Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Skillet Cooking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.Quick Answer
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are a simple yet impressive dish perfect for holiday gatherings.As the crisp autumn air settles in New York City, I find myself gravitating toward meals that are rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy gatherings. One dish that never fails to impress during this festive season is Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. These delectable bites are not only a delight to your palate; they're also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cream sauce creates a luxurious flavor profile that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: These steak bites can serve as an elegant appetizer or a main course, making them suitable for any occasion.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The warmth and heartiness of this dish make it a perfect choice for chilly autumn evenings, bringing a sense of comfort and coziness.
- Leftover Friendly: Any leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, allowing you to enjoy this delightful meal again without the fuss of cooking.
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce.
Steak Bites
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create this comforting and elegant dish that will impress any guest during the festive season.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
Start by seasoning the sirloin chunks generously with salt and black pepper. The seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the meat and sets the stage for a comforting dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's smoking hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the steak bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The sizzling sound as the steak hits the hot oil is music to my ears!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and push the steak bites to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and minced garlic to the other side. Allow the butter to melt and start bubbling, then toss the garlic until it's fragrant and starts to turn golden, around 30 seconds. The nutty aroma will surely fill your kitchen and tempt anyone in the vicinity!
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon. Your kitchen will smell divine at this point!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the steak bites back into the skillet, tossing them in the luscious cream sauce to coat thoroughly. Let everything simmer for another couple of minutes to meld the flavors perfectly. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 6: Plate and Enjoy
Serve the steak bites hot, drizzled with extra Parmesan cream sauce if desired, alongside crispy bread to soak up every last drop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Steak: Keep a close eye on the searing process. Steak bites should be cooked medium-rare for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Not Letting the Pan Heat Up: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the steak. This ensures a perfect sear and locks in the juices.
- Ignoring the Cream Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick, whisk in a bit of beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an even richer flavor, try using grass-fed beef for the steak bites.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the richness will be slightly diminished.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the steak and cream sauce.
Variations
- Use different cuts of steak, like ribeye or filet mignon, for varied texture and flavor.
- Incorporate mushrooms into the garlic and butter for added depth.
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for a tangy twist.
How to Serve
- Serve the steak bites hot, drizzled with extra Parmesan cream sauce, alongside crispy bread to soak up every last drop.
- Accompany with a side of roasted vegetables or a mixed green salad.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the steak bites and sauce in advance. Store them separately until ready to serve.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to keep the sauce from separating.
- Freezing: Not recommended for this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Cooking these Garlic Butter Steak Bites has reminded me of the magic in simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients, you can turn an ordinary dinner into an elegant affair that evokes the essence of the holiday season. Every bite brings warmth and comfort-a perfect treat for chilly autumn evenings and festive gatherings.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 5-6 steak bites
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 5g carbs · 25g fat
Recipe by:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the sirloin chunks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, push steak bites to one side, and add butter and minced garlic to the other side until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scrape browned bits, add Parmesan, and season. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add steak bites back into the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes, while sirloin steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for a richer taste.
2. Is there a way to make the recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. Additionally, using leaner cuts of steak will reduce the overall fat content.
3. How can I prevent my steak bites from getting tough?
To prevent tough steak bites, make sure to not overcook them. Aim for medium-rare, and let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to retain the juices.
4. Can I prepare the cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to keep the texture smooth when you're ready to serve.
5. What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
These steak bites are delicious with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the cream sauce.
