How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan is the perfect solution! This dish pairs succulent steak bites, seared to perfection, with creamy pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress both family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it great for any night of the week.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a deliciously indulgent taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad or vegetables.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleaning.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is sure to impress guests and family alike with its gourmet appeal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything prepared will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for searing the steak bites evenly, ensuring they’re cooked perfectly.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A must-have for preparing your pasta shells al dente before mixing them with the sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps keep ingredient amounts precise for optimal flavor balance.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for cutting steak into bite-sized pieces safely.

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.
1. Add the steak bites in a single layer.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

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

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
1. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Cook until thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Add reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

Plate creamy Parmesan shells alongside or mixed with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously easy meal!

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

Serving your juicy steak bites with garlic butter and Parmesan can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your guests or family.

Pair with Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus: A light and healthy option, grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the steak bites.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little greens become crispy and caramelized when roasted, adding a delightful crunch to your meal.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: This classic salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, offers a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a vibrant and flavorful side.

Include some Bread

• Garlic Bread: The perfect companion for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce from the steak bites.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls add a nice touch for mopping up sauces at the end of the meal.

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

Perfecting your garlic butter steak bites is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Removing moisture helps achieve a better sear on the steak bites.
• Sear in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.
• Use Unsalted Butter for Control: Opt for unsalted butter in both the garlic butter and creamy sauce to better control seasoning levels.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency Gradually: When thinning your sauce, add reserved pasta water slowly until you reach your desired thickness.
• Taste as You Go: Always sample your dish throughout preparation to adjust seasoning as needed.

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

Pairing side dishes with your juicy steak bites enhances the overall meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish well.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with steak.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits without overwhelming flavors.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that balances the richness of the steak.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and texture, making it a great counterpoint to rich dishes.
5. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad can be made with fresh veggies and herbs for added flavor.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements savory dishes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making juicy steak bites with garlic butter and Parmesan, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not Patting the Steak Dry: Moisture on the surface can prevent proper searing. Always pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many steak bites at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, resulting in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Skipping the Resting Period: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can release juices. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you season generously with salt and pepper to enhance taste.

• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Not all Parmesan is created equal. For a creamy sauce, use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover steak bites and pasta in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

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

• Freeze leftover steak bites separately from pasta for optimal texture.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place steak and pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of broth or water, and stir until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make juicy steak bites with garlic butter & Parmesan:

Can I use different cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes! You can use any cut of beef that you prefer. Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work well but feel free to experiment.

How do I know when my steak bites are done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

A fresh salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the creamy pasta nicely.

How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan leftovers taste great again?

Reheat gently using one of our recommended methods above and consider adding a bit more grated cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These juicy steak bites with garlic butter and Parmesan offer a delightful mix of flavors that will satisfy any craving. The recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give it a try for your next dinner!