
Description
Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Craving a quick, hearty dinner? These steak bites in garlic butter with creamy mash will hit the spot!
Ingredients
Garlic butter sauce
Cubed steak, seared to perfection
Mashed potatoes with a touch of cream
Fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook Mash: Boil potatoes, mash with butter, garlic, and cream.
Steak Time: Heat skillet, cook steak, and remove when golden.
Garlic Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, toss steak bites, and serve over mash.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect steak bites every time.
- Prepare the Mash: Peel and cube 2 large russet potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Mash with 2 tbsp butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and salt & pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Prep the Steak: Pat 1.5 lbs of sirloin or ribeye steak completely dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or canola). Once shimmering, add steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. Add 4-5 finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Plate a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and top with the steak bites and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
How-to Summary
This dish comes together in three key stages: 1) Make creamy garlic mashed potatoes and keep warm. 2) Sear seasoned steak cubes over high heat for a good crust. 3) In the same pan, make a simple garlic butter sauce and toss the steak bites back in to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best cut of steak for steak bites? Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are excellent choices. Sirloin offers great flavor and value, while ribeye is more marbled and tender.
- How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough? Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a quick sear without overcooking the interior. Also, avoid moving the cubes too much while searing to develop a proper crust.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. For best results, cook the steak bites and sauce just before serving.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream in the mash? Whole milk, half-and-half, or even a rich unsweetened almond milk can be used, though the result will be less creamy.
- How do I know when the steak bites are done? For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The cubes cook very quickly, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Steak: Moisture on the steak’s surface creates steam, preventing a proper sear. Always pat it dry.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many steak cubes at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and turns bitter. Sauté it over medium-low heat just until fragrant.
- Overcooking the Steak: Since the cubes are small, they continue to cook slightly when returned to the hot sauce. It’s better to slightly under-sear them.
Conclusion
Steak bites in garlic butter over creamy mash is a deceptively simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The key lies in the technique: a blazing hot sear for the steak and a gently cooked garlic butter sauce. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a comforting, impressive meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves gourmet taste doesn’t require complicated cooking.