Garlic Butter Steak Bites

This gourmet garlic butter steak bites recipe transforms ordinary steak into a restaurant-quality meal that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests. The combination of tender steak bites smothered in a rich parmesan cream sauce atop cheesy mashed potatoes creates the ultimate comfort food experience with an elegant twist.

I first made this dish when trying to recreate my favorite steakhouse experience at home during the pandemic. What started as an experiment has become our family's go-to celebration meal, requested for birthdays and anniversaries alike.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs steak: filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc. Choose a high-quality cut with good marbling for the most tender result
• 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil: Has a high smoke point, perfect for searing steak at high temperatures
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided: Use unsalted to control the overall salt level in the dish
• 10 cloves garlic, minced and divided: Fresh garlic provides incomparable flavor compared to pre-minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously rich base for the parmesan sauce
• 2 green onions, diced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat
• 2/3 cup parmesan, grated: Use freshly grated for the smoothest melting and best flavor
• 4 lbs russet potatoes: Their high starch content creates the fluffiest mashed potatoes
• 1 cup half and half, warmed: Warming prevents the potatoes from cooling too quickly
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Creates silky smooth potatoes when combined with half and half
• 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded: Adds a creamy mildness that complements the parmesan sauce
• Homemade blackened seasoning blend: Creates a complex flavor profile with notes of smokiness and heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

Cut your steak into uniform 2-3 inch pieces ensuring they cook evenly. Massage the avocado oil into the meat first; this helps the blackened seasoning adhere better. Apply the seasoning liberally, covering all sides, and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes; this brings the meat to room temperature and lets the flavors penetrate.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and quarter your potatoes, then soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step removes excess starch, which prevents gummy mashed potatoes. After soaking, drain thoroughly and place in a large pot covered with cold salted water. Starting with cold water ensures even cooking from the inside out.

Sear the Steak:

Heat your largest, heaviest skillet, preferably cast iron, until it’s almost smoking. Add the avocado oil, which should shimmer immediately. Place the steak pieces with space between them; never overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a full 2 minutes to develop a beautiful crust before flipping for another minute.

Create the Garlic Butter Coating:

Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter and a tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, swirl the pan to combine with the garlic, allowing the aroma to bloom but not burn. Return the steak to this mixture and gently toss to coat each piece in the fragrant garlic butter. Remove and tent with foil to keep warm while retaining the juices.

Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

In the same skillet, using all those wonderful flavor remnants from the steak, melt the remaining butter with the rest of the minced garlic. When fragrant, slowly whisk in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken, then add the red pepper flakes, green onions, and parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Finish the Mashed Potatoes:

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate excess moisture. Add the warmed half and half and melted butter, then mash until smooth, but be careful not to overmix. Fold in the monterey jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.

Assemble the Dish:

Create a generous bed of the cheesy mashed potatoes on each plate. Arrange the steak bites atop the potatoes, then lavishly spoon the parmesan cream sauce over everything. Serve immediately for the most luxurious dining experience.

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The homemade blackened seasoning is truly what makes this dish spectacular. I keep a jar on hand at all times after discovering how much depth it adds to everything from steak to roasted vegetables. My husband has been known to literally lick his plate clean when I serve this dish, a true testament to its deliciousness.

Making The Perfect Steak Bite

The most common mistake when cooking steak bites is overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets proper searing space. The goal is to create a beautiful crust on the outside while maintaining a juicy medium to medium-rare interior. For best results, let your steak come to room temperature before cooking and rest for at least five minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Customizing Your Blackened Seasoning

The beauty of making your own blackened seasoning is the ability to adjust the heat level to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper by half. For a smokier profile, increase the smoked paprika and add a pinch of cumin. Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container for up to three months. This versatile blend works beautifully on chicken, fish, and even roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider adding a simple green vegetable like roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans to balance the richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast. For a special occasion, pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that can stand up to the rich flavors of the steak and cream sauce.

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk in the microwave or stovetop. For the steak and sauce, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, being careful not to overcook the steak. Add a splash of cream to revive the sauce if it has thickened too much in storage.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Filet, ribeye, and sirloin all work well for this dish. Choose a tender cut with good marbling for the juiciest results. Ribeye offers rich flavor, filet is exceptionally tender, and sirloin provides a good balance of tenderness and flavor at a lower price point.

→ Can I prepare the blackened seasoning in advance?

Yes! The homemade blackened seasoning can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep quicker and ensures you have this versatile spice blend ready for other dishes as well.

→ How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

To keep the steak tender, avoid overcooking it. Follow the timing in the instructions carefully, and let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking. The quick searing method helps maintain juiciness, and allowing the cooked steak to rest under foil helps retain moisture.

→ Can I substitute the parmesan cream sauce ingredients?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it won't be as rich. For dairy restrictions, a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast can replace the cream and parmesan, but the texture and flavor will differ. The red pepper flakes can be reduced or omitted to lower the spice level.

→ What sides pair well with these steak bites?

While the dish already includes cheesy mashed potatoes, other great pairings include roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli. For a lighter option, you could serve the steak bites over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

For best results, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. The blackened seasoning and mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead and reheated. The steak should be cooked fresh, but you can prepare the cream sauce earlier and gently reheat it, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the consistency.