Craving a steak dinner that’s easy to make and absolutely indulgent? These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are a one-skillet wonder! Tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, then paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, this recipe is both quick and impressive. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steak
- Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer (do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness (about 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium).
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter to coat. Transfer the steak bites and any drippings to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the steak bites back into the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the Parmesan cream sauce.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
- Room-Temperature Steak: Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the steak bites in batches prevents them from steaming, ensuring a perfect crust.
- Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest and most flavorful sauce. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine for a deeper flavor.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked steak bites. Remove them from the skillet slightly before your desired temperature, as they’ll continue to cook off the heat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the steak bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
- Chicken Option: Swap out the steak for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs for a lighter twist.
- Surf and Turf: Add seared shrimp to the skillet alongside the steak bites for an indulgent surf-and-turf dinner.
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms to the Parmesan cream sauce for an earthy flavor boost.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak bites over cauliflower mash or steamed broccoli instead of pasta or potatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a little heat.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.
2. What if my sauce is too thick?
If the Parmesan cream sauce becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese option.
4. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted asparagus, or a fresh Caesar salad all complement this dish beautifully.
5. Can I make this in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make the steak bites and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving.