Oh my gosh, you have to try these garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce! I swear, it’s become my go-to recipe when I need something fancy-tasting but ridiculously quick to make. The first time I whipped these up for date night, my husband thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen – little did he know it took barely 20 minutes from start to finish. That’s the magic of this dish – tender steak pieces bathed in garlicky butter, then drenched in the creamiest, cheesiest sauce that’ll have you licking the plate (no judgment here). As someone who’s tested dozens of steak recipes over the years, this one stands out because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to fuss!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Listen, I don’t just make these steak bites because they’re delicious (though oh boy, are they ever). I make them because they solve all my weeknight dinner problems in one sizzling skillet. Here’s why you’ll become obsessed too:
- 20 minutes flat – From fridge to plate faster than takeout
- That restaurant-quality wow factor – The parmesan cream sauce makes it feel fancy without the fuss
- One-pan wonder – Less dishes means more time for seconds
- Crazy versatile – Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or just grab a fork and go to town
- Perfect for impromptu guests – Looks and tastes like you planned it for hours
Trust me, once you see how easy it is to make something this good, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation like I did!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is you probably have half these ingredients in your kitchen already – and the rest are easy finds. Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly steak bites come to life:
- 1 lb sirloin steak – Cut into 1-inch cubes (my butcher does this for me to save time)
- 2 tbsp butter – The real deal, please! None of that margarine business
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced fine (I use my microplane for this – so much easier than chopping!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce luxuriously thick
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan – Freshly grated melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for more even seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you can
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect sear on the steak
- 1 tsp fresh parsley – Chopped fine (the pop of green makes it look fancy!)
See? Nothing crazy here – just simple ingredients that come together in the most magical way. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Alright, let’s get sizzling! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect too. The key is moving fast but not rushing – and trust me, once that garlic butter hits the pan, you’ll understand why this dish is so special.
Searing the Steak Bites
First things first – grab your favorite heavy skillet (I swear by my cast iron for this) and heat it over medium-high. Add that olive oil and let it get nice and shimmery – about 30 seconds should do it. Now toss in your steak bites in a single layer (don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of sear!) and let them work their magic for about 3-4 minutes total. You’re looking for that gorgeous brown crust – flip them when the undersides are caramelized. They’ll be medium-rare at this point, which is perfect since they’ll cook more in the sauce later. Remove them to a plate and try not to sneak too many bites!
Preparing the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens! In that same skillet (keep all those delicious brown bits!), melt your butter over medium heat. The second it’s melted, add your minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds – just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Now pour in your heavy cream and let it bubble gently for about a minute to thicken slightly. Sprinkle in that glorious parmesan cheese and whisk like your dinner depends on it (because it kinda does). The sauce should coat the back of a spoon – if it’s too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up.
Combining and Serving
Time for the grand finale! Return those beautiful steak bites to the skillet and toss them in that creamy sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Let everything mingle for about 30 seconds – just long enough to warm the steak through without overcooking it. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (it makes all the difference visually and flavor-wise) and serve immediately. I like to transfer everything to a warm serving dish because presentation matters, but honestly? Standing over the skillet with a crusty piece of bread is totally acceptable too!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take these steak bites from good to “can I have the recipe?” amazing. First, your steak choice matters – sirloin works great, but if you want to splurge, ribeye bites are *chef’s kiss*. Just make sure whatever cut you use is well-marbled and about 1-inch thick before cubing.
Here’s my golden rule: don’t touch the steak bites while they’re searing! Let them develop that beautiful crust before flipping. And whatever you do, resist the urge to keep cooking them once they’re back in the sauce – they’ll go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. If your sauce seems too thin, sprinkle in a little extra parmesan while whisking. Too thick? A splash of the pasta water you were smart enough to save fixes it right up.
Oh! And always use fresh garlic – that jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same punch. Trust me on this one – these little details make all the difference between “meh” and “more please!”
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Now let’s talk about the best part – what to serve with these heavenly steak bites! Personally, I’m all about crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce (a warm baguette works wonders). But here are my other go-to pairings:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – The ultimate comfort food combo
- Buttered egg noodles – Simple and perfect for sauce lovers
- Roasted asparagus – A fresh green contrast to the rich flavors
- Simple arugula salad – The peppery greens balance the dish beautifully
Honestly though? Sometimes I just serve them in a bowl with toothpicks – because when something’s this good, who needs sides?
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers of these steak bites are rare in my house. But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep them tasty! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – any longer and the steak starts to toughen up. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each. My favorite trick? Warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Just don’t let it boil or the sauce might separate on you!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these garlic butter steak bites – here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for its balance of flavor and value, ribeye or filet mignon bites will make this dish extra special. Just avoid super lean cuts like flank steak – you want that marbling for juicy results. Understanding different steak cuts can really elevate your cooking!
Q: My sauce is too thin/thick – help!
Don’t panic! If it’s thin, let it simmer a bit longer while whisking. Too thick? Add a splash of milk or broth (about 1 tbsp at a time) until it’s perfect. Remember – the sauce thickens as it cools too!
Q: Any dairy-free options?
You can try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. It won’t be identical, but still tasty! Just know the sauce won’t get quite as velvety.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
You can cube the steak and mince the garlic in advance, but cook it fresh for best texture. The sauce reheats okay, but the steak gets tough if cooked twice.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving of these indulgent steak bites (based on the recipe as written): about 520 calories, 42g of protein, and all that garlicky, buttery goodness. But remember – these are just estimates! Exact numbers can vary depending on your specific ingredients and how generous you are with that parmesan (no judgment from me). As with any rich dish, enjoy these as part of a balanced diet – though I won’t blame you if you occasionally make a meal out of them alone! For more information on general healthy eating guidelines, check out the CDC.
Print
20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce is a quick and flavorful dish. Tender steak pieces are seared in garlic butter and served with a rich parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a high-quality cut of steak for best results.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, parmesan cream sauce, quick steak recipe