Packed with juicy steak bites and swirled with a creamy blanket of sauce, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is pure weeknight magic. Each tender piece of seared sirloin gets bathed in a luscious, garlicky, cheesy sauce, making this dish a decadent treat that somehow manages to come together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or jazz up a cozy family meal, this melt-in-your-mouth steak recipe is your fast-track to dinnertime bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe truly lets each ingredient shine. Nothing complicated here— every component plays a vital role in bringing big flavor and irresistible texture to your table. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Sirloin steak: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, sirloin is perfect for steak bites that stay juicy without breaking the bank.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning; it draws out the natural flavors of the beef.
- Black pepper: Adds a warm, bold kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps the steak sear to golden-brown perfection without sticking to the pan.
- Unsalted butter: The secret to that silky, restaurant-style richness and unmistakable garlic butter flavor.
- Fresh garlic: No shortcuts—fresh minced garlic makes this dish sing with aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety base for the sauce, balancing the garlic and Parmesan.
- Parmesan cheese: The real MVP! Grated Parmesan melts into the cream, adding sharpness and big umami.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs offers earthy notes and a hint of Mediterranean spirit.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like it spicy, this adds a subtle heat that won’t overpower.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of green to finish, parsley brightens the whole dish and makes it extra inviting.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. This ensures quick, even cooking and maximum surface area for that irresistible sear. Toss the cubes with salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is generously seasoned all over. Let the steak sit at room temperature for a few minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients—this tiny step helps the steak cook more evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the steak cubes in a single, not overcrowded, layer. Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re caramelized and crusty on the outside but still juicy in the center. Work in batches if needed; giving each piece space is key to getting that golden crust. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the now-empty skillet. As soon as it melts, toss in the freshly minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it can turn bitter. You’ll already be dreaming about that aroma swirling through your kitchen!
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Still working over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to gently loosen up any tasty caramelized bits left from searing the steak; this step amps up the flavor of your sauce. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir until the sauce thickens up slightly and gets silky smooth—this usually takes 2–3 minutes. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, creating a truly decadent base for your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked steak bites (and any juices) to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in that luscious, garlicky, cheesy cream sauce. Let everything heat through for about a minute. That’s it! Just before serving, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. You’ve just created an unforgettable skillet meal in record time.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Simple touches elevate the visual appeal and flavor of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Generous handfuls of chopped fresh parsley are classic, but don’t stop there: try extra Parmesan shavings or a crack of fresh black pepper over the top for a little extra drama. Even a few lemon wedges on the side will make the richness pop and delight your taste buds with a bright contrast.
Side Dishes
Wondering what to serve alongside this creamy steak dish? You can’t go wrong with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. Al dente pasta, especially tagliatelle or penne, is a dream pairing. For something lighter, pile the steak bites over roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed greens for a fresh, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a date night, serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce straight from the skillet, rustic-style, for a cozy and inviting vibe. If you’re entertaining, portion steak bites onto crostini for a hearty appetizer, or present them in small ramekins as part of a tapas spread. Feeling playful? Turn it into a steak bowl with wild rice, crispy potatoes, or a vibrant salad for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites and sauce store beautifully. Cool any extras completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated, they’ll keep for up to 3 days and remain surprisingly delicious for next-day lunches or a quick dinner redo.
Freezing
While Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing as dairy-heavy sauces can separate. If you’d like to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently for best results.
Reheating
For optimal results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Microwave reheating is also fine in short bursts, stirring between each to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the steak and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak instead of sirloin?
Absolutely! While sirloin strikes a nice balance between tenderness and value, you can swap in ribeye for an even juicier bite or use New York strip or tenderloin if you’re feeling fancy. Just be sure to cut the steak into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Is it possible to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce dairy-free?
Yes, with a few substitutions. Use plant-based butter, a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or oat milk, and your favorite vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will differ slightly, but the garlicky richness will still shine through.
Can I prep anything ahead for a party?
You sure can! Cut and season the steak bites a few hours ahead, keep chilled, and mince garlic in advance. When guests arrive, everything comes together quickly, and you can wow them with freshly made sauce in minutes.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the steak?
Resist the urge to crowd the pan, and keep an eye on the time—2–3 minutes per side is usually perfect for medium-rare cube steak bites. Remember, they’ll finish warming up in the sauce at the end, so a slight undercook is better than overcooking at the searing stage.
Can I scale this recipe up for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a large enough skillet (or work in batches), double the ingredients, and keep the cooked steak bites warm in a low oven while you finish the sauce. This way, everyone gets to enjoy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce piping hot and fresh.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the comfort and elegance packed into every bite of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and satisfaction to your table as it has to mine—give it a try this week, and be prepared for rave reviews and maybe a new family favorite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender sirloin steak bites seasoned with garlic butter, served in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a delightful indulgence for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak Bites: Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat, add butter, garlic. Pour in cream, simmer. Stir in Parmesan, seasoning, pepper flakes.
- Combine and Serve: Return steak to skillet, coat in sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, deglaze the skillet with 1/4 cup white wine before adding the cream.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Searing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
