If there’s one dish that hits the sweet spot between indulgent and easy, it’s these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce. Juicy, tender steak seared to perfection in a garlicky butter bath, then drizzled (or drenched—no judgment!) with a luxuriously creamy parmesan sauce. It’s bold, it’s rich, and yes—it’s weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spoiling yourself, this is a recipe you’ll want to put on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you’re craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Insanely Delicious: That garlic butter sear is flavor-packed, and the parmesan cream sauce? Outrageously good. Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a dinner party appetizer, everyone loves steak bites—especially when they come swimming in a creamy cheese sauce.
- Low Carb Comfort: This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it perfect for those watching their intake but still craving something rich and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These steak bites come together fast, so have everything prepped before you start. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose well-marbled cuts for tender, juicy bites. Cut into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden crust on the steak. Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level.
- Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic—don’t skimp. It’s the backbone of the flavor here.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the smoothest, silkiest sauce. Pre-shredded just won’t melt the same way.
- Heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce that luscious, velvety texture. No milk substitutes here.
- Beef broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps it stay silky rather than overly thick.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously, especially the steak before searing.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for an earthy twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne adds a welcome kick.
- Swap the Protein: This same method works beautifully with chicken thighs or shrimp if steak isn’t your thing.
- Make It Herbaceous: Add a touch of thyme or rosemary during the sear for an aromatic finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels (this is key for a good sear). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over high heat and melt part of the butter. Add steak in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy on the edges but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add more butter. Toss in the garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don’t let it burn!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the sauce to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary. Crowding traps moisture and prevents browning.
- Dry the Steak Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of that gorgeous crust. Pat the cubes dry before seasoning.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Trust me, it makes a huge difference. Pre-grated cheese can make your sauce grainy.
- Deglaze with Broth: Don’t skip this! It lifts the fond (those tasty browned bits) off the pan and adds flavor to the sauce.
How to Serve
This dish is incredibly versatile and fits into just about any mealtime situation. Here are some ideas:
With Sides:
- Serve over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or buttered noodles to soak up every drop of that parmesan sauce.
- Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh arugula salad to balance the richness.
As an Appetizer:
- Stick toothpicks in each steak bite and serve as a decadent party starter with a side of the sauce for dipping.
Over Rice or Pasta:
- Spoon the steak bites and sauce over fluffy white rice or al dente fettuccine for a restaurant-style dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak and sauce separately, though cream sauces can change texture slightly when thawed. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely. Sirloin is a great balance between flavor and price, but tenderloin or ribeye will give you extra tenderness. Just avoid tough cuts like round or flank for this recipe.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Cream is what makes the sauce rich and silky, but if needed, you can try a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream cheese. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still taste good.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Grainy sauce usually means the cheese was added too quickly or at too high a heat. Lower the heat and add cheese gradually, whisking constantly.
What’s the best pan to use?
A heavy skillet like cast iron is ideal for searing the steak. It retains heat well and helps develop that beautiful crust.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make delight that feels indulgent but is totally doable any night of the week. Whether you’re making dinner for two or a crowd, this recipe will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Go ahead—treat yourself to steak night, no reservation needed.
PrintIrresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible garlic butter steak bites are seared to perfection and served with a creamy Parmesan sauce, making them a mouthwatering appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a high-quality steak like sirloin or ribeye for best flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak to get a good crust.
- The Parmesan sauce thickens as it cools—serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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