You know those nights when you need something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s why these tender steak bites in garlic butter with creamy parmesan sauce are my go-to lifesaver. I first made them on a chaotic Tuesday when my sister dropped by unannounced – 20 minutes later, we were devouring the most flavorful little steak bites swimming in that rich, garlicky sauce. Now they’re my secret weapon for everything from busy weeknights to last-minute entertaining. Juicy steak, golden butter, and that velvety parmesan cream come together in one pan – minimal effort, maximum flavor explosion. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be as obsessed as I am.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Let me tell you why this recipe never fails to make me happy – and why it’ll become your new favorite too:
- 20 minutes from pan to plate – I’m not kidding! When hunger strikes and patience is low, this dish saves the day with its lightning-fast prep
- That garlic butter magic transforms basic steak bites into something ridiculously flavorful – the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and sigh
- Weeknight hero or party superstar – serve these straight from the skillet for a cozy dinner or in little bowls for game night (they disappear fast!)
- Just 8 simple ingredients – probably already in your fridge and pantry. No fancy techniques, no weird tools, just good food
The best part? That creamy parmesan sauce clinging to each juicy bite – it’s like the steak version of a warm hug.
Ingredients for Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Let’s gather our simple-but-mighty ingredients – quality matters here, friends!
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (look for good marbling!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to get that perfect sear
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for even seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked is best
For That Dreamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter – real, unsalted butter please (we’ll control the salt)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – not crushed! We want texture, not bitterness
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – the luxurious base of our sauce
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan – fresh is mandatory (see my rant below)
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley – adds that fresh pop of color
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Got substitutions? I’ve tested them all! Heavy cream can swap for half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce (though I’ll miss the richness). For super high heat, avocado oil beats olive oil. Now listen closely – pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy. Spend 30 seconds grating a fresh block – your taste buds will thank you!
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juicy tender steak bites in garlic butter with creamy parmesan sauce in 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy steak bites cooked in garlic butter and topped with a creamy parmesan sauce. A quick, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return steak bites to the pan and coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use room-temperature steak for even cooking.
- Adjust salt to taste if using salted butter.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
How to Make Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite heavy-bottomed pan (I swear by my cast iron, but stainless steel works great too) and follow these steps for steak bite perfection.
Searing the Steak Bites
First things first – heat that pan! Crank your burner to medium-high and let your pan get nice and hot. Add the olive oil – when it shimmers, you add those steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if you must – don’t overcrowd!). Now the magic happens: listen for that sizzle – music to a steak lover’s ears! Cook for 3-4 minutes total, flipping once, until you see those gorgeous brown edges and pink centers. Transfer them to a plate – no peeking for 5 minutes! This rest period is crucial for.
If you loved how juicy and flavorful these steak bites turn out, you’ll definitely want to check out this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe for another quick and irresistible twist on the classic.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Same pan, new adventure! Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. The second it’s melted, add your minced garlic. 30 seconds – no more! We want fragrant golden perfection, not bitter burned bits. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes until it slightly thickens (test by coating the back of a spoon). Now the secret move: remove the pan from heat before adding parmesan. Sprinkle it in gradually while whisking like your dinner depends on it (it does!). When the sauce is smooth and velvety, welcome those beautiful steak bites back to the party. Toss them gently in that luscious sauce and prepare for the compliments to start rolling in!
- Heat oil in cast iron/stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear steak bites 3-4 minutes until browned (don’t overcrowd!)
- Remove steak and let rest 5 minutes
- Reduce heat, melt butter in the same pan
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds (don’t let it brown!)
- Add heavy cream, simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened
- Remove from heat, whisk in parmesan until smooth
- Return steak to pan, toss with sauce, and serve immediately
See? I told you it was easy. Now go forth and make the most incredible, garlicky, buttery steak bites your kitchen has ever seen!
Tips for Perfect Tender Steak Bites
After making these steak bites more times than I can count (okay fine, I’m obsessed), here are my hard-earned secrets for absolute perfection every time:
- Pat that steak dry! – Use paper towels to blot your cubes before they hit the pan. Moisture is the enemy of that beautiful golden crust we crave.
- Room temp meat matters – Take your steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Cold meat seizes up and cooks unevenly – we want tender, not tough!
- Give them space to breathe – Don’t dump all the cubes in at once! Overcrowding steams the meat instead of searing it. Work in batches if needed – patience pays off.
- Butter warning! If you’re using salted butter (I see you, Kerrygold lovers), ease up on the added salt. Taste as you go – you can always add more later.
- Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty – That sprinkle of green at the end? It’s not just for Instagram. The bright herbal note cuts through the richness beautifully.
Bonus tip from my last kitchen disaster: When making the sauce, keep the heat gentle after adding the cream. Too hot and it’ll break – ask me how I know! Medium-low is your new best friend.
Serving Suggestions for Tender Steak Bites
Oh, the possibilities with these little flavor bombs! Here’s how I love to serve them – though honestly, I’ve been known to eat them straight from the skillet with a fork (no judgment, right?).
As a Hearty Main Course
Pile these garlic butter steak bites over a mountain of garlic mashed potatoes – the creamy potatoes soak up that amazing parmesan sauce like nobody’s business. For veggie lovers, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans balance the richness perfectly. My husband’s favorite? A simple side of buttery egg noodles – kid-friendly and oh-so comforting.
For Your Next Gathering
Slide a platter of these onto the table with toothpicks and crusty bread – watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!” They’re perfect alongside:
- A crisp arugula salad with lemon dressing
- Roasted baby potatoes for scooping up extra sauce
- A chilled dry rosé or hoppy IPA to cut through the richness
Last Christmas, I served them in mini cast iron skillets as appetizers – my nephew ate so many we had to hide the last batch from him! Whether it’s date night, game day, or just a Tuesday that needs cheering up, these steak bites always hit the spot.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These steak bites keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it’ll ruin that perfect texture. Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. Stir frequently until just heated through – about 2-3 minutes. The garlic butter aroma will fill your kitchen all over again!
Nutrition Information
Let’s be honest – we’re not eating steak bites in garlic butter sauce because they’re low-calorie. But knowledge is power, right? Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about half the recipe):
- 520 calories – totally worth every single one
- 42g fat (23g saturated) – hello, butter and cream, my old friends
- 32g protein – that steak’s packing serious muscle fuel
- 3g carbs – basically keto-friendly!
- 680mg sodium – adjust to taste if you’re watching salt
A quick heads up – these values can change based on your exact ingredients. Different steak cuts, cheese brands, or butter types will shift the numbers slightly. But let’s be real: when that first garlicky, buttery bite hits your tongue, calories become somebody else’s problem!
And don’t forget—you can save and share even more mouthwatering ideas by following us on Pinterest, where you’ll discover endless inspiration for easy weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing appetizers.
FAQ About Tender Steak Bites
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these addictive little steak bites – here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox:
Can I use ribeye instead of sirloin?
Absolutely! Ribeye makes incredibly flavorful steak bites with that gorgeous marbling. Just trim off excess fat before cubing – too much fat can make the sauce greasy. The good news? Ribeye’s richness pairs beautifully with the garlic butter. You might need to cook it a minute less since it’s more tender than sirloin. My butcher once talked me into trying filet mignon – delicious but honestly not worth the splurge for this recipe!
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ah, the heartbreak of a broken sauce! Here’s how I keep mine silky smooth every time:
Low and slow wins the race – Keep the heat at medium-low once you add the cream
Stir like it’s your job – Constant gentle whisking prevents hot spots
Off-heat cheese melting – Take the pan off the burner before adding parmesan
If disaster strikes, don’t panic! A splash of hot water and vigorous whisking can often bring it back together. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.
Can I make this dairy-free?
For my lactose-intolerant friends, yes! Swap butter for ghee or olive oil, and use full-fat coconut cream instead of dairy cream. The parmesan’s trickier – I’ve had decent results with a mix of nutritional yeast and a pinch of salt, though it’s not quite the same. A vegan parmesan alternative can work in a pinch too. The steak itself will still be fantastic, but fair warning – that sauce won’t have quite the same magic without real dairy.
Alright, let’s make a deal – grab this recipe, get a bit of butter on your fingers, and tell me how much better your evening is with these steak bites in garlic butter and parmesan sauce. I’m serious. It’s going to take you 20 minutes, but it’s the type of meal that makes you feel like a five-star chef. So much better than takeout. When you make it (notice I said when, not if – I’m putting on my bossy pants for this one) please, please, tag our family on Instagram. I want to see your glorious golden brown steak bits, your creamy sauce, your happy face on the last bite. go on, I’m waiting for your #steak #steakstories #steakmoments.