Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a quick, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy steak bites and golden, crispy potatoes are cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce. With minimal prep and just one skillet, this recipe is both easy and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, with just one pan to clean.
Bold Flavors: A rich garlic butter sauce elevates the steak and potatoes.
Customizable: Add vegetables or spices for your personal touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

¼ cup ghee or butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Steak

1¼ lb sirloin steak, cut into ½-inch cubes
Additional salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

Freshly chopped parsley

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools

Cast Iron Skillet: For excellent heat retention and perfect searing.
Sharp Knife: For evenly cutting steak and potatoes.
Wooden Spoon or Tongs: For stirring and flipping the ingredients.

Preparation Tips

Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon golds are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, but red potatoes or baby potatoes work too.
Pat the Steak Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures a perfect sear.
Cut Even Pieces: Cube the steak and potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the Pan

Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons ghee to the skillet. Let the ghee melt completely.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Add the potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer.
Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust.
Stir the potatoes and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, stirring every 1–2 minutes, until they are golden brown and fork-tender.
Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sear the Steak

Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons ghee and let it melt.
Add the steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to achieve a good sear.
Stir the steak bites and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness.

4. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked potatoes back to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine and heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.

Serving Suggestion

Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce!

This quick and satisfying dish is now ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions

1. Complete the Meal

Green Salad: Serve with a light mixed greens salad tossed in a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and nutrients.
Garlic Bread: Add a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

2. Comfort Food Pairings

Mashed Potatoes: If you’re a potato lover, swap the skillet potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes to double up on comfort.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the steak and garlic butter sauce over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Pasta: Toss the steak and potatoes with buttered noodles or spaghetti for an Italian-inspired twist.

3. Light and Refreshing Sides

Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a touch of dill and vinegar is refreshing alongside the rich flavors.
Pickled Vegetables: Lightly pickled carrots, onions, or radishes add a zesty contrast.
Steamed Veggies: Steam some zucchini or snap peas to keep the meal light and fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcrowding the Pan

Mistake: Cooking too much at once causes steaming instead of browning.
Solution: Cook in batches if needed to allow the potatoes and steak to develop a crispy, golden crust.

2. Uneven Searing

Mistake: Stirring the steak or potatoes too often can prevent a proper sear.
Solution: Let the steak and potatoes sit undisturbed for at least 2–3 minutes before stirring to ensure caramelization.

3. Undercooked Potatoes

Mistake: Potatoes that are too large or overcrowded can take longer to cook.
Solution: Cut the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes and give them plenty of space in the skillet.

4. Burned Garlic

Mistake: Cooking garlic on high heat can cause it to burn and become bitter.
Solution: Add minced garlic with the potatoes on medium heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching.

5. Tough Steak Bites

Mistake: Overcooking steak can lead to a chewy texture.
Solution: Cook the steak quickly on high heat and aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Healthy Additions

Sauteed Spinach: Toss spinach with a little olive oil and garlic for a nutrient-packed side.
Cauliflower Rice: Swap potatoes with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

2. Decadent Sides

Creamed Corn: A rich and creamy side that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter.
Mac and Cheese: A cheesy side dish that’s always a hit with steak.

3. Appetizers or Starters

Shrimp Skewers: Garlic butter shrimp make a great appetizer to complement this dish.
Charcuterie Board: A small platter of meats, cheeses, and olives can set the tone for a gourmet meal.

Tips for Success

Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Pre-cut the steak and potatoes, and have all seasonings ready to ensure smooth cooking.
Don’t Skimp on the Ghee: The ghee or butter is key to the rich flavor and golden crust, so don’t hold back.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Add salt and pepper at the end to fine-tune the flavor to your liking.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme and oregano work well, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavors.
Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best hot off the skillet when the steak is tender and the potatoes are crispy.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes will be a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Recipe Tips

1. Use the Right Pan

A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe. It retains heat well, allowing the steak and potatoes to brown evenly. If using a nonstick pan, monitor the heat to prevent sticking.

2. Let the Steak Rest

For the juiciest steak, let the cubes rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.

3. Prep Ingredients Ahead

Have everything—potatoes cubed, steak seasoned, and spices measured—ready before heating the skillet to avoid overcooking or burning anything.

4. Customize Your Seasonings

Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor.
Substitute rosemary for thyme if you prefer a more aromatic herb profile.

5. Stir Sparingly

Resist the urge to constantly stir the steak and potatoes. Allow them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve that golden crust.

Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating

Skillet Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftovers for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

3. Freezing

While freezing cooked steak and potatoes is not ideal due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the raw, seasoned steak cubes separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking fresh with potatoes.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?

Yes! Ribeye, New York strip, or tenderloin are excellent alternatives to sirloin. Choose well-marbled cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.

2. What If I Don’t Have Ghee?

Unsalted butter is a perfect substitute for ghee. You can also use clarified butter for a similar flavor profile.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that any pre-packaged seasonings are certified gluten-free.

4. How Do I Keep the Potatoes Crispy?

Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer in the pan to allow proper browning.
Avoid over-stirring while cooking.

5. Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans. Cook them in the same skillet after the potatoes or with the steak for the last 2–3 minutes.

6. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can partially cook the potatoes in advance and finish them with the steak just before serving.
Pre-cut and season the steak to save prep time.

7. How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Steak?

Cook the steak on high heat for a short time to sear the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).

8. Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add a delicious sweetness to balance the savory steak and garlic butter. Keep in mind they may cook faster than Yukon gold potatoes.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. The combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, and rich garlic butter sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving it with a fresh salad or alongside roasted vegetables, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!