Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce is a dish that promises to bring a burst of flavor and comfort to your dinner table. This delightful recipe showcases tender, perfectly seared steak bites that are enveloped in a creamy, rich sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. With its easy preparation and an impressive taste, it’s a must-try for any meat lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this recipe a cinch to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it’s also a dish that feels indulgent enough for a special occasion. The garlic butter perfectly complements the juicy, tender steak, while the Parmesan cream sauce brings in a richness that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is family-friendly, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will delight in every bit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find this to be a new favorite in no time.
Ingredients
To prepare Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
With this selection, you’ll be able to create a dish that delivers on both taste and satisfaction. Each ingredient plays a vital role, providing depth and flavor to your meal.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Steak
Begin by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that coveted sear. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, allowing the seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
2. Sear the Steak
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear each batch for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the seared steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. This is the moment where the aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. Return the seared steak back to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the steak bites are well-coated in the garlic butter.
4. Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 30 seconds, just long enough for that lovely garlic flavor to release. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you enjoy a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Serve
To serve, either pour the rich Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites or offer it on the side for dipping. For an added touch of color and freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately for the best experience!
Tips & Tricks
- Choosing the Right Cut: While ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cuts like filet mignon or flank steak based on your preference.
- Garlic Variations: You can roast the garlic instead of mincing it to give a sweeter, caramelized flavor to the sauce.
- Add Veggies: For a heartier meal, consider tossing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach before serving.
- Make Ahead: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, the garlic butter steak bites can be seared and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat gently and add the cream sauce just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. A glass of bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, will elevate this dish even further, making it an impressive meal for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Nutritional Information
While information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a serving of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce will approximately provide the following nutritional values:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
(Note: These values are estimates.)
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers, store the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and the Parmesan cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative or eliminate the cheese for a dairy-free version. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the art of creating Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce, a dish that marries simplicity with gourmet flair. Whether it’s for a family dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of steak?
Yes! While sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices, you can also use filet mignon or flank steak.
2. Can I make the cream sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat it before serving.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using leaner cuts of steak and swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter cream alternative such as half-and-half or coconut cream.
4. What should I serve with these steak bites?
They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a refreshing salad.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s preferable to enjoy the dish fresh, you can freeze the steak bites. Reheat them gently from frozen, but the texture may not be as good as fresh.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a Rich Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Steak Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
- optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Parmesan Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper for seasoning
- optional pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Steak
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove from skillet.
Making the Garlic Butter
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add unsalted butter and melt. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Return seared steak to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter.
Preparing the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Serving
- Serve the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites or on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley.