If you’re searching for a dish that’s pure comfort meets wow-factor, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is your answer. Imagine juicy seared steak bites, bathed in a silky, tangy Parmesan cream, all with that irresistible perfume of garlic and butter. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, feels luxurious, and is so easy that it practically encourages you to invite friends over just to show it off. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner in, it’s a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce so special is the way simple, quality ingredients come together to create something memorable. Each one plays an important role in the final flavor and texture, so don’t skimp!
- Sirloin steak: Choose a well-marbled cut and cut it into even, bite-sized pieces for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Salt and pepper: The simplest seasonings, but absolutely essential for bringing out the steak’s natural goodness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps develop that golden crust on the steak bites.
- Garlic: Five cloves might sound like a lot, but you want that bold, aromatic flavor to shine.
- Beef broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting those tasty browned bits and building a savory foundation for your sauce.
- Heavy cream: Provides a luscious, velvety base for the Parmesan to melt into.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For deep, salty, nutty flavor and a creamy sauce that clings to every bite.
- Fresh parsley: The perfect finishing touch for color, freshness, and a little herby lift.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Step 1: Season the Steak Bites
Start by patting your steak pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This simple step is key for building flavor and ensuring your steak browns beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. Add the steak bites in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. Remove the steak and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn — you want that sweet, mellow garlic flavor, not bitterness.
Step 4: Deglaze and Start the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up all those caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. That’s where so much flavor is hiding! Let the broth simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring as the cheese melts, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the steak bites (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet. Toss everything together so the steak is coated in that luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Heat just until everything is warmed through—don’t overcook, or the steak can get tough.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The pop of green not only looks gorgeous but adds a fresh flavor note that balances the rich sauce. Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are now ready to wow!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Scatter lots of fresh parsley over the top right before serving. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few grinds of black pepper make a beautiful finish. For extra richness, a drizzle of good olive oil never hurts.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery noodles to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, pile them high on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce into a party appetizer by skewering the bites on toothpicks and serving them with sauce on the side for dipping. Or, spoon them onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant steak crostini. They also make an indulgent filling for warm, crusty rolls—think steak sliders with a creamy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of broth or cream will bring it back to life when reheated.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. If you do freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the steak bites and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the steak tough and the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can substitute with ribeye, tenderloin, or even strip steak. Just be sure to cut your steak into even bites for the best texture and even cooking.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a lighter option, serve the steak bites over a big green salad or steamed veggies.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce ahead of time?
You can sear the steak bites and make the sauce ahead, but for the best flavor and texture, combine them just before serving. This keeps the steak tender and the sauce creamy.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan, other hard, flavorful cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano work beautifully. Just grate them finely for easy melting and a smooth sauce.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Sear the steak bites quickly over high heat and remove them as soon as they’re browned. When you return them to the pan, just warm them through in the sauce—this keeps them juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that tastes like a splurge but comes together in a snap, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is about to become your new favorite. Try it once and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring restaurant-worthy flavor to your own kitchen. You’ll want to make it again and again—guaranteed!
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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 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savor the rich and indulgent flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, a quick and easy dish that combines tender sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce complemented by a creamy Parmesan cheese finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (28g) butter
Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steak: Pat the sirloin steak bites dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the beef.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the seasoned steak bites and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides but still juicy inside.
- Remove steak and set aside: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned, which infuses the base of the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. This step adds depth to the sauce.
- Add cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them well to coat thoroughly in the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the steak to get a good sear.
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or filet mignon for different textures and flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer, but stir frequently to avoid burning.
- This recipe pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
