If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer. Tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak are seared to perfection and then enveloped in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce that whispers garlic notes with every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and richness, making it an irresistible meal whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend. Prepare to fall head over heels for this delightful comfort food that’s bursting with flavor from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect texture and color on your plate.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choosing a tender cut like sirloin ensures juicy, flavorful bites that cook evenly and quickly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This provides a high smoke point for beautifully searing the steak while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature aromatic punch, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a velvety richness and helps mellow the garlic for a luscious base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a decadent, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the steak bites.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami and a nutty finish that elevates the cream sauce to gourmet levels.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and brighten every flavor component.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: A burst of vibrant color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your sirloin steak bites spaced out so they brown rather than steam. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece develops a rich golden crust. This caramelization is where much of the flavor magic starts, so don’t rush!
Step 2: Remove and Set Aside
Once the steak bites are beautifully seared, take them off the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Keeping them warm while you prepare the sauce will maintain their juiciness.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step infuses the butter with that unmistakable garlic aroma that complements the steak perfectly.
Step 4: Simmer the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the garlic butter mixture. Bring this to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up. This slow thickening ensures a rich, smooth consistency.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously. The cheese will melt and meld into the sauce, creating a velvety, cheesy coating that’s heavenly with the savory steak bites.
Step 6: Combine Steak and Sauce
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the steak is warm and perfectly coated. This melds all the flavors in one delicious bite.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Season your creation with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. That touch of green adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is classic and vibrant, you can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of smoked paprika for an unexpected twist. These small touches can elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a new flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. The creamy Parmesan sauce complements mild, fresh veggies or hearty, buttery potatoes perfectly, rounding out your meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the steak bites loaded onto toasted baguette slices as a fancy appetizer or spoon the creamy steak mixture over a bed of buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta for a more rustic, comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the creamy texture, stir the sauce well before reheating.
Freezing
While steak bites are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use ribeye or filet mignon for a richer or more tender experience. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream. For best results, stick with heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream alternative and replace butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is mild and savory with no heat. If you want a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the steak’s richness and the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe. It combines the ease of a quick skillet dinner with the luxurious flavors you deserve. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in some solo comfort food, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from your plate!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe served with a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly seared sirloin steak bites cooked in garlic butter, then simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making a quick and indulgent meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the steak bites.
- Cook steak bites: Add the bite-sized sirloin steak pieces to the hot skillet and cook until nicely browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Set steak aside: Remove the cooked steak bites from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Simmer cream: Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the Parmesan cream sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the steak is heated through and fully coated.
- Season: Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use a skillet large enough so the steak pieces cook evenly without overcrowding.
- For extra flavor, let the steak bites marinate briefly with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder before cooking.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
