This one-pan Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes. Tender sirloin steak cubes and perfectly seasoned potatoes are cooked to perfection in aromatic garlic butter with fresh herbs, creating a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The combination of tender, juicy steak bites and crispy-edged potatoes creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with rich, savory goodness, while fresh thyme and rosemary add an aromatic herb finish that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. You can have this complete meal on the table in under 30 minutes using just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The steak bites cook quickly and evenly, ensuring each piece is perfectly tender, while the potatoes develop a beautiful golden crust that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or feeding the whole family, this recipe scales easily and never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee, divided
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped, divided
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes:
Creating perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is all about timing and temperature control. The key is to cook the potatoes first since they take longer, then add the steak for quick searing to maintain tenderness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed potatoes in a single layer, season with half the salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust. Flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden on multiple sides.
Step 2: Add Aromatics to Potatoes Push potatoes to one side of the pan and add half the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon rosemary to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss with the potatoes. Transfer the potato mixture to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Steak Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan and increase heat to high. Once the butter is melted and slightly browned, add the steak bites in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites Sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes without moving them, allowing a beautiful crust to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust timing based on your preferred doneness. Add the remaining garlic, thyme, and rosemary during the last minute of cooking.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Return the cooked potatoes to the pan with the steak bites. Toss everything together gently to coat with the garlic butter and herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Helpful Tips:
Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin steak works beautifully for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin for even more tenderness. Avoid lean cuts like eye of round, as they can become tough when cooked quickly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing, which prevents the development of that delicious caramelized crust.
Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure about doneness. For medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Potato Preparation: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and develop a creamy interior with crispy edges.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be substituted, fresh thyme and rosemary provide superior flavor and aroma. Use about 1/3 the amount if substituting with dried herbs.
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4-6 people Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe serves 4-6 people generously and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. The cooking method ensures that both the steak and potatoes are cooked to perfection, with the steak remaining tender and juicy while the potatoes achieve that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Notes:
Steak Doneness Guide: For medium-rare steak bites, cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Add 30-60 seconds per side for medium, or reduce cooking time for rare. Remember that the steak will continue cooking slightly after removal from heat.
Butter vs. Ghee: Both work excellently in this recipe. Ghee has a higher smoke point and adds a slightly nutty flavor, while regular butter provides classic rich taste. If using ghee, you may be able to achieve better browning at higher temperatures.
Make-Ahead Option: You can cut the potatoes and steak up to 4 hours ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking for best results.
Wine Pairing: This rich, savory dish pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes? A: Yes, but Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes also work well, while russets may break apart more easily during cooking.
Q: How do I know when the steak bites are done? A: For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F. The exterior should be nicely browned while the interior remains pink and juicy. Cooking time is typically 2-3 minutes per side for 1-inch cubes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and temperature. However, you can prep ingredients in advance and cook just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? A: You can substitute with dried herbs using about 1/3 the amount. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to develop.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables with the potatoes and quicker-cooking ones with the steak.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The quality is best when consumed within 2 days.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Avoid overheating to prevent the steak from becoming tough.
Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of both the potatoes and steak will be compromised upon thawing. The steak may become tough and the potatoes can become mushy.
Best Practices: If you must store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before refrigerating. When reheating, add a small amount of butter or oil to help restore moisture and prevent sticking.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be achieved in your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of perfectly seared steak bites and golden, herb-infused potatoes creates a complete meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and fine dining expectations.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, a family weeknight meal, or entertaining guests, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes deliver consistent, impressive results every time. The aromatic garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs, transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Remember that the key to success with this recipe is proper timing and temperature control. Don’t rush the process – allow the potatoes to develop their golden crust and the steak to sear properly for the best texture and flavor. With practice, you’ll find this becomes one of your go-to recipes for any occasion that calls for something both elegant and comforting.
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