Who doesn't love a good steak? And when you combine juicy, tender steak bites with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, you've got a dish that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a mouthwatering recipe that's perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even a romantic dinner at home. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly easy to make.
Why Make This Delicious Dish
A perfect combination of tender steak and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The dish offers a balance of rich flavors while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It's versatile enough for both special occasions and family dinners, providing a luxurious dining experience without the complexity of traditional steak preparations.
Essential Ingredients For Success
- Sirloin Steak: High-quality cut, room temperature, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, patted dry
- Butter: 6 tablespoons total unsalted butter, divided (4 tbsp for garlic butter, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- Garlic: 4-5 fresh cloves, finely minced, divided for butter and sauce
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, room temperature for smooth sauce integration
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated, fine texture for optimal melting
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, high-quality for searing
- Seasonings: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh, finely chopped for garnish
Step By Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Garlic Butter
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat skillet to medium-high (400°F/200°C) with 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering. Place dried steak pieces in single layer, sear 2-3 minutes per side until brown crust forms. Internal temperature should reach 135°F/57°C for medium-rare.
- Create Parmesan Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Cook garlic 1 minute, add heavy cream and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish
- Pour garlic butter over seared steak, toss 1-2 minutes. Add Parmesan sauce, combine gently until heated through (about 1 minute). Sauce should coat back of spoon and steak should be medium-rare to medium.
Perfect Pairings and Serving
The dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, crisp green salad, or crusty French bread. For drinks, choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or crisp Chardonnay to complement the rich flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with citrus or unsweetened iced tea with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to maintain the steak's tenderness and sauce consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best cut of steak to use?
You can use filet, ribeye, or sirloin. Pick a tender cut that's well-marbled for the best results when making bite-sized pieces.
- → Why use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, making it better for high-heat cooking and searing steak without burning.
- → Can I make the blackened seasoning ahead?
Yes, mix up a larger batch and store it in an airtight container. It keeps well and can be used on other meats too.
- → How do I know when the cream sauce is ready?
The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, simmer a bit longer.
- → Can I prep any components ahead?
The mashed potatoes and seasoning can be made ahead. The steak and sauce are best made just before serving.