
- Cook Steak and Potatoes
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil and add in steak pieces in the hot skillet (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding).Cook them undisturbed about 2 minutes, or until they have a good golden coloring. Flip just once. Continue to cook 1 minute, then reduce heat to low and cook 1 minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl.
- Add in 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and saute in the butter until fragrant in the same pan. Toss the steak in the garlic butter, tossing to coat on all sides, cooking another minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl, tented with foil to keep moist.
- Make the Cream Sauce & Serve
- In the same pan with residual butter and garlic, add two more 2 tablespoons of butter and remaining minced garlic. Saute until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing it to reduce for 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, drain water from potatoes and add in the melted butter, cream and mash until no longer chunky. Add in the cheese, seasonings and mix until smooth.
- Into the sauce, add in red pepper flakes and scallions then the parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens and taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve by plating the steak over the potatoes and spooning over the parmesan cream sauce.