Description: This recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender, perfectly seared steak bites and golden, crispy potatoes, all coated in a rich and fragrant garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner option that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll absolutely adore this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe for its incredible flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s a complete meal in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness. The combination of juicy, perfectly seared steak and crispy, garlicky potatoes is simply irresistible. The recipe is also easily adaptable to your preferences – swap out the steak for chicken or sausage, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. The best part is how quickly it comes together, meaning you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
Introduction
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes. The name alone is enough to make your mouth water, isn’t it? This recipe is all about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine succulent, bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak, seared to perfection with a beautiful golden-brown crust, giving way to a juicy and tender interior. Now picture those steak bites nestled amongst a bed of crispy, golden Yukon Gold potatoes, each cube infused with the savory aroma of garlic, thyme, and oregano. The whole dish is bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
This isn’t just another steak and potatoes recipe; it’s an elevated version that prioritizes ease and speed without sacrificing flavor. We’re skipping the tedious process of grilling a whole steak or roasting potatoes in the oven. Instead, we’re using a single cast iron skillet to achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort. The high heat of the skillet ensures a beautiful sear on the steak, locking in all the juices and creating that irresistible crust. The potatoes are cooked alongside, absorbing the flavorful rendered fat from the steak and becoming wonderfully crispy and golden.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great option for casual weekend dinners when you’re looking for something comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, grab your cast iron skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 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, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 ¼ lb sirloin steak, cut into ½ inch cubes
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Skillet and Initial Cooking Fat
Begin by placing a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up gradually. This is crucial for achieving a good sear on both the potatoes and the steak bites. Add the olive oil and two tablespoons of the ghee (or butter) to the preheated pan. The combination of olive oil and ghee (or butter) provides a high smoke point, preventing the fat from burning, while also imparting a rich, nutty flavor. Allow the ghee/butter to melt completely and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Once the ghee/butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully add the Yukon Gold potatoes, which have been previously cut into ½ inch cubes. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the potatoes in the pan. These aromatics will infuse the potatoes with a delightful savory flavor. Cook the potatoes for approximately 2-3 minutes, allowing them to begin to brown on the bottom before stirring. Then, stir the potatoes thoroughly and continue to cook until they are golden brown and fork-tender, which should take around 8-10 minutes.
Important Note: The cooking time for the potatoes will vary depending on the size of the potato cubes and how crowded they are in the pan. If the potatoes are too crowded, they will steam instead of browning. Ensure you have enough space in the skillet or cook the potatoes in batches. Stir frequently, approximately every 1-2 minutes, to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even browning on all sides. This frequent stirring also helps to release the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which will contribute to the overall depth of flavor in the dish. Once the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the pan along with any browned bits and set them aside in a bowl. Don’t clean the skillet; those browned bits are flavor gold!
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Increase the heat under the cast iron skillet to medium-high. This higher heat is necessary to achieve a good sear on the steak bites. Add the remaining two tablespoons of ghee (or butter) to the pan. Allow the ghee/butter to melt completely and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly. Once the ghee/butter is melted and shimmering, carefully add the sirloin steak pieces, which have been previously cut into ½ inch cubes, to the hot skillet. Season the steak pieces with a dash of sea salt and ground black pepper. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, sear the steak bites in batches to ensure proper browning.
Cook the steak bites for at least 2 minutes without stirring. This allows a beautiful sear to develop on the bottom of the steak, creating a flavorful crust. After 2 minutes, stir the steak pieces and continue to cook until they are golden brown on all sides, approximately 1-2 minutes more. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak bites and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130-135°F. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will become tough.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Once the steak bites are seared to perfection, add the cooked potatoes back to the skillet with the steak. Stir gently to combine the steak and potatoes, ensuring that the potatoes are coated in the flavorful rendered fat from the steak. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and satisfying one-pan meal!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: Easy
- Flavor: Excellent
- Time: Quick
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a complete meal on its own.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus.
Tips:
- Use high-quality sirloin steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Cut the steak and potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak and potatoes. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and heat retention.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak. This ensures a good sear.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, chives, or even a dash of smoked paprika would be delicious additions.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the pan while the steak is searing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 550
Protein: 45g
Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with the right techniques, can create an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, and fragrant garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s quick, easy, and sure to please the whole family. So, ditch the takeout and whip up a batch of these Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes tonight. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin steak is a great choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can easily substitute it with other cuts of beef such as ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times. For example, a thicker cut like ribeye might need a minute or two longer per side to reach your desired level of doneness. Also, tougher cuts like flank steak benefit from being marinated beforehand to tenderize the meat.
Q2: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can! Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely, but other potatoes like red potatoes or even russet potatoes can be used. Red potatoes will have a slightly waxier texture and won’t get quite as crispy, while russet potatoes will be more starchy and will tend to fall apart a bit more during cooking. If using russet potatoes, be sure to cut them into slightly larger cubes to help them hold their shape.
Q3: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Garlic can burn easily if exposed to high heat for too long. To prevent this, add the minced garlic to the skillet after the potatoes have been cooking for a few minutes. This will allow the potatoes to develop a slight crust and protect the garlic from direct heat. Also, stir the garlic frequently to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this recipe is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. For example, you can cut the steak and potatoes into cubes earlier in the day and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also mince the garlic and measure out the herbs and spices. However, it’s best to cook the steak and potatoes right before serving to ensure that they are perfectly seared and crispy.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! This recipe is easily customizable to include your favorite vegetables. Some great additions would be sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the potatoes, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure that they are cooked through but not overcooked.
