There’s something special about perfectly seared steak bites meeting a pool of rich Parmesan cream sauce on a Tuesday night. These Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn an ordinary weeknight into something worth celebrating. One bite delivers juicy, tender beef wrapped in buttery garlic goodness, then comes that velvety sauce that makes everything taste like a restaurant splurge. The best part? Your kitchen stays clean, your family stays happy, and dinner is ready in just 25 minutes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
I always reach for sirloin or ribeye when making these steak bites because the marbling keeps everything tender and flavorful. Quality matters here, so grab the best cut your budget allows. You’ll notice the difference in every bite. Here’s everything you need to create this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized cubes) – I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) – fresh garlic makes all the difference here
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – optional but adds a nice pop of color
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream – in my experience, full-fat cream creates the silkiest texture
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – my preference is always freshly grated over pre-shredded
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional) – I usually add just a tiny pinch for subtle warmth
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet (cast iron works beautifully)
- Separate saucepan
- Paper towels
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the secret to perfect steak bites lies in proper searing and not moving them around too much. Trust the process and you’ll get that beautiful golden crust every single time.
Step 1: Pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a proper sear because moisture prevents browning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (the surface will look wavy). Add steak cubes in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remove from pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant (watch carefully because garlic burns quickly). Return the seared steak bites to the pan and toss gently to coat in that gorgeous garlic butter. Remove from heat.
Step 4: While your steak rests, prepare the Parmesan cream sauce in a separate saucepan. Melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 6: Pour the warm Parmesan cream sauce directly over the steak bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while everything is hot.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These rich, savory steak bites pair beautifully with sides that balance the creaminess and add texture to your plate.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort combination where fluffy potatoes soak up every drop of that luxurious Parmesan sauce, creating the perfect bite every time.
Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a slightly sweet, crispy contrast that cuts through the richness while boosting your meal’s nutritional value.
Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce from your plate – the crispy exterior and soft interior make it absolutely irresistible alongside tender steak.
Simple Green Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint that cleanses your palate between bites of rich, buttery beef.
Buttered Noodles: Fluffy egg noodles tossed with butter and parsley create a neutral base that soaks up the cream sauce beautifully without competing for attention.
Chinese Pepper Steak Style Rice: If you love steak with Asian-inspired sides, white or brown rice makes an excellent pairing that balances the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture for both components.
When reheating, use your stovetop over low heat rather than the microwave. Add a splash of cream or beef broth to the pan to prevent the steak from drying out. Warm gently for just 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Overcooking will make the beef tough, so watch carefully.
These steak bites also work wonderfully repurposed in other meals. Slice them up for steak salads, toss with pasta and extra sauce, or pile them onto toasted baguette slices for elegant appetizers. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye work best due to their tenderness and marbling, you can also use New York strip or tenderloin. Just avoid tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak unless you slice them very thin against the grain.
How do I prevent my steak bites from becoming tough?
The key is avoiding overcooking and not moving them around too much during searing. Pat them dry before cooking, use high heat for a quick sear, and work in batches so the pan stays hot. Medium to medium-rare (130-135°F internal temperature) is ideal for tender, juicy results.
Can I make the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly, and add a splash of cream if it’s too thick. The sauce may separate slightly but will come back together with gentle stirring.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat steak cubes completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steak cubes in a single layer, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return steak bites to pan and toss gently to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Pour warm Parmesan cream sauce over steak bites or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
