If you’re looking for a simple but super tasty Saturday night dinner, these garlic butter steak bites are just what you need! I love keeping things light before the holidays, but still want to enjoy some delicious food on the weekend. Instead of our usual steak, I decided to switch things up and make steak bites. And guess what? It turned out amazing!
Method
Season the Steak Bites
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. It’s best to choose a cut of steak that you love, as the seasoning will enhance its natural flavor. Once your steak is cut, sprinkle it generously with paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and mixed Italian herbs. These seasonings will give the steak a nice depth of flavor. Toss the steak cubes well to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides. The key here is to make sure every piece of steak gets a little bit of each seasoning for maximum flavor.
Cook the Steak
Now, heat a frying pan over high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before you add the steak, as this will help the meat sear and lock in all those delicious juices. Once the pan is heated up, add the seasoned steak cubes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the steak in batches to ensure each piece gets the perfect sear. Cook the steak cubes for about 3-4 minutes, turning them frequently to ensure all sides are sealed and browned. This process will give the steak that lovely crispy outer layer, while the inside stays tender and juicy. If you like your steak a little more done, just give it another minute or two in the pan, but remember we prefer ours pink in the center, so keep an eye on it!
Add Garlic Butter
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, it’s time to bring in the garlic butter. Reduce the heat a bit, and throw in the crushed garlic along with the salted butter into the pan. Stir everything around gently for about a minute. This will allow the garlic to infuse the butter and release its wonderful fragrance. As the garlic and butter mingle, it will create a rich sauce that coats the steak cubes, making them even more flavorful. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter if it cooks for too long. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter is melted and the garlic is aromatic.
Make the Mash
While the steak is cooking, you can start on the mash. Peel and chop the Maris Piper potatoes into even chunks. I like to leave a bit of the skin on for added texture and flavor, but feel free to peel them completely if you prefer a smoother mash. Place the potatoes into a pot, add a stock cube for extra flavor, and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft enough to easily mash with a fork. Once the potatoes are tender, drain the water and return them to the pot.
Add the milk and the seriously strong spreadable cheese to the potatoes. The cheese will melt in with the potatoes, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the mash. For the creamiest result, use an electric whisk to blend everything together. This will make the mash super smooth and fluffy. Whisk until you achieve a creamy texture, making sure all the cheese is fully incorporated and the mash is nice and airy.
Serve and Garnish
Once both the steak and the mash are ready, it’s time to plate your meal. Start by placing a generous serving of creamy mash onto each plate, and then top it with the delicious garlic butter steak bites. To add a bit of freshness and color, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley over the top. The green parsley will not only make the dish look beautiful, but it’ll also add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the rich steak and creamy mash perfectly.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Potato peeler (optional)
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Electric whisk (for super creamy mash)
Ingredients
- For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pieces of steak cut into cubes
- 25 g salted butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves crushed
- Parsley for garnish
- 1 tsp each of paprika onion granules, garlic granules, and mixed Italian herbs
- For the Mash:
- 500 g Maris Piper potatoes
- 100 ml milk
- 25 g seriously strong spreadable cheese
Instructions
- Season the Steak Bites: Start by cutting the steak into cubes. Then, sprinkle the paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, and mixed Italian herbs on top. Give it a good toss to make sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a frying pan on high heat. When it’s hot, add the steak cubes to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, making sure all sides are sealed and brown. We like our steak pink in the middle, but cook it for longer if you prefer it more done.
- Add Garlic Butter: Once the steak is cooked, throw in the garlic and butter. Stir it around for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted.
- Make the Mash: Peel and chop the potatoes (I like leaving some skin on for extra flavor). Boil them in a pot with a stock cube for about 15-20 minutes, until they’re soft. Drain the water and then add the milk and spreadable cheese. Use an electric whisk to blend everything until the mash is creamy and smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate your steak bites with the mash. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the steak! You want that perfect pink center, so keep an eye on it while it cooks. The high heat will seal the outside quickly, but the inside should stay tender.
- Be careful with the garlic! You want the garlic to release its lovely aroma, but don’t let it burn. Add it in during the last minute of cooking.
- Whisk the mash gently! If you whisk the mash too much, it could get too sticky. Just give it a few gentle turns to get that smooth, creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic butter steak bites are perfect with a side of steamed veggies like green beans or peas. You can also serve them with a fresh, tangy salad if you’re looking to add a little crunch.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Maris Piper potatoes are one of the UK’s favorite varieties for making mash? Their fluffy texture makes them perfect for getting that creamy, dreamy mash!
Conclusion
This garlic butter steak bites recipe is the perfect weekend dinner. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor! Plus, the creamy mash pairs perfectly with the juicy steak. It’s a great way to treat yourself without all the hassle. Enjoy your weekend meal!
What type of steak is best suited for garlic butter steak bites?
Tender, quick-cooking cuts like sirloin, tenderloin (filet mignon), ribeye, or New York strip are ideal. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times.
What is the key to making a delicious garlic butter sauce without burning the garlic?
Use real butter and freshly minced garlic. Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds) after the steak bites have been seared. Avoid high heat when cooking the garlic to prevent it from becoming bitter.
What are some popular ways to serve and enhance garlic butter steak bites?
They can be served as an appetizer on their own or as a main course with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), red pepper flakes for spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice can further enhance the flavor. They also work well in tacos, bowls, or over toast.