Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m craving something truly indulgent, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, my mind immediately goes to these incredible Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a bowl of pure decadence, with tender, perfectly seared steak, bathed in a rich garlic butter, and served alongside a luscious, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s guaranteed to be a hit and perfect for any night of the week!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a meal that feels incredibly gourmet but comes together with surprising ease? I am absolutely obsessed with Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce because it hits all the right notes. The succulent steak, seared to perfection, is infused with aromatic garlic butter, while the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce adds an unparalleled layer of flavor and luxurious texture. It’s fantastic for a date night, impressive enough for a dinner party, and surprisingly quick to prepare. Plus, the minimal cleanup is a dream, and the aroma filling your kitchen is simply irresistible!
The Art of Pan-Seared Steak and Cream Sauces
This dish combines two classic culinary techniques: the art of pan-searing and the creation of a rich cream sauce. Pan-searing (or pan-frying) is ideal for smaller cuts of meat, like steak bites, as it quickly creates a beautiful, caramelized crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy. The addition of butter and garlic during the searing process infuses the steak with incredible flavor.
Cream sauces, particularly those enriched with Parmesan cheese, are a hallmark of Italian and French-inspired cuisine, known for their ability to coat ingredients beautifully and provide a luxurious mouthfeel. The Parmesan not only adds a salty, umami depth but also helps to thicken the sauce as it melts. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe leverages these techniques to create a cohesive, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that feels both gourmet and utterly comforting, all in one easy preparation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly rich and satisfying dish:
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, ribeye, or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlicky punch)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Steak: Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are excellent choices for steak bites due to their tenderness and flavor. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for controlling the saltiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and flavor for the steak bites.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the ultimate richness and thickens beautifully. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter sauce, but the creaminess won’t be quite as intense.
- Broth: Beef broth adds depth to the cream sauce. Chicken broth can be used as an alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for its superior flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
- Roux: The small amount of flour cooked with butter in the sauce creates a roux, which helps thicken the cream sauce smoothly.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this delicious and elegant meal on the table!
- Prepare Steak: Pat the steak cubes very dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Sear Steak Bites: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning to get a nice brown crust on all sides. They should be medium-rare to medium.
- Add Garlic Butter to Steak: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, coating the steak. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Leave any pan drippings in the skillet.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean), melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Build Sauce: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and beef broth until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese & Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and optional garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the Parmesan cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the steak. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Pat Steak Dry: This is crucial for achieving a good sear and a golden-brown crust on your steak, which adds immense flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear steak in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and leads to steaming, not searing.
- Watch the Heat for Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Cook it briefly until fragrant, then remove the steak.
- Whisk Roux Well: Ensure the flour is fully incorporated into the butter before adding liquids to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Gentle Simmer for Cream: Once heavy cream is added, keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the sauce from scorching or curdling.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, when the steak is tender and the sauce is at its creamiest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a complete and satisfying meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) to soak up all that glorious sauce, similar to a classic alfredo or garlic butter pasta.
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice: A bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice would be excellent for absorbing the sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Green Beans: A quick, green vegetable side provides a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce. You could even serve with some Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for extra bread.
- Beverage Pairings: A robust red wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel) complements the rich beef and creamy sauce perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or a traditional iced tea.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is best enjoyed fresh. The texture of steak and cream sauces can change upon reheating.
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools, and the steak may become slightly less tender.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, but the steak may become tougher.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this particular dish due to the delicate texture of the steak and the potential for cream sauces to separate upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this flavorful and comforting steak dish, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For a classic pasta dish, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- If you love easy, cheesy meals that feed a crowd, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- For a super easy way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- And for a comforting, hearty soup, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a true triumph of flavor – it offers incredible richness, perfect tenderness, and a luxurious creamy sauce that will make any meal feel special. It’s surprisingly quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen for those times you want to treat yourself or your loved ones!
I hope you give this amazing dish a try and enjoy every rich, savory bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to special occasion but easy dinner recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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