There’s something truly satisfying about a sizzling skillet of Garlic Butter Steak Bites. The moment those succulent steak cubes hit the hot pan, they sear to perfection, releasing an irresistible aroma of rich, buttery garlic that fills the kitchen. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in under 30 minutes, these savory bites coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce are not just a feast for the palate but also a satisfying low-calorie treat—perfect for anyone looking to switch up their dinner routine.
Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a special meal at home, these steak bites will have everyone raving. Plus, they’re versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences, making them a crowd-pleaser every time. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe!
Why are Garlic Butter Steak Bites a Must-Try?
Irresistible Aroma: The moment you start cooking, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly scent of sizzling garlic and buttery steak, making it impossible to resist.
Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that feels gourmet—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
Low-Calorie Delight: This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but is also a low-calorie treat, making it suitable for those watching their dietary intake.
Versatile for Everyone: Whether you’re a meat lover or seeking keto-friendly options, this dish adapts beautifully—try it with chicken or even veggies for a delicious twist!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With its rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s no wonder these steak bites are sure to impress anyone at the table. Explore more delicious dishes by checking out our collection of quick dinner recipes!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
• Steak – Sirloin or ribeye cut into bite-sized cubes for optimal tenderness and flavor. Substitution: Can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the steak, ensuring a golden brown crust. Substitution: Can use vegetable oil if needed.
• Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall dish with its aromatic flavor. Alternative: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and is key in creating the garlic butter. Substitution: Use salted butter and adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the steak and sauce, enhancing flavors. No substitutions.
• Fresh Parsley – Optional for a pop of color and freshness in presentation. Substitution: Chives or green onions can be used for an alternative flavor.
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce
• Heavy Cream – Acts as the base for the sauce, offering a rich, smooth texture. Alternative: Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy, sharp flavor to the sauce that complements the steak beautifully. Note: Always use freshly grated for the best melting texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional for a subtle kick of heat, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile. Substitution: Fresh chili or omit for no heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Prep Steak: Start by patting the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve that fantastic sear! Season liberally with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
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Sear Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
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Make Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Toss the seared steak back into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated with the buttery goodness.
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Prepare Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, melt additional butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Serve: Pour the rich Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Sear Smartly: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak. This prevents steaming and helps achieve that perfect crust for your Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
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Fresh is Best: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the cream sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to clumps, ruining the smooth texture of your sauce.
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Temperature Check: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. This promotes optimal browning and locks in flavors, resulting in succulent bites.
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Cream Consistency: When making the cream sauce, whisk gently but thoroughly to prevent clumping. A smooth sauce complements the steak beautifully.
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Garnish Wisely: Add fresh parsley or chives as a garnish just before serving for a burst of freshness and color, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your dish.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your tastes for a unique twist!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
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Keto Twist: Serve over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb delight.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or poblano peppers to the garlic butter for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
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Herby Version: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme while cooking to add aromatic flavors.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or asparagus with the steak for an added crunch and color.
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Asian Fusion: Marinade the steak bites in soy sauce and ginger before searing; top with sesame seeds for a delightful twist.
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Smoky Flavor: Introduce smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the cream sauce for a depth of flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
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Nutty Texture: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the finished dish for a satisfying crunch.
Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation.
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Freezer: For longer storage, keep the steak bites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Label with the date so you can track freshness.
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Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. This will help retain the rich texture of the Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
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Serving Suggestions: Enjoy steak bites reheated as a quick meal or top a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce?
The rich flavors of steak coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce call for sides that will elevate your meal to new heights.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture of mashed potatoes beautifully complements the rich sauce, creating a comforting harmony on your plate.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: These tender green stalks add a fresh bite, enhancing the dish with a subtle crunch while echoing the garlic notes in the steak.
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Zesty Lemon Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a citrus dressing balances the richness of the steak, cleansing the palate with every bite.
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Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up that velvety Parmesan sauce, a slice of warm, crusty bread makes every bite even more delicious.
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Steamed Broccoli: This vegetable brings a vibrant color and a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with the creaminess, creating a well-rounded plate.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is not just keto-friendly but also offers a light and fluffy texture that complements the steak.
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Red Wine: A robust red wine pairs flawlessly with the richness of the steak and sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Chocolate Mousse: Finish off your meal with a touch of sweetness; a rich chocolate mousse provides a luscious conclusion to an indulgent dinner.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and sear the steak cubes up to 24 hours in advance, allowing them to develop their flavors. Just refrigerate the seared steak in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. The Parmesan cream sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak in the garlic butter and stir in the cream sauce, ensuring it warms through gently to maintain that deliciously creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a fabulous, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs
What type of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness and flavor. These cuts sear beautifully and help create a delectable dish. If you’re looking to try something different, feel free to substitute with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu!
How should I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they have fully cooled before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful steak bites for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you label it with the date. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best method for reheating the Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Reheat your steak bites gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to the pan to loosen the sauce and maintain that rich, velvety texture. Stir occasionally until warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Can I modify the recipe to be keto-friendly?
Yes! To keep it keto-friendly, simply serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites over cauliflower mash instead of traditional pasta or rice. Additionally, ensure you use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, as these ingredients fit perfectly into a low-carb diet.
What should I do if my cream sauce becomes lumpy?
If you encounter lumps in your cream sauce, don’t panic! Simply whisk it vigorously to break them up. If it’s still too clumpy, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out. For next time, ensure you whisk the cream gently while adding the Parmesan to prevent this from happening again.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Sear Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: Lower heat to medium, add unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Toss seared steak back into skillet.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In another pan, melt additional butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, then heavy cream. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.