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This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes dish is the perfect quick comfort meal. It is hearty enough for a special weekend dinner but simple enough for busy weeknights. The steak turns out tender with a caramelized crust and the potatoes soak up all the garlicky butter in the pan.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I did not want to fuss with a big roast. Now my family always asks for it whenever they see Yukon golds in the pantry.
Ingredients
- Ghee or butter: adds richness and helps with browning try to use high quality for best flavor
- Olive oil: prevents the butter from burning use extra virgin for the best aroma
- Yukon gold potatoes: create a creamy center and crisp edges look for smooth skin with no green spots
- Garlic: infuses the whole dish with warmth fresh minced is best for punchy flavor
- Dried thyme: adds subtle herbal notes go for whole leaves rather than powder
- Dried oregano: brings a hint of earthiness rub it with your fingers before adding to release aroma
- Sea salt: enhances every flavor opt for flaky if you have it
- Ground black pepper: gives a gentle kick grind fresh if you can
- Sirloin steak: makes the bites juicy and tender choose a steak with some marbling for the most flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish: brightens up the whole pan flat leaf is my favorite
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Skillet:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add olive oil and half the ghee to the pan so the fat melts together and coats the bottom.
- Brown the Potatoes:
- Once the ghee is melted add the potatoes in an even layer. Sprinkle garlic thyme oregano salt and pepper right on them. Let them cook without stirring for two to three minutes so they can start to brown. Stir often every one to two minutes after that so all sides get golden and avoid sticking. Keep going until tender about eight to ten minutes depending on potato size. Remove potatoes and any tasty browned bits from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Steak:
- Increase heat to medium high. Add the remaining ghee to the pan. Let it melt fully before tossing in steak cubes in a single layer. Season with more salt and pepper. Leave them alone for at least two minutes to get a dark sear. Once the first side is browned stir the cubes and cook until all sides are golden about one to two minutes extra.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add the cooked potatoes back into the pan with the steak. Toss everything to combine and let the flavors mingle for a moment. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.
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Every time I add the garlic during potato browning my kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma. Even my picky eaters come running to the table when they smell it sizzling in the skillet.
How to Store Leftovers
Let leftovers cool until just warm then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat use a hot skillet for best texture or microwave in short bursts. If you want to freeze make sure steak and potatoes are fully cooled and use a freezer safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Swaps
Red potatoes or fingerlings can substitute Yukon golds just cut them to the same size. If you do not have sirloin try ribeye strip steak or even chicken breast for a lighter version. Vegan butter and mushrooms make a delicious plant based swap as well.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these steak bites with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness. For a bigger meal pair with crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter. They are perfect for sharing at a casual dinner party or a cozy family night.
The Story Behind Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This dish brings together the classic steakhouse flavors I grew up with all in one skillet. Garlic and butter always made steak night feel special and potatoes on the side are a must in my house. Adapting it to a quick one pan meal means I can enjoy a comfort favorite even on my busiest days.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve the best sear on steak bites?
Allow the steak to cook for at least two minutes before stirring, so it develops a golden, caramelized crust.
- → Can you substitute butter with another fat?
Yes, ghee or any high-smoke-point oil works well and can impart unique flavors to the finished dish.
- → What potatoes are best for this dish?
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to turn beautifully crispy when pan-seared.
- → How do you keep potatoes from sticking?
Stir the potatoes every 1-2 minutes and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- → What herbs enhance garlic butter steak bites and potatoes?
Dried thyme and oregano add depth to the dish, and a garnish of fresh parsley provides a bright finish.