Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes: A Quick & Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further! Our Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or anytime you want to impress without the stress. Juicy sirloin steak cubes paired with golden, crispy potatoes, all smothered in a rich garlic herb butter sauce – it’s a dish that promises satisfaction with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can be challenging. This recipe is designed to deliver:
- Speed: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Flavor: A perfect blend of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.
- Simplicity: Easy-to-follow steps with minimal ingredients.
- Versatility: Suitable for various dietary preferences, including high-protein and keto-friendly diets.
- Cost-Effective: Uses affordable cuts of steak and readily available ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a kitchen newbie, this dish is foolproof and guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potatoes:
- 1 1/4 pounds small gold potatoes, quartered (about 1/2” thick)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (for cooking potatoes)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/4 pounds sirloin steak, cut into cubes against the grain, about 3/4-1” thick
- 2 tablespoons ghee (for cooking steak)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons ghee, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced, plus more for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. Soften the Potatoes: Place the quartered gold potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with about 1/4 cup of water. Microwave on high for 5-6 minutes or until they are barely fork-tender. This step ensures the potatoes cook evenly on the stovetop without becoming mushy.
2. Heat the Skillet: While the potatoes are microwaving, heat a large heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and let it melt until shimmering.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the softened potatoes to the skillet. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring once, then continue to cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
4. Add Herbs and Garlic: During the last minute of cooking the potatoes, push them to the side of the skillet and add garlic, rosemary, and parsley. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the potatoes and garlic-herb mixture from the skillet and set aside in a warm bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
1. Prepare the Steak: Ensure your sirloin steak is cut into even-sized cubes against the grain. This technique ensures tenderness in every bite.
2. Heat the Skillet Again: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee to the same skillet. Heat over medium-high to high heat.
3. Sear the Steak: Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Season the steak generously with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Cook the Steak: Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a beautiful brown crust. Then, stir and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
1. Combine Steak and Potatoes: Return the garlic herb potatoes to the skillet with the steak. Toss everything together to ensure the steak is well-coated with the flavorful butter and herbs.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the steak bites and potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Enjoy Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of tender steak and crispy, flavorful potatoes.
Essential Cooking Hacks & Home Tips
1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet
A heavy-duty cast iron skillet retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and that perfect sear on your steak bites. If you don’t have one, a stainless steel skillet is a good alternative.
2. Cut Steak Against the Grain
This simple technique makes your steak bites more tender. Identify the direction of the muscle fibers (the “grain”) and slice perpendicular to them.
3. Soften Potatoes in the Microwave
Microwaving the potatoes before stovetop cooking reduces overall cooking time and ensures they are tender inside while achieving a crispy exterior.
4. Control Heat for Perfect Searing
Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the steak. A hot skillet prevents the steak from steaming and promotes a beautiful sear.
5. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Cooking the steak in batches allows each piece to sear properly, rather than steaming due to overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking and texture.
6. Customize Your Herbs
Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
7. Ghee vs. Butter
Ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. However, you can substitute with clarified butter or olive oil if preferred.