Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is the ultimate indulgent meal that combines juicy, tender steak bites with a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or even as an appetizer for a party. The garlic butter infuses the steak with deep flavor, while the Parmesan cream sauce provides a luxurious, velvety finish. The best part is that this meal is quick and easy to make but tastes like something straight out of a gourmet restaurant.

In this guide, you will learn how to make perfectly cooked steak bites, create a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and get tips for customizing and enhancing the dish to suit your tastes. We’ll also cover pairing suggestions, variations, and a step-by-step process for ensuring success every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites

1. Select the Right Cut: Start by choosing a good quality steak. Sirloin and ribeye are great choices because they are tender, juicy, and have enough fat to create rich flavors. Make sure to trim off any excess fat and cut the steak into 1-inch cubes.
2. Season the Steak: Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture (this helps with browning). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavor of the beef.
3. Heat the Skillet: In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. A hot skillet is essential for getting a nice, crispy sear on the steak bites. Let the skillet heat for about 2-3 minutes before adding the steak.
4. Sear the Steak: Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches. Let the steak cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without touching them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form. Flip the bites with tongs and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until the steak is browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended for tenderness).
5. Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium, and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Stir the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter for about 1 minute, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich butter. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Heat the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to combine the butter and cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the cream. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the sauce, giving it a savory depth that complements the steak.
4. Stir in the Parmesan: Once the cream mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of cream or milk to adjust the consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a stronger Parmesan flavor, feel free to add more cheese. For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Serve the Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Plate the Steak Bites: Arrange the garlic butter steak bites on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Drizzle with Sauce: Generously spoon the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch and pairs perfectly with the rich beef.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top of the steak bites for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot, so enjoy the steak bites with sauce while everything is still warm and fresh.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Steak: To keep the steak bites tender and juicy, avoid overcooking. Medium-rare to medium (135-145°F internal temperature) is ideal for a tender bite. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.
2. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and create a smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
3. Add the Garlic at the Right Time: When making garlic butter, it’s important to add the garlic toward the end of cooking the steak to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish.
4. Customize the Sauce Consistency: If your Parmesan cream sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more cream or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Variations

1. Herb-Infused Steak Bites: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the skillet with the garlic butter for an herbaceous twist on the steak bites.
2. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the Parmesan cream sauce. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for extra spice.
3. Mushroom Cream Sauce: For an earthy variation, sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic, and then add them to the Parmesan cream sauce. The mushrooms add a deliciously savory depth that complements the steak.
4. Lemon Garlic Steak Bites: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter for a zesty, bright flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.
5. Keto-Friendly: For those on a keto or low-carb diet, serve the steak bites over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli instead of pasta or potatoes. The dish is naturally low in carbs, so it’s an excellent option for keto-friendly meals.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion to steak bites, allowing you to soak up all the extra Parmesan cream sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the steak bites with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a healthy and flavorful side.
• Pasta: If you’re a fan of pasta, serve the steak bites over fettuccine or penne for a hearty meal that’s similar to a creamy Alfredo dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is an ideal side to scoop up any leftover sauce and add extra garlicky goodness to the meal.

Drinks

• Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak and the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• White Wine: If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay with a slight buttery finish to complement the garlic butter sauce.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or lemonade provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a delicious and indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender steak bites bathed in garlic butter and topped with a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress family, friends, or dinner guests. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a fancy appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is the ultimate indulgent meal that combines juicy, tender steak bites with a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or even as an appetizer for a party. The garlic butter infuses the steak with deep flavor, while the Parmesan cream sauce provides a luxurious, velvety finish. The best part is that this meal is quick and easy to make but tastes like something straight out of a gourmet restaurant.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Steak Bites:
• 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak Bites:

• Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the steak bites to the skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare or medium is ideal).
• Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter.
• Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter to coat. Cook for an additional minute.
• Remove the steak bites from the pan and keep warm.

3. Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

• In a separate small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
• Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Serve:

• Plate the garlic butter steak bites and drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Steak Options: Ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin are ideal cuts for this recipe.
• Sauce Adjustments: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes; for a thinner sauce, add a bit more cream or some beef broth.
• Serving Ideas: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or over pasta for a complete meal.