How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Craving juicy steak bites with garlic butter & Parmesan? This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With tender steak seared to perfection and creamy pasta, you’ll impress your guests or treat yourself to a delightful meal. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish that marries rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepare this meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a rich, savory sauce that elevates the steak bites.
• Versatile Dish: Great for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining friends.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: Creamy pasta paired with succulent steak will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy delicious leftovers that can be reheated without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make these juicy steak bites with garlic butter & Parmesan, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing the steak evenly, ensuring a perfect crust.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Necessary for cooking the pasta to al dente perfection without sticking together.
• Cutting board: A stable surface to safely cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps make clean cuts of meat and vegetables.

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 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. Enjoy your delicious meal!

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

Serving your juicy steak bites is just as important as making them. The right presentation can elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Greens

• Use a side of mixed greens or arugula lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing contrast.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Toast slices of bread with garlic butter for a delicious accompaniment that complements the rich flavors of the steak bites.

Add a Side of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus brings out their natural sweetness and pairs nicely with the savory steak.

Create a Platter

• Arrange the steak bites on a large platter alongside pasta shells and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley for an appealing presentation.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Include sauces such as chimichurri or a creamy ranch dressing to add different flavor profiles that guests can enjoy.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top your dish with additional chopped parsley or even chives to add color and freshness to the plate.

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

To achieve the perfect juicy steak bites, focus on technique and timing. Here are some essential tips to help you master this recipe.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality cuts like sirloin or ribeye. They provide better flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.

• Pat Dry Before Cooking: Make sure to pat the steak pieces dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear the steak in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in less browning.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check doneness by using a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, ensuring perfectly cooked bites every time.

• Let It Rest: Allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices, keeping them tender and flavorful.

• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your creamy sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired texture.

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

Complementing your juicy steak bites with delicious side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent suggestions that pair well:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that enhances the hearty flavors of steak.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess, balancing out the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection brings a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with steak bites.

4. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients while providing a mild complement to the dish’s richness.

5. Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta serves as an excellent base for soaking up savory juices from both the steak and sauce.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with savory flavors, offering a nutritious addition to your meal.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned simply bring depth and texture alongside your main dish.

8. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can provide refreshing acidity that brightens up each bite of steak, making it an ideal companion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking steak bites can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfectly juicy steak bites.

• Ignoring the Resting Time: Failing to let the steak rest after cooking can lead to dry meat. Always allow your steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many steak pieces at once can lower the pan temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect golden crust.

• Not Preheating the Skillet: Cooking in a cold skillet prevents a good sear. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak bites for optimal browning.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality steak or butter can affect the flavor of your dish. Invest in good cuts of meat and fresh ingredients for the best taste.

• Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season your steak bites properly will result in bland flavors. Don’t hold back on salt and spices; they enhance the overall dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover steak bites and pasta in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow food to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

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

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

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

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

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot. Stir occasionally.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil, then add leftovers. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still curious about how to make juicy steak bites with garlic butter & parmesan, check out these frequently asked questions.

How do I choose the best cut of steak for steak bites?

For juicy steak bites, cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work wonderfully. These cuts have good marbling and tenderness when cooked properly.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While small pasta shells are great, feel free to substitute with penne or farfalle based on your preference.

How long does it take to cook the steak bites?

Searing each side should take about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.

What if I want a spicier kick?

To amp up the heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during cooking for added texture and nutrition. Experiment with different herbs too!

Final Thoughts

This recipe for how to make juicy steak bites with garlic butter & parmesan is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences!