Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes—flavorful, filling, and fabulously easy. We’re talking tender, juicy steak bites paired with crispy-edged, buttery potatoes, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that might just steal the show.
This is a true one-pan wonder that brings big flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your crew or just treating yourself (because yes, you deserve a steak dinner on a Tuesday), this dish brings comfort and a little “wow” factor to the table. And speaking of flavor, if you’re curious about whether butter is really back in the kitchen, check out this insightful article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that dives into the topic.
Best part? Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes comes together fast, with simple ingredients and zero stress. And if things go a little sideways in the kitchen? Well hey, there’s always takeout—but something tells me you won’t need it. For a delicious beef dish, check out my Beef Pares Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes doesn’t require a mile-long grocery list—just a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together like magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Steak Bites
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1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes (ribeye or NY strip works too!)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or use dried if that’s what you’ve got)
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1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
For the Potatoes
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One and a half pounds of small Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into quarters.
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Chopped fresh parsley, added at the end for a bit of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
Optional Add-ins
Want to make your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes even more irresistible? Try adding:
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Red chili flakes for a little kick
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Sliced mushrooms, sautéed with the steak
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A small splash of fresh lemon juice to lift the flavor.
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Grated Parmesan, because cheese makes everything better
How to Make Steak Bites and Potatoes in Garlic Butter
This dish packs big flavor with little effort. Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes come together in just a few simple steps—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter’s melted and sizzling, add the quartered baby potatoes in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook for about 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender. Once they’re beautifully crispy on the edges, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
In the same skillet, crank up the heat to medium-high and add a splash of olive oil. Season your steak bites generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now for the best part: add the cooked potatoes and steak bites back into the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat in that rich, delicious garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, give it a taste (just to be sure, of course), and serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes hot. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites
If you want your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes to taste like they came straight from a cozy bistro (minus the bill), these tips will help you nail it every time:
Pick the Right Cut
For the juiciest Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, go with a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. Avoid tougher cuts that need longer cooking time.
Pat Your Steak Dry
Before searing, blot the steak pieces with paper towels. This helps you get that beautiful golden crust and prevents your steak bites from steaming.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Give those steak bites some room! Cook in batches if needed so each piece gets a good sear. Crowding the pan can turn your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes into a stewed situation—no thanks.
Use High Heat
A hot skillet is key to locking in flavor and getting that perfect caramelization. Just keep an eye on things—they cook fast!
Add Garlic at the Right Time
Garlic burns quickly, so sauté it after searing the steak. That way, your garlic butter stays rich and mellow, not bitter.
Let It Rest
After searing, let the steak bites rest a minute before tossing them with the potatoes and butter sauce. This keeps the juices in the meat and makes every bite of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes extra tender and flavorful.
Follow these simple tips and your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes will be an easy dinner favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes is how simple it is to change things up based on what’s in your kitchen—or what sounds good that day. Here are a few delicious ideas to try:
Swap the steak
No sirloin? No problem! Try ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin. You can also use chicken or shrimp if you’re going for a different protein vibe—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Change the potatoes
Baby Yukon golds are my go-to, but red potatoes or fingerlings work great too. You can even use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist on Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes.
Add veggies
Toss in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans while the potatoes cook. It’s an easy way to sneak in more color and flavor.
Make it spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a little kick.
Go dairy-free
Use a plant-based butter for the garlic sauce—just make sure it’s one that tastes good and melts well.
Try different herbs
No thyme or rosemary? Use oregano, Italian seasoning, or whatever fresh herbs are hiding in your fridge.
With a few tweaks, you can make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes suit any mood, pantry situation, or picky eater at the table. Make it your own!
What to Serve With This Dish
While Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is totally satisfying on its own (hello, one-pan dinner goals!), a few simple sides can round things out and take your meal to the next level.
Here are some tasty ideas:
A fresh green salad
Something light and crisp like a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak and butter.
Steamed or roasted veggies
Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great, no-fuss additions. Bonus: they cook up fast while your potatoes are doing their thing.
Crusty bread
Trust me, you’re going to want something to soak up every last drop of that garlic butter sauce. A warm baguette or dinner rolls do the trick beautifully.
Creamy dipping sauce
A little horseradish cream, garlic aioli, or even ranch on the side adds another layer of flavor to your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes.
A glass of wine (or your favorite cozy drink)
Something bold like a cabernet or even a chilled sparkling water with lemon helps cut the richness and makes dinner feel a little fancy—even if you’re in sweats.
Whether you’re going all out or keeping it low-key, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes plays well with just about anything on the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made a little too much? (Honestly, it’s easy to do with Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes—they’re that good.) Don’t worry, they store and reheat like a dream!
Storage
Refrigerator: Let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, but keep in mind the potatoes may get a bit soft when thawed. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or butter. This helps bring back that crispy edge on the potatoes and keeps the steak juicy.
Microwave: In a pinch, you can microwave leftovers in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a little extra butter to keep things moist and flavorful.
Oven: Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes.
Pro tip: If you’re reheating Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, a fresh sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can wake everything right back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sirloin is my go-to, but ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin work great. Just choose something tender that cooks quickly.
What kind of potatoes work best?
I love using baby Yukon golds because they’re buttery and hold their shape well. Red potatoes or fingerlings also make a delicious swap in Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes and steak bites ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and toss everything together with the garlic butter sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It sure is—just double-check that your butter and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten (some pre-made spice blends can be sneaky).
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes in the oven or air fryer?
For sure! You can roast the potatoes in the oven at 425°F until crispy, and sear the steak bites in a skillet or even pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F. Just be sure not to overcook them!
How can I keep the steak from overcooking?
Use high heat and cook the steak bites quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes on each side should do the trick.
Be sure to let them rest for a few minutes afterward before mixing them with the potatoes. This helps keep them tender and juicy.