Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Velvety Parmesan Sauce is a decadent and satisfying dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. Juicy sirloin steak cubes are seared to perfection, then enveloped in a rich garlic-butter-Parmesan cream sauce that elevates every bite. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Flavorful: Features the bold flavor of garlic butter and the creaminess of Parmesan for a truly indulgent sauce.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or impromptu dinners.
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Restaurant-Quality at Home: Offers a gourmet taste with accessible ingredients and simple preparation.
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Versatile Pairings: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
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Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings, add mushrooms, or swap out the steak cut to suit your preference.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh thyme, chopped
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Salt and pepper
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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Cook the Steak:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat if needed to prevent overcooking. -
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the skillet with the steak. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden and aromatic. -
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly—about 3–4 minutes. -
Combine:
Stir the steak bites into the Parmesan cream sauce and let them simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to soak in the flavors. -
Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the steak for an earthy addition.
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Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
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Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different depth of flavor.
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Herb Options: Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a more robust aromatic profile.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin are great alternatives. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may be less rich. For a lighter version, try whole milk with a teaspoon of flour to help thicken it.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Avoid overcooking—sear until just browned and cooked through, then remove from direct heat before simmering in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and gently reheat before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Parmesan and all other ingredients are verified gluten-free.
What sides pair well with this?
Mashed potatoes, fettuccine, rice, or sautéed green beans all pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I make this without cheese?
You can omit the Parmesan, but the sauce will be less creamy and flavorful. Consider adding a non-dairy cheese alternative if needed.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Should I marinate the steak beforehand?
No need to marinate, as the garlic butter and cream sauce provide plenty of flavor.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine added before the cream can add complexity to the flavor.
Conclusion
Tender Steak Bites in Garlic Butter with Velvety Parmesan Sauce is a quick yet elegant meal that feels indulgent without requiring complicated preparation. The rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan elevate simple steak cubes into a dish worthy of a special occasion—or just a better-than-average weeknight dinner. Serve it hot and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from your own kitchen.
[tasty-recipe id=”18503″]