There’s nothing quite like the savory taste of steak paired with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a dish that brings together tender, juicy bites of steak with a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with Parmesan. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a special meal, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a restaurant-quality experience at home. It’s fast, easy, and brings together flavors that feel indulgent yet surprisingly easy to create.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe takes a steak dinner and elevates it with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan, creating a satisfying experience in every bite. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and only a few steps, this recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce infuse the steak with delicious, complex flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these steak bites are versatile and satisfying.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish offers a gourmet feel without the need to dine out.
Ingredients
To create this delightful recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp (28g) butter
- 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
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare the Steak: Begin by seasoning your steak pieces with salt and pepper. Ensure each piece is coated evenly for a well-balanced flavor throughout.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the steak pieces in a single layer, allowing each piece to sear and develop a caramelized crust. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of your steak bites and your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it can quickly turn bitter.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan from the steak. This adds a deep flavor to the sauce. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the Parmesan cream sauce until coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Success Tips
To make sure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Steak: Sirloin steak works well for this dish due to its balance of tenderness and flavor. Ribeye or tenderloin would also work well if you prefer a more tender cut.
- Pat Dry the Steak: Drying the steak pieces with a paper towel before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get that beautiful crust on the steak bites, avoid overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and has a richer flavor than pre-packaged cheese.
- Control the Heat: When making the cream sauce, lower the heat to avoid scorching the cream or curdling the sauce.
Storage
If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store the steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream in the sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the steak bites without the sauce for up to 2 months and make fresh sauce when you’re ready to eat.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Notes
- Season Generously: Since steak is the star of the dish, season it with salt and pepper to ensure a rich, well-rounded taste.
- Substitutes: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Garlic Lovers: For those who enjoy garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two. You can also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder over the steak for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
Per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
This recipe is high in protein and fat, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes! Ribeye or tenderloin also work well. Keep in mind that ribeye will be a bit fattier, adding more richness to the dish.
What if I don’t have beef broth? If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would pair wonderfully with the garlic butter and Parmesan sauce.
Is there a way to make the sauce thicker? If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (about 1 teaspoon) and cook until it thickens.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with coconut milk, and the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will taste slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex steps to create something delicious. Perfectly seared steak bites in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce make this recipe a winner for both special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites!