Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

There are some meals that feel like pure indulgence, and these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are exactly that. Imagine tender, juicy steak bites, seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and finished with a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—a true showstopper for busy weeknights or elegant date nights at home!

Not only does this dish come together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also low-carb, high-protein, and completely addictive. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or simply enjoy it on its own, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Big, Bold Flavors – Garlicky, buttery, creamy, and absolutely mouthwatering!
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make.
Customizable – Serve it with pasta, rice, veggies, or even cauliflower mash.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Perfect if you’re watching your carbs!

What Does It Taste Like?

This dish is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. The steak bites are tender and juicy, coated in a buttery garlic sauce that melts into every bite. The Parmesan cream sauce is thick, velvety, and cheesy, adding the perfect balance of indulgence. It’s like steakhouse-level goodness in your own kitchen!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but enhances the richness)

Optional Garnishes & Additions:

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)

Necessary Tools:

• Skillet (preferably cast iron for the best sear)
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Possible Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Use a different protein – Try chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Swap the cream – Use half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies – Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Make it extra cheesy – Stir in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a cheesier sauce.
• Prefer a tangy twist? – Add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

1: Prepare the Steak Bites

• Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel (this ensures a perfect sear).
• Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

2: Sear the Steak Bites

• Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the steak bites in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• In the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Toss the steak to coat in the garlic butter.
• Remove steak from the pan and set aside.

3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

4: Combine & Serve

• Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!

What to Serve with This Recipe

This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Over pasta – Toss with fettuccine or spaghetti for a creamy steak pasta.
• With mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Over rice or cauliflower rice – A great option for a hearty but simple meal.
• With roasted veggies – Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for balance.
• With crusty garlic bread – Because more garlic is always a good idea!

Helpful Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

• The best steaks for tender, juicy bites are sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon.
• Avoid lean cuts like round steak, as they can turn out tough.

2. Pat the Steak Dry Before Cooking

• Moisture prevents a good sear! Pat your steak bites dry with a paper towel before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

• Cook the steak bites in a single layer to get that perfect sear. If needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming the meat.

4. Use a Hot Pan for a Perfect Sear

• A cast-iron skillet works best because it holds heat well. Let the pan heat up before adding the steak to get a beautiful crust.

5. Don’t Overcook the Steak

• Medium-rare to medium (about 130-140°F) is ideal for juicy, flavorful steak bites.
• They cook fast (about 2-3 minutes per side), so keep an eye on them!

6. Let the Steak Rest

• After searing, let the steak rest for 2-3 minutes before adding it back to the sauce. This keeps the juices inside for extra tenderness.

7. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor

• Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic, as it lacks intensity.

8. Grate Your Own Parmesan

• Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grate fresh Parmesan for the creamiest, silkiest sauce.

9. Adjust Sauce Consistency

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
• If it’s too thin, stir in extra Parmesan or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

10. Add Extra Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Herbaceous Touch? Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary.
• Tangy Twist? A splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard brightens up the sauce.

11. Make It Keto or Low-Carb

• Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or roasted veggies instead of pasta or potatoes.

12. Meal Prep Like a Pro

• Cook the steak ahead and store it separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, heat both and combine for a quick meal.

13. Store and Reheat Properly

• Reheat on low heat to keep the steak tender and the sauce creamy. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may separate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Let the steak bites and sauce cool completely before storing.
• Store them separately in airtight containers to prevent the steak from becoming soggy.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

• The steak bites freeze well, but the Parmesan cream sauce may separate when thawed.
• To freeze:
  • Store the steak bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • If freezing the sauce, place it in a separate airtight container. Reblend or whisk after thawing for a smooth texture.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out the Steak

Stovetop (Best Method)

• Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a pan over low heat.
• Add the steak bites and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in a splash of cream or milk when reheating the sauce to restore its smooth consistency.

Microwave (Quickest Method)

• Heat the steak in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, to prevent overcooking.
• Reheat the sauce separately, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.

Oven (For Larger Portions)

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the steak and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. What’s the best steak to use for this recipe?

For tender, juicy steak bites, use:

• Sirloin – Affordable, flavorful, and tender.
• Ribeye – Rich, marbled, and ultra-juicy.
• Filet Mignon – Extra tender but pricier.
• Avoid lean cuts like round steak, as they can turn out tough.

2. Can I use pre-cut stew meat?

No, stew meat is usually from tougher cuts that need slow cooking. Stick to sirloin, ribeye, or filet for the best texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the steak and sauce separately and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving (see storage & reheating tips).

4. How do I make sure my steak bites stay juicy?

• Pat the steak dry before cooking for a perfect sear.
• Use a hot pan so the steak caramelizes quickly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
• Rest the steak for a couple of minutes before serving to retain juices.

5. Can I make the Parmesan cream sauce without heavy cream?

Yes! Try these alternatives:

• Half-and-half – Lighter but still creamy.
• Cream cheese + milk – Thick and rich.
• Coconut cream – A dairy-free option with a slight sweetness.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

• Add more Parmesan cheese to thicken naturally.
• Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes.
• Stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for an instant thickener.

7. What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add a splash of milk, broth, or extra cream and whisk until smooth.

8. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Try these spicy add-ins:

• Extra red pepper flakes
• A dash of cayenne pepper
• A drizzle of hot sauce

9. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s low-carb, high-fat, and perfect for keto. Just pair it with cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of pasta or potatoes.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

• Pasta or mashed potatoes (for a hearty meal).
• Steamed or roasted veggies (like asparagus or Brussels sprouts).
• Garlic bread (to soak up that amazing sauce!).

11. Can I freeze the steak bites and sauce?

• Steak bites? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Parmesan cream sauce? It’s best fresh, but if you freeze it, whisk well after thawing to restore the creamy texture.

12. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking when reheating?

Reheat the sauce on low heat and stir frequently. If it separates, whisk in a splash of cream or broth to bring it back together.

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is an easy, indulgent, and totally satisfying

Conclusion Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are pure steakhouse-level comfort food that you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Juicy, garlicky, and coated in a dreamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy cooking.

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