Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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Craving something rich, savory, and quick to make? These Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are your answer to an indulgent dinner without the fuss. Each bite is seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a silky, cheesy sauce infused with roasted garlic and a touch of cream. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for special occasions or just a Tuesday night when you want something that hits all the comforting notes. Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies and you have a complete meal that feels gourmet but tastes like home.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting your tools in order before you cook makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing steak to get that gorgeous crust while keeping the center tender.
  • Tongs: Essential for turning steak bites quickly without piercing them (to retain juices).
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: For precise, clean cuts of your steak into even bites.
  • Garlic Press or Microplane: Helps extract maximum flavor from fresh garlic.
  • Medium Saucepan: To create the luscious creamy parmesan sauce without burning it.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle enough for stirring sauces without scraping your pan.

Taking a few minutes to prep your tools ensures everything goes smoothly, especially since this recipe cooks fast. Timing is everything with steak bites!


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Ingredients for the Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin): You want a cut that stays tender and juicy when quickly seared. Ribeye is rich and marbled, while sirloin is leaner but flavorful.
  • Garlic Cloves: The backbone of the flavor profile. Garlic infuses both the butter and sauce with deep, aromatic warmth.
  • Unsalted Butter: Used to sear the steak and form the garlic butter base. It adds richness without overpowering the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: The silky base for the parmesan sauce. Cream smooths out the flavors and provides luscious texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce. Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning during the initial sear.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: The classic duo for seasoning the steak just right.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbal finish that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

How To Make the Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Cut it into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes for even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add steak bites in batches. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Stir frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes more to warm everything through. Garnish with chopped parsley.


How to Serve and Store Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Serve these juicy steak bites hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic-parmesan sauce. Add a side of roasted asparagus or a simple green salad to round it out.

If you have leftovers, let the steak bites cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak rubbery and overcook the sauce.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Avoid overcooking. Sear quickly on high heat, just until browned. Let them rest after searing to retain juices.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin, tenderloin, or strip steak all work. Just avoid tougher cuts like stew meat unless you’re marinating first.

Is it possible to make the sauce without cream?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk, though the flavor will shift.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can chop the steak and make the sauce a few hours ahead. Store both separately in the fridge, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec balances the richness of the sauce and enhances the steak’s bold flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not ideal because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. If needed, freeze the steak bites separately from the sauce and reheat gently.


Want More Steak and Savory Dinner Ideas?

Love these Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce? You might also crave the comfort of the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew—a warming, slow-simmered meal that’s big on flavor.

For something with a pasta twist, try my One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta. It has all the richness of this dish but tossed with tender noodles.

If you want a bite-sized variation with Italian flair, the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a crowd-pleaser. Or go for a comforting pasta casserole like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a baked twist.

Looking for a bold flavor profile? Buffalo Chicken Lasagna might not have steak, but it checks all the boxes when it comes to creamy, spicy satisfaction.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your savory dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you finish it with a spicy twist? Serve it over pasta or mash? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to see how you plate it.

For more daily recipes, check out my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest and follow along for fresh ideas every week.


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Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are seared to perfection and coated in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream. It’s an easy and elegant dinner ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for pairing with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread for an indulgent, steakhouse-style meal at home.


Ingredients

1.5 lbs steak (ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized cubes

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Pat the steak dry and cut into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

3. Sear the steak bites in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan and let the sauce thicken for 3–5 minutes.

6. Return steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For ultra-tender steak bites, make sure your pan is hot before searing and don’t overcrowd it — sear in batches.

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce — pre-shredded cheese can clump.

A splash of beef broth can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during reheating.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: steak bites, creamy garlic sauce, parmesan steak, easy dinner

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