Garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan cream sauce are a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seared steak pieces coated in a buttery garlic sauce, served with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fancy meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich and creamy – The Parmesan sauce adds an indulgent touch
- Perfectly tender steak – Juicy, bite-sized pieces packed with flavor
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies
- Restaurant-quality at home – Enjoy a gourmet meal with simple ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Steak Bites:
- Sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Steak Bites:
- Season the steak – Toss the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the steak – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat.
Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- Melt butter – In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce – Pour in heavy cream and stir. Add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve:
- Plate the steak bites – Arrange the steak on a plate or over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Drizzle with sauce – Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish and enjoy – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
- Mushroom Sauce: Sauté mushrooms before making the Parmesan sauce.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter.
- Different Cheeses: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the steak.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work best for tender, juicy bites.
How do I prevent my steak from becoming tough?
Sear it quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Medium-rare to medium is ideal.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the sauce?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
This recipe is naturally low in carbs—just serve with a keto-friendly side like cauliflower mash.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw completely before cooking for the best texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
What’s the best way to get a good sear on the steak bites?
Pat the steak dry before seasoning, use a hot pan, and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan cream sauce are an irresistible combination of juicy, seared steak and a rich, cheesy sauce. Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a gourmet meal at home. Try different variations and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner in minutes!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection, tossed in a savory garlic butter, and smothered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting and indulgent dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Generously season the bite-sized steak pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, brown crust and are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the Parmesan cream sauce to ensure they are well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the steak through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Steak Selection: While sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, other tender cuts such as ribeye or tenderloin can also be used.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lower-carb option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.