What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? Tender garlic butter steak bites smothered in a rich parmesan cream sauce, that’s what. This easy homemade recipe is a family favorite, requiring just a few key ingredients like fresh garlic and parmesan cheese. Save this idea for a quick and delicious meal to try soon.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy steak bites, smothered in a rich garlic butter and served with a side of creamy parmesan sauce. This dish is a masterclass in flavor and simplicity, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few everyday ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce, and share some expert tips and tricks to make it a standout dish.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with a cooking time of just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich, creamy sauce and tender steak bites.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are steak (we recommend using sirloin or ribeye), garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. You’ll also need some salt, pepper, and parsley for added flavor and freshness. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. For a gluten-free option, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 4: To serve, place the steak bites on a plate or platter and spoon the parmesan cream sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak bites, as this can affect the quality of the dish. Cook in batches if necessary.
Don’t overcook the steak, as this can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
For an extra rich and creamy sauce, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet when you’re making the parmesan cream sauce. This will give the sauce a luxurious texture and flavor.

Heat Control

When cooking the steak bites, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect doneness. Use a medium-high heat to sear the steak, and then reduce the heat to medium-low to finish cooking it. This will help prevent the steak from burning or becoming tough. When making the parmesan cream sauce, use a low heat to prevent the sauce from boiling or separating.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted garlic and the crispy parsley garnish. To achieve this, make sure to cook the garlic until it’s fragrant and lightly browned, and then sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top of the dish. This will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a cast-iron skillet to cook the steak bites, as this will help retain heat and achieve a crispy crust on the steak.
Add a pinch of salt to the parmesan cream sauce to balance out the flavors and bring out the richness of the cheese.
Use a microplane to grate the parmesan cheese, as this will give you a finer, more delicate texture that’s perfect for the sauce.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Store the parmesan cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freeze the steak bites and parmesan cream sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging the steak bites and parmesan cream sauce in a decorative jar or container. Add some fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top, and finish with a ribbon or gift tag. You could also package the ingredients separately and include a recipe card with instructions on how to prepare the dish.

Flavor Variations

Try adding some dried thyme or rosemary to the parmesan cream sauce for a herby, aromatic flavor.
Add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the steak bites for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, to create a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

If the steak bites are tough or overcooked, try reducing the cooking time or using a more tender cut of steak.
If the parmesan cream sauce is too thick, try adding a little more heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
If the sauce is too thin, try adding a little more parmesan cheese or simmering it for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the steak bites and parmesan cream sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to avoid any gluten contamination.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly to prevent overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

Garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender steak bites, it’s a perfect recipe for special occasions or everyday meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations and ingredients to make the dish your own, and be sure to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!