This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe transforms affordable sirloin into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The perfectly seared steak paired with golden, crispy potatoes creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
I discovered this recipe during one of those crazy weeknights when I needed something impressive but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. My family was skeptical that tender, juicy steak bites could come together so quickly, but one bite changed everything. The secret lies in the simple technique that guarantees perfectly cooked steak every single time, while the two-step potato method delivers that coveted crispy exterior we all crave. This one-pan wonder has become our go-to dinner when we want something special without the fuss. Time to cook!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
I always reach for sirloin steak when making this recipe because it offers the perfect balance of tenderness and affordability. My go-to technique involves cutting the steak into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered – I recommend Yukon Gold for the best texture
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – My preference is always fresh over jarred
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – In my experience, crushing it between your fingers releases more flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – I usually buy a large bunch since we use it often
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin.
Step 1: Heat your large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the halved potatoes and season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fork-tender and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high. Pat the steak bites completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the same hot skillet and let it melt completely.
Step 3: Add steak bites to the hot skillet in a single layer (about 2 inches apart), making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F internal temperature. Remove steak bites and let rest for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic, cooking for just 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5: Return both the steak and potatoes to the skillet, tossing everything together in that gorgeous garlic butter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while everything is hot.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These rich, savory steak bites pair beautifully with fresh, crisp sides that balance the richness.
Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula cuts through the buttery richness while adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to every forkful.
Roasted Asparagus: The earthy, slightly bitter notes of roasted asparagus complement the garlic butter perfectly while adding essential nutrients and beautiful color.
Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce, turning it into an interactive dining experience.
High-Protein Turkey Pasta with Ricotta: For those wanting to turn this into a more substantial family meal, serve alongside this creamy pasta dish.
Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or smooth Malbec enhances the rich, savory flavors and makes this feel like a special occasion meal.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making leftovers surprisingly delicious.
For reheating, I recommend using a cast-iron skillet with a tablespoon of oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. This method preserves the texture of both the potatoes and steak, unlike microwaving which can make everything tough and soggy.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and works well for meal prep. You can cut the steak and potatoes up to 4 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated until cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! New York strip works wonderfully if you want to splurge, while ribeye offers incredible marbling and flavor. Avoid lean cuts like eye of round as they can become tough with high-heat searing.
Why are my steak bites tough?
The most common cause is not patting the meat dry before cooking or overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of searing. Make sure your pan is properly heated and cook in batches if needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can prep all ingredients in advance. The cooked dish reheats well in a skillet, though I don’t recommend making it more than a day ahead for optimal texture.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender and golden. Remove and set aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Pat steak bites completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp butter to hot skillet. Add steak bites in single layer without overcrowding. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until browned (125°F for medium-rare). Remove and rest 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and garlic. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return steak and potatoes to skillet. Toss in garlic butter. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. The combination of perfectly seared steak and crispy potatoes, all brought together with aromatic garlic butter, creates a satisfying dinner that feels both comforting and elegant. Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!
