Description:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a simple, yet delicious one-pan meal that combines tender, perfectly seared steak bites with golden-brown, herb-infused potatoes, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup ghee or butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 ¼ lb sirloin steak, cut into ½ inch cubes
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Potato Prep: Wash and dry the Yukon gold potatoes. Cut them into consistent ½-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is crucial for even cooking, ensuring that all the potato pieces become tender at the same rate. Mince the garlic cloves and measure out the dried thyme and oregano. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go streamlines the cooking process and helps prevent any delays or mishaps along the way.
Step 2: Steak Prep: Pat the sirloin steak dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a good sear. Excess moisture on the surface of the steak can inhibit browning, leading to a steamed, rather than seared, result. Cut the steak into ½-inch cubes. Again, consistency in size is important for even cooking.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. The cast iron skillet is preferred for its excellent heat retention and distribution, which is vital for searing the steak and browning the potatoes. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan will work as a substitute. Add the olive oil and two tablespoons of the ghee or butter to the pan. The combination of olive oil and ghee/butter provides a high smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes: Once the ghee is melted and shimmering, add the potato cubes to the pan. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper over the potatoes. The garlic, thyme, and oregano infuse the potatoes with aromatic flavors, while the salt and pepper enhance their natural taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This initial period of undisturbed cooking allows the potatoes to begin browning on one side, creating a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Continue Cooking Potatoes: Stir the potatoes and continue to cook until they are golden brown and fork tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently, about every 1-2 minutes, to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on all sides. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato cubes and the heat of your stove. Test for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should be tender and offer little resistance.
Step 4: Remove Potatoes and Sear Steak: Remove the potatoes and any browned bits from the pan and set them aside. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the finished dish. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining two tablespoons of ghee or butter to the pan. Once melted, add the steak pieces to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Season the steak with a dash of salt and pepper. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the steak from searing properly.
Step 5: Sear the Steak: Cook the steak pieces for at least 2 minutes before stirring them. This allows the steak to develop a deep, flavorful sear on one side. Stir and continue to cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking the steak; you want it to be seared on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside for optimal tenderness.
Step 6: Combine and Serve: Add the potatoes back to the pan with the steak and stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a winner because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic butter, herbs, and perfectly seared steak is simply irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup, and it’s versatile enough to be customized with different herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover steak or potatoes.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Relatively easy, but requires some attention to detail.)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Incredibly flavorful and satisfying.)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (A delicious and convenient meal that’s sure to impress.)
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot pairs well with this dish.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the potatoes and steak in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.
- Pat the Steak Dry: Pat the steak dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a good sear.
- Use a Hot Pan: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak to get a nice sear.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Avoid overcooking the steak; you want it to be seared on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside for optimal tenderness.
- Customize with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Rosemary, paprika, or chili flakes would all be great additions.
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for a more complete meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
Please note that these are approximate values and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender steak, golden-brown potatoes, and flavorful garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to make it your own!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for its balance of flavor and tenderness, you can definitely substitute it with other cuts of steak. Ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak (cut against the grain) would work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and cut of the steak. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness to ensure the steak remains tender and juicy.
Q2: What if I don’t have ghee? Can I use only butter?
A2: Yes, you can definitely use only butter if you don’t have ghee on hand. Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter, which makes it ideal for searing at higher temperatures without burning. However, butter will still work perfectly fine, just be mindful of the temperature and don’t let it get too hot and start to brown too quickly. You can also use a combination of butter and olive oil to raise the smoke point slightly.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: While the steak bites and potatoes are best served immediately for optimal texture, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can chop the potatoes and steak ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also mince the garlic and measure out the herbs and spices. However, I would recommend searing the steak and cooking the potatoes just before serving to ensure they are at their best.
Q4: What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Can I use a different type of pan?
A4: Yes, you can use a different type of pan if you don’t have a cast iron skillet. A heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan is a good substitute, as it also distributes heat evenly. Avoid using non-stick pans, as they don’t tend to get hot enough for proper searing.
Q5: Can I add any other vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts would all be great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked through. You can add the vegetables along with the potatoes or a few minutes before, depending on how long they take to cook.
