Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients:
1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add halved baby potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add steak bites, season with Italian seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and thyme. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. First, ensure your steak is patted completely dry with paper towels before cubing; this is crucial for a good sear. Cut the steak into uniform, 1-inch cubes. Halve the potatoes so they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for a full 2-3 minutes before adding the oil. When cooking the potatoes, resist the urge to stir constantly. Let them sit for a few minutes at a time to develop a golden-brown crust. After removing the potatoes, increase the heat slightly before adding the steak. The skillet should be very hot to quickly sear the meat. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. The final toss with garlic butter should be done off the direct heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance the richness. Consider serving it with a crisp, acidic green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the butter. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple arugula salad are excellent choices. To soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta is a must. For a casual gathering, serve the steak bites and potatoes straight from the skillet at the table.
How-to Summary
Cut steak and halve potatoes. Sear potatoes in oil with paprika until tender. Remove. In the same skillet, cook seasoned steak bites in butter until browned. Add remaining butter and garlic, cook until fragrant. Return potatoes to skillet, toss to combine, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye or tenderloin (filet mignon) are excellent, albeit more expensive, choices for their tenderness. For a more budget-friendly option, flank or skirt steak work well but be sure to slice them thinly against the grain after a brief cook.
How can I make sure my steak bites are tender?
Using a good cut like sirloin is key. Do not overcook them; 3-4 minutes total for medium-rare is sufficient. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking, and ensure your skillet is very hot to sear quickly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead (cut steak, mince garlic, halve potatoes), but for best texture, cook just before serving. The steak bites are best fresh from the pan.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
Fingerling potatoes, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, or even sweet potato cubes are great alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size and density of your substitute.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the steak. The microwave can make the steak tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a cold skillet: Always preheat your pan before adding oil or food to ensure proper searing.
- Overcrowding the pan: This steams the food instead of browning it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Moving the food too much: Let the potatoes and steak bites sit undisturbed to develop a flavorful crust.
- Burning the garlic: Add garlic at the end and cook only for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, not brown.
- Cutting steak with the grain: Always slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness, even in bite-sized pieces.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes is a deceptively simple, one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently impressive and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy, seared steak, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce is universally appealing, perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner and for entertaining guests. Master this versatile recipe, and you’ll have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in your permanent rotation.