There’s something irresistibly decadent about tender steak morsels bathed in a luscious sauce, and that is exactly what you get with the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish elevates simple steak bites into a gourmet experience by combining rich garlic butter and creamy Parmesan sauce, resulting in a flavor explosion that is both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe is your ticket to steak perfection with a creamy twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering high-quality but straightforward ingredients is the key to nailing this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe. Each element plays an essential role, from tender steak pieces to the creamy, cheesy sauce that makes every bite memorable.
- 1.5 lb steak (sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye): Choose a cut that you love; sirloin offers great flavor and tenderness perfect for bite-sized cooking.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and highlighting its natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed): These oils handle high heat well for a perfect sear without burning.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, silky flavor to the garlic and the overall sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with deep, aromatic intensity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious cream sauce that perfectly balances the savory steak.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty bite that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): A pop of green freshness brightens up the final presentation.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Patting the steak dry before seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper ensures a beautiful, flavorful crust when cooking. Don’t skip this step — it makes all the difference for texture and taste.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat your chosen high-smoke-point oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the steak bites in batches, giving each piece about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This quick but intense heat locks in juices and creates a caramelized crust. Once cooked, set the steak aside on a warm plate to rest.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same skillet. When melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. This step infuses the butter with garlicky richness that forms the backbone of the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in your grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese fully melts and the sauce turns velvety smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning here if you like it saltier or with a peppery kick.
Step 5: Combine Steak Bites and Sauce
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Let everything simmer together briefly so the steak absorbs some of the sauce’s creamy goodness while keeping its tender bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe hot, straight from the pan for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a lovely color contrast but also a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A handful of cracked black pepper on top enhances the dish’s rustic appeal and layers a touch of warmth on each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides like garlic mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans add vibrant greens and a bit of crunch to balance the tender, buttery steak. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp garden salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the steak bites atop a bed of creamy polenta or drizzling extra Parmesan cream sauce over roasted vegetables. For a shareable appetizer style, pile the steak bites on a warmed platter with toasted baguette slices to scoop up that irresistible sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the steak bites and sauce separately in tightly sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk while warming can help restore its silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the sauce curdle.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, tenderloin, and ribeye are excellent choices, you can use any steak cut you prefer. Just ensure the meat is tender and sliced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Look for a deep, golden brown crust on each piece with an internal temperature of around 130-135°F for medium-rare. Cooking times may vary based on bite size and skillet heat.
Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?
You can season and cut the steak in advance, but for best texture and flavor, sear and finish the dish just before serving. This keeps the bites juicy and the sauce fresh.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe for a full meal?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, and a starch like mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This combination rounds out the meal beautifully without overpowering the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a treat every time you make it. Its rich, creamy texture and bold garlic flavor make it endlessly satisfying, yet surprisingly simple to prepare. I can’t recommend it enough for when you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy steak!
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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: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender, seared steak bites coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines robust steak flavors with a luscious, cheesy sauce that elevates the meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lb steak (sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye), cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak bites: Cut the steak into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and pat them dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season the pieces generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed) in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add the heavy cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors together.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a smooth and creamy Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Combine steak with sauce: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the Parmesan cream sauce. Coat the steak thoroughly by stirring gently, allowing it to simmer briefly and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot, enjoying the tender steak bites in the rich garlic butter Parmesan cream sauce.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before searing helps develop a better crust and prevents steaming.
- Cooking steak bites in batches prevents overcrowding the skillet, ensuring a good sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better searing.
- Adjust the cream sauce thickness by simmering longer for thicker consistency or adding a splash of broth to thin it out.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For a lower-fat version, you may substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce richness will be reduced.
