How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? Let’s dive into How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan. This dish combines perfectly seared steak bites with a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan pasta, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that impresses friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute the steak type or pasta shape to suit your preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually appealing, perfect for entertaining.
• Satisfying Meal: This hearty recipe will fill you up without requiring any complicated techniques.

Tools and Preparation

To make these juicy steak bites, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly searing your steak bites.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures you can cook your pasta evenly while multitasking with the steak.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate measurements for seasoning and ingredients, leading to consistent results.

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Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz small pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)

How to Make How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites

Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta shells to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Plate creamy Parmesan shells with garlic butter steak bites on the side or mixed together. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

This recipe is sure to impress everyone at your dinner table! Enjoy your homemade juicy steak bites paired perfectly with creamy pasta!

How to Serve How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Serving your juicy steak bites is just as important as cooking them. With the right presentation and accompaniments, you can elevate this dish to a new level of enjoyment.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce.

Fresh Salad

• A light, crisp salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak bites.

Roasted Vegetables

• Colorful roasted vegetables add nutrition and texture, complementing the flavors on your plate.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base for the savory steak bites.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

• Consider pairing this dish with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice or a refreshing mocktail to enhance your dining experience.

How to Perfect How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Achieving perfection in your steak bites requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled cuts like ribeye or sirloin for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Pat Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear on the steak bites.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear in batches if necessary, as overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Control Your Heat: Start at medium-high heat for searing, then lower it when adding butter and garlic to prevent burning.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to tweak salt and pepper amounts according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Complement your juicy steak bites with delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a creamy texture with a hint of garlic.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Seasoned simply and grilled until tender, adding a fresh crunch beside the rich steak.
3. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy, these sprouts provide an earthy contrast to the buttery steak bites.
4. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs delivers a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with the main dish.
5. Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb option that can be sautéed lightly and tossed in olive oil for extra flavor.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they add sweetness that complements savory flavors.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of steak bites beautifully.
8. Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked until crispy, they offer a satisfying texture that goes well with any sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Skillet: When cooking steak bites, avoid placing them too close together in the skillet. This can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Skipping the Resting Time: After searing, letting the steak rest is essential. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Wait at least 5 minutes before cutting.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold steak from the fridge will not sear well. Make sure to let your meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for a better sear.

• Neglecting Pasta Water: If your sauce is too thick, remember to reserve pasta water. Adding a little can help achieve the desired consistency without losing flavor.

• Ignoring Sauce Timing: Don’t make your creamy Parmesan sauce too early. It should be made just before combining with pasta to maintain its richness and prevent it from thickening too much.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3–4 days for optimal flavor.

Freezing How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

• Place cooled steak bites and pasta in separate airtight containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; remember to label them with the date.

Reheating How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water and reheat the steak bites until warmed through, stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan Gluten-Free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that any added broth or sauces are also gluten-free.

Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for the Bites?

Yes! Cuts like flank steak or tenderloin can be used as alternatives depending on your preference and budget.

What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk blended with a little cornstarch for thickness.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Steak Bites?

Typically, steak bites take about 4-6 minutes total to cook depending on your desired doneness level.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for juicy steak bites with garlic butter & Parmesan offers rich flavors and quick preparation time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or using different cheeses for the sauce!