Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Introduction

When it comes to satisfying weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, few dishes pack the bold flavor and elegance of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. This savory and indulgent recipe combines juicy, seared steak bites infused with aromatic garlic butter, all nestled in a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make—even for beginners. Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a whole family, this dish delivers a high-end restaurant taste with just a skillet and a few pantry staples. Perfect with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread, this versatile meal will earn a spot in your regular rotation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right cut of steak to making the perfect creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Along the way, we’ll offer pro tips, variations, serving suggestions, and in-depth nutritional insights. Let’s dive into the delicious world of steak bites!

Ingredients:

For the Steak Bites:

  • 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (or ribeye, NY strip, or tenderloin)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prep the Steak

  • Pat steak cubes dry using paper towels (removes moisture and ensures browning).
  • Season steak generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • Set aside for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter.
  • Once hot, add steak cubes in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
  • Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crusted.
  • Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic.
  • Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).
  • Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter.
  • Transfer steak to a plate and loosely cover with foil.

Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce

  • In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  • Add flour, whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, breaking up any lumps.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Continue whisking until sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  • Plate the garlic butter steak bites.
  • Spoon or drizzle the parmesan cream sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or more parmesan if desired.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Variation

  • Mushroom Steak Bites: Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté them with garlic before returning steak.
  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
  • Herbaceous Touch: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil in the sauce or on the steak.
  • Keto Friendly: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to keep it low-carb.
  • Cheese Options: Swap parmesan for asiago, romano, or sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.

COOKING Note:

  • Pan Temperature Matters: High heat is essential to get that beautiful sear on your steak bites.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Simmer Gently: Overheating the cream sauce may cause it to break—keep it at a gentle simmer.
  • Rest Your Steak: Let steak sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this dish with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes for a classic steakhouse-style meal.
  • Creamy risotto or cheesy grits for comfort food heaven.
  • Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach for a nutritious balance.
  • Buttered noodles or fettuccine as a pasta-forward main.
  • Crusty bread or garlic toast for sopping up the extra sauce.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Top with a fried egg for brunch vibes.
  • Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or bacon bits for texture.

Tips

  • Cut steak uniformly for even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
  • Let steak rest before slicing or serving.
  • Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the skillet and enhance flavor.
  • If sauce gets too thick, whisk in more milk or cream to adjust consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the steak and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently and combine before serving.

2. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely. Ribeye, NY strip, tenderloin, or even stew meat (if cooked longer) work well.

3. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, with a couple of swaps: use almond flour and skip milk (use all cream).

4. Can I double the sauce?

Yes. Double all sauce ingredients for extra indulgence—perfect for pasta or bread dipping.

5. Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Yes, but searing freshly cut steak offers better flavor and texture. Pre-cooked meat may overcook.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a foolproof recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this dish brings gourmet quality straight to your kitchen without fuss.

Juicy, golden-browned steak bites bathed in garlic butter are indulgent on their own, but the parmesan cream sauce elevates the entire meal to another level. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and time again—for quick weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressive meals for guests.

With flexible variations, easy prep, and a deeply satisfying flavor profile, this dish truly has it all. Try it tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy steak!

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