Tender and Flavorful: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Nostalgic Appeal

This dish reminds me of those classic steakhouse dinners, but with a more casual and approachable twist. The combination of tender steak, garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a meal that evokes feelings of indulgence, comfort, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made steak bites or sauce, there’s something truly special about making this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the steak and creating the sauce is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of savory, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy flavors. The steak bites are seared to perfection in garlic butter, creating a flavorful crust. The Parmesan cream sauce adds a rich and creamy element that complements the steak beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! For the steak bites, we use [sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking]. Then comes the [olive oil and butter, used for searing the steak bites and creating a flavorful base]. We also incorporate [garlic and thyme, adding a fragrant and savory touch]. For the Parmesan cream sauce, we combine [butter, flour, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, creating a rich and creamy sauce]. And finally, the [fresh parsley, chopped and used as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large skillet for cooking the steak bites, a small saucepan for making the sauce, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 1/2 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak Bites: Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, then add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until smooth, then remove from heat.
3. Serve: Plate the steak bites and drizzle the Parmesan cream sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Troubleshooting

• Steak bites are tough: Avoid overcooking the steak bites. Cook them just until they reach your desired level of doneness. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.
• Sauce is too thin: Cook the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
• Sauce is lumpy: Make sure the butter and flour are cooked together for a full minute before adding the heavy cream. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Tips and Variations

• Use different cuts of steak, such as filet mignon or ribeye.
• Add different herbs and spices to the steak bites, such as rosemary, oregano, or paprika.
• Use different types of cheese in the sauce, such as Gruyère, Asiago, or Romano.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. They’re perfect for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or any time you want an elegant and flavorful meal.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 4-5 steak bites with sauce. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500
• Fat: Approximately 30-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 120-140mg
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
• Fiber: Approximately 1g
• Sugar: Approximately 2-3g
• Sodium: Approximately 400-500mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of cheese), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can cook the steak bites and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the steak bites may be affected. However, you can freeze the sauce separately.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: While sirloin steak is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts of beef or even try it with chicken or pork.