Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pineapple
Indulge in this hearty dish where juicy steak bites meet caramelized pineapple in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
1 lb sirloin steak (cubed)
1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp soy sauce
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sear steak cubes until browned. Set aside.
Melt butter in the same pan, then sauté garlic.
Add honey, soy sauce, and pineapple. Toss in steak.
Cook for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Would you serve this with rice or veggies? Share your pairing ideas!
#SavorySteakAndPineapple
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites every time.
- Prep the Ingredients: Cube 1 lb of sirloin steak into 1-inch pieces. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear. Drain 1 cup of canned pineapple chunks and mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove the steak and set aside on a plate.
- Build the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine and Glaze: To the garlic butter, add 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of soy sauce, stirring to combine. Add the drained pineapple chunks and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly caramelize them.
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared steak bites and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss everything together in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the steak through and coat it thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish generously with chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic, comforting meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine or white rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans. The sweet and savory flavors also complement a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
How-to Summary
Quickly sear cubed sirloin steak and set aside. In the same pan, create a simple sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, then adding honey and soy sauce. Add pineapple to caramelize, then toss the steak back in to coat and warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, while sirloin is great for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak. Avoid very tough cuts that require long braising.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely. Use 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks. Fresh pineapple may be slightly less sweet, so you might want to add a touch more honey to balance the sauce.
3. How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the steak for a quick sear that locks in juices. Avoid overcooking; the steak bites only need a couple of minutes per side.
4. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative that will still provide a savory, umami depth.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients (cube steak, mince garlic, drain pineapple) ahead to streamline cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Steak: Adding wet steak to the pan will steam it instead of creating a flavorful sear. Always pat cubes dry.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many steak cubes at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to gray, boiled meat. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Sauté it on medium heat for only 30 seconds before adding the other sauce ingredients.
- Overcooking the Pineapple: Cooking the pineapple too long can make it mushy. Aim for just 1-2 minutes to warm it and allow it to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pineapple is a deceptively simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in the perfect sear on the steak and the harmonious blend of savory garlic butter with sweet pineapple and honey. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive and delicious meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the suggested sides to make it your own!
