The moment you lift the lid, the kitchen fills with a savory garlic and steak aroma, and the sight of caramelized golden bits in the pan is pure comfort.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want restaurant quality flavor without the restaurant bill, and it comes together in just minutes.
SaveI first made this for a chilly Tuesday night and my family asked for the recipe right as I was scraping the last bites from the pan.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Steak Bites
Parmesan Cream Sauce
To Serve
Instructions
- Pat steak dry and season
Use paper towels to remove surface moisture from the steak pieces, then toss with salt and pepper so the surface can brown quickly in the pan.
- Sear the steak bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another minute for tender bite sized pieces.
- Add garlic and butter
Lower the heat to medium, push steak to the sides, add 2 tablespoons butter, sliced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring until the butter foams and the garlic turns fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan
Pour in white wine if using, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon until the wine reduces by half and the pan smells toasty.
- Make the roux
Sprinkle the flour over the steak and garlic, stir for about 30 seconds to coat everything and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Stir in cream
Gradually whisk in heavy cream until fully combined, then bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Finish the sauce
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter if you want a richer sauce, and taste for seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Combine and garnish
Return the steak bites to the pan to warm through, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and spoon the glossy sauce over the top so every piece is coated.
- Rest briefly before serving
Let the steak rest in the sauce for 2 minutes off heat so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Serve immediately
Ladle the steak bites with plenty of sauce over rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread, making sure each serving gets some of the creamy browned bits from the pan.
Substitutions and variations
- Use panko on the steak for a light crispy coating, or skip it for a simple sear.
- Swap sirloin for tenderloin if you prefer a leaner cut, or use ribeye for extra marbling.
- Replace white wine with beef broth for a non alcoholic version.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter option.
Chloe's tips
- Do not crowd the pan; sear in batches if needed so each piece has room to develop a golden crust.
- For deeper flavor, use homemade beef stock in the sauce instead of water.
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even searing.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of stock or cream while stirring.
How to store it
- Cool quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce.
Serving suggestions
Serve the steak hot with a side that soaks up every last drop of that creamy garlic sauce.
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Garlic roasted baby potatoes
- Grilled asparagus with lemon
- Crusty dinner rolls
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead for company?
Yes, sear and cook the steak through, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and finish the sauce right before serving so the texture stays lush.
What if I do not have white wine?
Use beef broth instead, or add a squeeze of lemon juice with a splash of water for brightness.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely, flank, skirt, or tenderloin all work; just cut them into uniform bite sized pieces and adjust cook time to keep them tender.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium rare, or a few degrees higher if you prefer it more well done.
Let's get cooking!
This garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan cream sauce is the kind of dish that feels special but still fits into a weeknight, so go ahead and make it tonight, your family will ask for seconds.
