How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

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Did you know you can enjoy tender, juicy steak bites and potatoes in less than 20 minutes?
We’ve perfected this ultimate comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hefty price tag . These garlic butter steak bites are incredibly tender,
while the potatoes cook up beautifully golden brown right in the same pan .
Even on busy weeknights, this recipe comes together effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients . Whether you prefer your steak rare (125-130°F) or well-done
(160-165°F), we’ll show you exactly how to achieve perfect results every time .
In this guide, I’ll walk you through creating these delicious garlic butter steak bites with potatoes step by step—from selecting the right ingredients to customizing
flavors for your taste preferences. Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before diving into cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for these mouthwatering garlic butter steak bites with potatoes.
Essential ingredients for garlic butter steak bites
For perfect steak bites and potatoes, you’ll need:
• 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 4-6 tablespoons butter (unsalted works best for controlling salt)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (helps prevent butter from burning)
• 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs: parsley for garnish, thyme and rosemary for flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat, Worcestershire sauce for depth
Choosing the right cut of steak
The secret to tender, flavorful steak bites starts with selecting the right cut. Sirloin is often the go-to choice because it balances tenderness, flavor, and
affordability. However, several excellent alternatives exist:
• Top sirloin: Tender, flavorful, and budget-friendly
• Ribeye: Richest flavor with more marbling (somewhat indulgent with the butter)
• New York strip: Excellent flavor with good tenderness
• Tenderloin/filet mignon: Most tender option, though more expensive
• Tri-tip: Good marbling and tenderness when available
Avoid tougher cuts like flank, skirt steak, or anything labeled “stew meat” as these require longer cooking methods to become tender.
Best potatoes for this recipe
Yukon Gold potatoes shine in this recipe due to their buttery texture and thin skins that crisp up beautifully. Additionally, these alternatives work wonderfully:
• Baby potatoes: Any color variety cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well
• Red potatoes: Hold their shape nicely during cooking
• Fingerling potatoes: Add visual interest and cook evenly
The key is cutting potatoes into uniform ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking alongside your steak bites.
Recommended skillet and utensils
For exceptional results, your equipment matters almost as much as your ingredients:
• Large cast iron skillet (10-12 inch): The best choice for achieving a perfect sear on steak and crispy potatoes
• Stainless steel skillet: A good alternative if cast iron isn’t available
• Tongs: Essential for flipping steak bites without piercing them
• Sharp knife: Makes cutting uniform steak cubes much easier
• Garlic press: Optional but helpful for perfectly minced garlic
Avoid non-stick pans as they won’t create the desirable crust on your steak bites that contributes to their rich flavor.
Prep Like a Pro
Properly preparing your ingredients is what separates good steak bites from great ones. Let’s master the prep techniques that will elevate your meal.
How to cube steak and potatoes evenly
The secret to perfectly cooked steak bites and potatoes lies in uniform cutting. First, pat your steak completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
This step ensures proper browning rather than steaming when the meat hits the pan. Subsequently, use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the steak into approximately
1-inch cubes. For even cooking, maintain consistent sizing—this prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.
For potatoes, start by washing them thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Cut them into ½-inch cubes by first slicing lengthwise, then making cuts of equal
width in both directions. Generally, potatoes should be cut slightly smaller than steak pieces since they take longer to cook. When cutting both ingredients, resist
rushing—work one piece at a time for consistency and safety.
Why seasoning in stages matters
Seasoning throughout the cooking process rather than just at the end dramatically improves flavor development. Indeed, when you season each component at
different stages, you create layers of flavor that permeate the entire dish.
For steak bites, season with salt and pepper immediately after cutting. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat while you prepare other ingredients.
Furthermore, starchy foods like potatoes absorb salt as they cook, meaning potatoes seasoned during cooking taste flavorful throughout rather than just on the
surface.
This multi-stage approach ensures every bite delivers maximum flavor—not just the exterior of your ingredients.
Making garlic herb butter in advance
Preparing garlic herb butter ahead of time is a game-changer for this recipe. Combine softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped fresh herbs (rosemary
and thyme work exceptionally well), and a pinch of salt. For maximum flavor, use fresh garlic rather than jarred—it makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
After mixing thoroughly, wrap the compound butter in parchment paper, shape into a log, and refrigerate. This garlic butter can be made up to one week in
advance or frozen for up to three months. Making it ahead not only saves time during cooking but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more
aromatic and flavorful finish to your steak bites and potatoes.
Cook Everything to Perfection
Now that your ingredients are prepped, let’s master the cooking techniques that transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
Searing steak bites for maximum flavor
The key to perfectly seared steak bites begins with a screaming hot pan. Heat your cast iron skillet until it’s nearly smoking—this creates that gorgeous crust
we’re after. Initially, add olive oil rather than butter, as butter burns at high temperatures needed for proper searing. Place your steak pieces in a single layer,
leaving space between each cube. Above all, resist the urge to move them around! Let them sear undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a
beautiful brown crust.
Fight the temptation to overcrowd your pan; otherwise, your steak will steam instead of sear. For larger portions, cook in batches to maintain that high heat
environment. For medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F, noting that smaller pieces cook remarkably fast.
Tips for crispy, golden potatoes
Achieving crispy potatoes alongside tender steak requires strategic cooking. Primarily, ensure your potato pieces are uniform in size—about ½-inch cubes work
perfectly. One effective technique is parboiling: boil potatoes for about 5 minutes until fork-tender but not soft, then thoroughly dry them.
For extra crispiness, try this professional chef trick: after parboiling, vigorously shake the potatoes in a covered pot. This roughens the edges, creating more
surface area that crisps beautifully when fried. Cook potatoes in a hot skillet with oil until they develop a golden-brown exterior and tender interior, which takes
approximately 7-8 minutes with occasional stirring.
Combining steak and potatoes at the right time
The magic happens when these components come together. After cooking your potatoes until nearly done, temporarily remove them from the pan. Cook your
steak bites separately, then lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Allow the garlic to become fragrant without browning—about 30 seconds.
Return the potatoes to the pan, tossing everything together in the garlic butter mixture. This final step coats both steak and potatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce that
elevates the entire dish. The residual heat from the pan will continue cooking everything gently without overdoing it.
Customize and Store Your Dish
Once you’ve mastered the basic garlic butter steak bites and potatoes, it’s time to explore creative variations and proper storage techniques for this versatile dish.
Flavor variations to try
Make this recipe your own with these delicious flavor additions:
•
Add a dab of Dijon mustard for tanginess, or deglaze the pan with dry red wine for deeper flavor [1]
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Sprinkle fresh rosemary for woodsy herbiness or try a coffee rub with smoked paprika and brown sugar for a slightly charred taste [1]
Include seared mushrooms for extra texture, or spice things up with red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce [2]
For an Italian twist, incorporate dried basil and oregano into your garlic butter mixture [3]
How to store and reheat leftovers
Properly stored, your steak bites and potatoes will maintain their flavor for several days. Let everything cool completely, afterward place in an airtight container in
the refrigerator for 3-4 days [4].
For reheating, a skillet over medium-low heat produces far superior results compared to microwaving. Moreover, adding a bit of butter or olive oil while reheating
prevents the steak from drying out [4]. Although microwaving works in a pinch, the texture certainly suffers [5].
Can you freeze garlic butter steak bites and potatoes?
Yes! First, cool completely, yet freeze them promptly. Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible [6]. These steak bites freeze
beautifully for up to 3 months [4].
For best results, freeze with any leftover butter sauce from the pan—this helps keep the steak moist upon reheating [4]. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then
gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of butter for optimal texture [7].
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites with potatoes truly stand as the perfect solution for anyone craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Throughout
this guide, we’ve explored everything from selecting the right cuts of meat to achieving that perfect golden-brown sear on both steak and potatoes.
This dish certainly delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Remember, the magic lies in those small details—patting your steak dry before cutting,
seasoning in stages, and maintaining proper heat levels during cooking. Additionally, those uniform cuts ensure everything cooks evenly, giving you tender steak
and crispy potatoes every time.
Perhaps the best part about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences with different herbs, spices, or add-ins. After all,
cooking should be enjoyable and personal! Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, this method works beautifully either way.
Leftovers store wonderfully for quick meals later in the week, though I must admit, my family rarely leaves any behind! The entire meal comes together in just 20
minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, try these garlic butter steak bites instead. Your wallet will thank you, and your taste buds will wonder why you ever ate
out in the first place!
FAQs
Q1. What’s the best cut of steak for making steak bites? Sirloin is an excellent choice for steak bites, offering a balance of tenderness, flavor, and
affordability. Other good options include top sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and tenderloin. Avoid tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak.
Q2. How do I ensure my steak bites are perfectly cooked? For perfect steak bites, use a hot skillet and sear them for 1-2 minutes per side without moving
them. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, and aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember, smaller pieces cook quickly.
Q3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Make the garlic herb butter up to a week ahead
and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cut and season the steak and potatoes a few hours before cooking.
Q4. What’s the secret to crispy potatoes in this recipe? For crispy potatoes, cut them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Parboil them for about 5 minutes, then dry
thoroughly. For extra crispiness, shake the parboiled potatoes in a covered pot to rough up the edges before frying them in a hot skillet until golden-brown.
Q5. How long can I store leftovers and can they be frozen? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze
the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of butter or oil for best results, rather than microwaving.