If you are craving a dish that combines rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is here to delight your senses. This recipe transforms simple sirloin steak into succulent bite-sized treasures, perfectly seared and bathed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce enriched with garlic and butter. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something special, this dish offers a luxurious yet approachable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. Using fresh garlic and quality Parmesan makes all the difference in the sauce, while properly selected cuts of sirloin steak ensure tenderness and juiciness.
- Sirloin steak, 1½ pounds: Choose a well-marbled cut for optimal flavor and tenderness when cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the steak bites and enhancing all other flavors.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Provides a high-heat cooking base to get the perfect sear on the steak.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons: Melts into the sauce for richness and balances the garlic’s punch.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Freshly minced for that unmistakable aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes the sauce indulgent.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the cream sauce that complements the steak perfectly.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon (optional): Gives a subtle herbal note that lifts the sauce just enough without overpowering it.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the final presentation with a touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak Bites
Start by generously seasoning the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that every morsel is flavorful right from the start. Don’t be shy with the seasoning as it forms the base of taste for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each piece for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust but remain juicy inside. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside—this creates space for the sauce and keeps the steak perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant—about one minute. This step is where the magic starts: the garlic-infused butter will become the foundation of the heavenly sauce.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. You’ll notice how the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the steak bites.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them gently in the Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring every piece is beautifully enveloped. Let everything warm together for a minute or two so the flavors meld perfectly. Then, your dish is ready for serving.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the steak bites just before serving. Not only does it add a pop of vibrant green color, but it also brings a fresh, herbaceous contrast that balances the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, you can grate a bit more Parmesan on top.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower complement the sauce perfectly. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus are fantastic for adding texture and a healthy contrast. For a low-carb option, try serving them with sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests or simply make mealtime more special, serve the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe over a bed of warm pasta or creamy polenta. Alternatively, present this dish on a rustic wooden board with fresh baguette slices to soak up every bit of sauce—perfect for a casual but elegant gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it super convenient to enjoy a quick meal later without compromising much on flavor or texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak bites and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the quality of the creamy sauce and tender steak.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help bring back the silky smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is excellent for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with ribeye or New York strip if you prefer. Just make sure to cut the steak into evenly sized bites for consistent cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can modify the recipe by using dairy-free butter and substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a little cornstarch. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for similar umami notes.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! A simple mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can stand in perfectly. You can also skip it entirely and the dish will still be packed with flavor thanks to the garlic and Parmesan.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked through?
Since the pieces are small, searing for 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat usually results in medium doneness. If you prefer it more well-done, you can adjust the time accordingly but be careful not to overcook to keep them juicy.
Can I prepare this dish for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to cook the steak bites in batches if needed so they sear properly, and keep the sauce warm separately before combining everything just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and indulgent about the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. Its incredible combination of juicy steak and velvety sauce will have you hooked from the very first bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that’s perfect for both cozy nights in and special occasions alike.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites served with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seared bite-sized sirloin pieces are cooked in garlicky butter and finished with a creamy, cheesy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for an elegant touch in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steak: Generously season the sirloin steak bites with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to it, allowing the pan to get hot enough for searing.
- Sear the steak bites: Add the steak pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start thickening the sauce.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the plated steak bites and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak to ensure a proper sear and avoid steaming the meat.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but this may reduce sauce richness.
- The optional Italian seasoning adds an herby flavor but can be omitted or replaced with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
