Introduction to Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Have you ever craved a dish that combines tenderness, flavor, and a touch of indulgence? Garlic Butter Steak Bites are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an impressive date night, these bite-sized savory delights bring together the rich essence of steak and the irresistible aroma of garlic butter, creating a dish that your taste buds will thank you for.
Why are Garlic Butter Steak Bites a must-try?
These flavorful morsels are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a hearty main course paired with cheesy mashed potatoes or serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering. Not to mention, the process of cooking them is straightforward, even for a novice in the kitchen. Did you know that garlic offers numerous health benefits? When combined with the protein from steak, this recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also contributes to a balanced diet.
Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about searing beef to perfection while infusing it with buttery goodness and fresh garlic. For those looking for a quick yet elegant dish, these steak bites are your answer. Embrace the flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Bites, and elevate your cooking game. Ready to dive into the full recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Crafting the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish, including a delightful Parmesan cream sauce and cheesy mashed potatoes.
Essential Ingredients for the Steak Bites
- 2 lbs steak filet, ribeye, or sirloin: Choose your favorite cut; each brings a unique flavor and tenderness.
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for searing steak to perfection.
Make sure to check out this guide on choosing steak cuts for great tips!
Ingredients for the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided): Essential for richness.
- 10 cloves garlic (minced and divided): A must for that garlicky kick!
- 1.5 cups heavy cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 2 green onions (diced): For that fresh, oniony bite.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adjust to your spice level!
Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes: The base for creamy, fluffy mash.
- 1 cup half and half (warmed): This ensures a smooth texture.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted): Adds richness.
- ¾ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded): Or try mozzarella or pepper jack, if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, pepper to taste: For seasoning.
Ingredients for Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper: Pack some heat!
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: For an aromatic aspect.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Combine these spices to create your homemade seasoning blend.
With these ingredients gathered, you're well on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece! Do you have a favorite ingredient you can't live without? Let us know in the comments!
Preparing Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Creating Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a rich Parmesan cream sauce is an adventure in the kitchen that rewards you with a hearty and flavorful dish. Let's dive into the steps to ensure your steak bites are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor!
Prep the ingredients
Before you begin, it's crucial to prep your ingredients for a smooth cooking process. Start with cutting 2 lbs of steak into 2-3 inch pieces. This size allows for even cooking and perfect bite-sized morsels. Drizzle the steak pieces with 4-5 tablespoons of avocado oil, which is fantastic for its high smoke point. Season generously with your favorite blackened seasoning blend—it's key for that rich flavor. Allow the seasoned steak to sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This step not only enhances the taste but also helps the meat cook more evenly.
While the steak rests, take 4 lbs of russet potatoes. Peel and quarter them, then place them in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to draw out excess starch. After that, drain them and get ready to boil. Remember, prep work is the unsung hero of great cooking!
Cook the cheesy mashed potatoes
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the prepared potatoes. Cook them until fork-tender, which should take around 15-20 minutes. While they’re cooking, you can prepare 1 cup of warmed half and half, 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ¾ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and your seasonings (1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper).
Once the potatoes are ready, drain and mash them. Stir in the half and half, melted butter, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. These cheesy mashed potatoes will serve as a delightful bed for your Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Cook the steak
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil. When it's shimmering, introduce your seasoned steak pieces (avoid overcrowding, as they won’t sear properly). Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes or until they develop a lovely golden color. Flip them just once, and let them cook for another minute.
Lower the heat, and let them rest for a minute, then remove the steak from the skillet to a bowl. Don’t worry about leaving some of those tasty brown bits in the skillet; they’re incredible for flavor later.
Make the Parmesan cream sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—this will only take about 30 seconds! Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream, and then stir in 2 diced green onions, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to elevate your sauce. Let it simmer gently until thickened, then blend it with the garlic butter-coated steak.
Combine and serve
For the final step, return your flavorful steak bites to the skillet, allowing them to soak in that creamy, garlicky goodness for just a minute. Serve the steak bites over a generous scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes, drizzling the Parmesan cream sauce on top.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy steak? This dish is decadent and indulgent, perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Enjoy!
Variations on Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites
If you're in the mood for a seafood twist, try garlic butter shrimp bites instead! Simply replace the steak with freshly deveined shrimp, marinated similarly in avocado oil and blackened seasoning. Sauté them in the delicious garlic butter until they turn pink and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. These bites make an elegant appetizer or a light dinner option that’s equally satisfying!
Vegetarian Garlic Butter Bites
For a vegetarian-friendly version of garlic butter steak bites, consider using hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or zucchini. Season them with the same garlic and blackened spices, and sauté until golden brown in the infused butter. Serve these alongside your creamy sauce for an unexpected, flavorful treat that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
These variations allow you to enjoy the garlic butter experience in diverse ways, catering to different dietary preferences while keeping dinner exciting!
Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Top tips for cooking steak perfectly
To ensure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy and flavorful, choose a quality cut like ribeye or sirloin. Start by letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking; this helps it cook evenly. Use a hot skillet with avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point. Sear the steak undisturbed for a golden crust, then flip just once. Control your cooking time to avoid overcooking—aim for medium-rare to maintain that tender texture. Finally, toss the cooked bites in garlic butter to amplify the flavor.
How to ensure creamy mashed potatoes
Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion for your steak bites. For fluffy results, choose russet potatoes and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch. When boiling, ensure they're fork-tender but not waterlogged. Drain thoroughly, then mix in warmed half-and-half and melted butter for that rich creaminess. Don’t forget to season well; a pinch of garlic powder and salt elevates the dish magnificently! For a cheesy twist, fold in Monterey Jack or mozzarella while the potatoes are still hot to reach that irresistible gooeyness.
For more tips and variations, check out this handy mashed potato guide for expert advice!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Perfect Pairings for the Steak Bites
Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites shine best when paired with delicious sides that complement their rich flavors. Consider serving them alongside:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture balances the steak perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up the plate with a medley of broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Garlic Bread: For a fun twist, try serving with warm garlic bread to soak up the luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Creative Plating Ideas
Presentation can elevate your dish. Arrange your Garlic Butter Steak Bites in a circular pattern around a pool of the Parmesan cream sauce for an elegant look. Top with a sprinkle of diced green onions for color. Or, serve them in individual ramekins for a fun, cozy feel. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to make your meal more visually appealing and aromatic.
For more serving inspiration, consider checking out Food52 for creative plating techniques!
Time Breakdown for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Preparation Time
Getting ready for your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites won’t take long! You can expect to spend about 20 minutes preparing your ingredients, from cutting the steak to getting your potatoes ready.
Cooking Time
The magic happens during cooking! This recipe requires roughly 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll cook your steak to perfection and get those creamy mashed potatoes going, all at the same time.
Total Time
In just 35 minutes, you’ll be ready to indulge in these mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal that everyone will love!
For more cooking tips, check out resources like Serious Eats for cooking techniques or Bon Appétit for recipe variations!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Calories per serving
Each serving of Garlic Butter Steak Bites contains approximately 400-450 calories, making it a satisfying yet indulgent meal.
Protein content
A standout aspect of this dish is its high protein content, featuring around 35 grams per serving. This is sure to please meat lovers and those looking to boost their protein intake.
Sodium levels
With moderate sodium levels of about 600-700 mg per serving, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites can fit well within a balanced diet, especially when paired with low-sodium sides.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Can I use different cuts of steak?
Absolutely! While Garlic Butter Steak Bites shine with cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and sirloin, feel free to experiment. Flank or skirt steak also works well for a delicious outcome. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the cut.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for lighter alternatives, consider using coconut cream or a combination of half-and-half and Greek yogurt. Both options can add a wonderful creaminess to your Parmesan cream sauce while keeping it less heavy. For a dairy-free version, almond or cashew cream also does the trick!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Garlic Butter Steak Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain their tenderness and flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the cooked steak bites for up to 2 months.
For more tips on storing leftovers, check out this resource from the USDA.
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Steak Bites
In conclusion, Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and satisfying dish that will impress any dinner guest. Pair them with cheesy mashed potatoes and the creamy parmesan sauce for an indulgent meal. Don't forget to savor each bite; it’s simplicity and flavor that truly shine through! Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs steak filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil this has a higher smoke point than olive oil
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 10 cloves garlic, minced divided
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 pieces green onions, diced green and white parts
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes less if desired
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup half and half warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ¾ cup monterey jack cheese, shredded or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste about ½ teaspoon each
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika regular paprika works too
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cut steak into 2-3" pieces. Rub evenly with avocado oil then season well on all sides with blackened seasoning. Allow steak to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temp to remove the chill from the fridge while preparing potatoes.
- Peel potatoes and quarter them. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove the excess starch. Drain, then place them in a pot of salted water and boil them until fork tender while you cook steak.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil and add in steak pieces in the hot skillet (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook them undisturbed about 2 minutes, or until they have a good golden coloring. Flip just once. Continue to cook 1 minute, then reduce heat to low and cook 1 minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl.
- Add in 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and saute in the butter until fragrant in the same pan. Toss the steak in the garlic butter, tossing to coat on all sides, cooking another minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl, tented with foil to keep moist.
- Make the cream sauce & serve.
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