Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mash
By Jason Griffith
There is something undeniably primal and satisfying about a perfectly seared piece of steak dripping in garlic butter. When you pair those succulent, bite-sized morsels with a cloud of velvety, buttery mashed potatoes, you aren’t just making dinner—you’re creating an experience.
As a food writer for ChefManiac, I’ve tasted a lot of comfort food, but this recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a fancy steakhouse treat but comes together in a single skillet in under 45 minutes. Whether you are looking to impress a date or just want to treat your family to a “fancy” Tuesday, these steak bites are the answer.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe a “permanent resident” in my digital recipe box? It boils down to three things: texture, speed, and flavor. 1. The Sear: By cutting the steak into bites, you increase the surface area. This means more crispy, caramelized edges (the Maillard reaction at its finest!) in every single mouthful. 2. The Sauce: Garlic butter is a classic for a reason. It cuts through the richness of the beef while adding a fragrant, savory punch that ties the meat and potatoes together. 3. Versatility: While this is a complete meal on its own, it’s also a great “heavy appetizer” for a party. If you’re hosting a big game day, you could even serve these alongside some of my other favorites, like this beer cheese dip or these easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs Sirloin Steak: Look for good marbling. Sirloin is lean but tender enough for quick searing.
- 4 Cloves Garlic: Freshly minced is non-negotiable here!
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: This creates that “elixir” that coats the meat.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: To help sear the steak at high heat without burning the butter.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fine for a pop of color and freshness.
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Russet Potatoes: These are high in starch, which results in the fluffiest mash.
- 1/2 Cup Whole Milk: For a rich, liquid base.
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Because there’s no such thing as too much butter in mash.
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream: My secret ingredient for a slight tang and extra creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Substitutions and Kitchen Notes
- The Meat: While sirloin is my go-to, you can use ribeye for a richer, fattier bite, or tenderloin if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
- The Potatoes: If you prefer a “waxy” texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes. They hold their shape a bit more and have a naturally buttery flavor.
- Dairy-Free: You can swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter substitute and use almond or oat milk (unsweetened) for the potatoes.
- Pro Tip: Always pat your steak dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Craft the Creamy Mash
Start with the potatoes, as they take the longest. Place your peeled and cubed russets into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Adding a generous pinch of salt to the water now ensures the potatoes are seasoned from the inside out.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes. You want them “fork-tender,” meaning a fork slides in and out with zero resistance. Drain them thoroughly—excess water leads to gummy potatoes. Return them to the warm pot, add your milk, butter, and sour cream, and mash until they are cloud-like. Keep them covered and warm.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
In a large, heavy-duty skillet (cast iron is king here), heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Season your steak bites generously.
Crucial Step: Do not crowd the pan! If you put too many steak bites in at once, the temperature drops, and the meat will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side. Once they have a beautiful brown crust, remove them and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Elixir
Lower the heat to medium. Add your butter to the pan drippings. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and fragrant, but be careful—burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the dish.
Step 4: Marry the Flavors
Toss those seared steak bites back into the skillet. Roll them around in that golden garlic butter for about 60 seconds. This reheats the meat and ensures every nook and cranny is coated in flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Steak bites cook fast. Since they are small, they can go from medium-rare to well-done in a heartbeat. Keep a close eye on them.
- The Rest: Even though they are small, letting the steak sit for a minute before the final toss in the butter helps retain the juices.
- Skillet Choice: Use a skillet that retains heat well. A stainless steel or cast iron pan will give you a much better crust than a non-stick pan.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
I love serving these steak bites piled high on a bed of the creamy mash, allowing the extra garlic butter to pool into the potatoes.
If you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus works beautifully. If you are serving this as part of a larger spread, it pairs excellently with other “comfort” favorites. For instance, if you’re hosting a party, you could serve these alongside a crockpot nacho dip or even some fun totchos for a high-low dining experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the steak from getting tough, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make steak rubbery.
- Freezing: The steak bites freeze well (up to 2 months), but mashed potatoes can sometimes change texture when thawed. I recommend making the mash fresh!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this hearty dinner, you’ll definitely want to check out these other favorites from the site:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – A one-pan wonder for busy nights.
- Beer Cheese Dip – The perfect companion for steak.
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – Great for feeding a crowd alongside your steak bites.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to produce a meal that tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen. It’s simple, honest, and incredibly delicious.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more easy, flavor-packed recipes every week!
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