Description
Tender garlic butter steak bites paired with crispy golden potatoes in a one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This easy weeknight dinner combines restaurant-quality flavor with simple home cooking convenience. Perfect for busy families who want a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss!
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), halved or quartered if large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Pat the halved baby potatoes completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned potatoes in a single layer, cut-side down. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork (about 10-12 minutes total). Remove potatoes to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Steak
While potatoes cook, pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Sear the Steak Bites
Increase heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet. When the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, add steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for preferred doneness. The key is to get a nice brown crust while keeping the interior tender. Remove steak to the plate with potatoes.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this is flavor gold!). When butter is melted and foamy, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh herbs and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the steak bites and potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Steak Temperature Guide: For rare (120-125°F), cook 1 minute per side. For medium-rare (130-135°F), cook 1-2 minutes per side. For medium (135-145°F), cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remember, steak continues cooking after removed from heat.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the steak bites in two batches. Overcrowding creates steam instead of a sear, resulting in gray, tough meat.
- Potato Prep: Cutting potatoes into uniform sizes ensures even cooking. If some are much larger than others, quarter them so all pieces are similar.
- Butter Burning: Watch the butter carefully when adding garlic. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Keep heat at medium-low for this step.
- Resting Time: For juicier steak bites, let them rest for 2-3 minutes before returning to the pan with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 6 oz steak bites with potatoes)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg