Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
If you love the flavor of steak but want something quick and easy, these garlic butter steak bites are perfect! Inspired by classic steak and potatoes, this dish is a one-pan wonder that combines juicy, tender sirloin with crispy, golden potatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight favorite that’s simple, delicious, and kid-approved. Plus, you can swap ingredients to suit your preferences—like using ghee for a paleo-friendly twist!
¼ cup ghee or butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1 ¼ lb sirloin steak, cubed
Directions:
1. Heat skillet, add oil and ghee, then cook potatoes with spices until tender.
2. Remove potatoes, sear steak, then combine all and garnish with parsley.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 350 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Pat the cubed sirloin steak dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the ghee or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed potatoes in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring only occasionally, to allow them to become crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender inside. Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper halfway through cooking.
- Remove the potatoes to a plate. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of ghee or butter to the now-empty skillet.
- Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a rich crust.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine and reheat the potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your dinner. Serve it over a bed of fresh arugula or baby spinach for a pop of color and freshness. A side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple Caesar salad complements the rich flavors perfectly. For a low-carb option, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
How-to Summary
Quickly cook seasoned potatoes until crispy. Remove, then sear seasoned steak bites in the same pan. Add garlic, return potatoes, toss together, and serve. The entire process takes under 30 minutes for a complete, flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. While sirloin is great for balance of flavor and value, you can use ribeye for more richness or tenderloin (filet mignon) for extreme tenderness. Tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak should be sliced very thinly against the grain.
2. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the minced garlic only in the last minute of cooking the steak, when the steak is nearly done. The residual heat will cook it perfectly without turning it bitter.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
For best texture, serve immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead: cube the steak and potatoes, and mince the garlic. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
4. Why are my steak bites tough?
This is usually due to overcooking. For medium-rare to medium, sear quickly over high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side. Also, ensure you are cutting *against* the visible grain of the meat.
5. Is ghee or butter better?
Butter offers a classic, rich flavor. Ghee (clarified butter) has a higher smoke point, making it better for high-heat searing without burning, and it is lactose-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many steak bites at once steams them instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Moving the Steak Too Soon: Allow the steak to develop a crust by not moving it for the first 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Underseasoning: Season the steak and potatoes adequately at multiple stages for layers of flavor.
- Using Wet Steak: Failing to pat the steak dry prevents proper browning.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is the ultimate proof that a spectacular, satisfying meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. By mastering a few simple techniques—like getting a proper sear and seasoning well—you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will become a regular in your weekly rotation. Its flexibility with ingredients and sheer deliciousness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.