Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Cream

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce make an unforgettable weeknight treat that comes together fast with just one skillet for the steak and a quick sauce on the side. This has become my go-to when I want something that feels restaurant-worthy but takes very little planning or prep. Each bite is loaded with juicy flavor and the creamy Parmesan sauce is one you will want to put on everything.

My husband always asks for seconds of this and I have used the sauce idea for chicken and veggies too when the steak ran out. This recipe convinced my picky eater nephew that steak is not boring.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak cubes: Chosen for tenderness and quick cooking Try to get well-marbled fresh steak and trim away excess fat for best results
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Adds crucial flavor foundation and brings out the steak's juices Choose coarse kosher salt for easier even seasoning
• Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the steak caramelize well Select an extra virgin variety with a fresh aroma
• Unsalted butter: Essential for the garlic herb flavor Use unsalted to control the saltiness
• Fresh garlic: Packs a big punch of savory aroma Look for firm cloves with no green shoots
• Fresh thyme: Sprigs offer clean earthy brightness Snip just before cooking for best fragrance
• Fresh rosemary: Lends woodsy deep notes Use only the leaves not the stems and chop finely for even distribution
• Fresh parsley: For color and grassy freshness Italian flat-leaf type gives a more robust taste
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious silky texture Buy the freshest cream you can and avoid ones with gums or thickeners
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty salty depth Grate your own from a wedge for maximum flavor and melting
• Italian seasoning: Adds complexity with dried herbs Check for a blend that includes basil oregano and marjoram

Quality and freshness make the sauce and steak truly shine The flavors blur together beautifully when you use good butter and fragrant herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Steak:

Pat the steak cubes dry on all sides with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and pepper Let them sit out for 10 minutes to come closer to room temperature This ensures an even sear

Sear the Steak:

Heat olive oil and two tablespoons butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high You want the pan hot enough that the steak sizzles immediately Place steak pieces in a single layer without crowding Sear for about three to four minutes turning each piece so the surfaces brown Stick with medium-high so the butter browns but doesn't burn

Rest the Steak:

Transfer the browned steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil This keeps the juices inside while you prepare the flavored butter

Make Garlic Herb Butter:

Add the remaining butter to the hot skillet and scrape up any golden bits for bonus flavor Stir in the minced garlic fresh thyme chopped rosemary and chopped parsley Cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned

Return and Toss Steak:

Add the steak bites and all their juices back into the skillet Toss and turn them in the herb butter so each piece gets coated Cook for another one to two minutes This step layers in the flavor you want

Start the Sauce Base:

In a separate skillet set over medium add one tablespoon butter When melted add the minced garlic and stir gently for one minute Watch the garlic so it does not burn or go bitter

Build the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a soft simmer whisking often Keep the mixture bubbling at just below boiling

Add Parmesan and Seasoning:

Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened Keep whisking so the cheese does not clump

Season and Finish the Sauce:

Taste and add salt and pepper as needed Let the sauce simmer while stirring occasionally for two to three minutes so it thickens to your liking

Serve and Enjoy:

Pour the hot Parmesan cream sauce right over the steak bites in the pan so they soak up the flavor Or serve the sauce on the side as a decadent dip Garnish with extra parsley for color Serve immediately while hot

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My favorite ingredient in this is the fresh rosemary It perfumes the whole dish with just a small amount I remember once making this with my dad as a teensy treat after a tough day We both decided the sauce should always go on double When we have friends over this is my signature crowd pleaser that guarantees empty plates

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat use a skillet set over low to medium and splash in a bit of cream to loosen up the sauce Steak should be heated only until warm or it will get tough The sauce can separate if microwaved too long so stir gently and reheat in short bursts

Ingredient Substitutions

If sirloin is too pricey or not available try strip steak or ribeye for similar tenderness For a lighter sauce use half and half instead of heavy cream For extra flavor throw in a handful of sautéed mushrooms with the steak bites or swap herbs to your favorites like tarragon or oregano If dairy free use a plant based cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan It changes the flavor but keeps the spirit of the recipe

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites shine all on their own but are wonderful with a pile of roasted broccoli or a simple mixed salad Garlic mashed potatoes are another favorite pairing If you want a low carb meal try steamed green beans or cauliflower mash The Parmesan sauce is so versatile you will find yourself spooning it over all kinds of vegetables

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Cultural and Historical Context

Steak cubes seared quickly are a classic bistro technique especially for less expensive cuts The cream sauce comes from Italian and French influences combining butter herbs and cheese Steak with cream sauces has always been seen as a luxury meal but this version makes it accessible and weeknight friendly My first job cooking for friends was making buttery steak tips my sauce has come from years of globetrotting cookbooks and Sunday night cravings when I wanted something warming and fast

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin is ideal for tenderness and rich flavor, but you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for equally satisfying results.

→ Can I prepare the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and gently reheat it before serving, stirring well to restore its creamy texture.

→ What herbs pair well with the steak bites?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley add aromatic depth to the steak, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

→ Is this dish suitable for low-carb or gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! With steak, cream, and cheese as core components, this meal aligns with low-carb and gluten-free dietary needs.

→ What sides go well with garlic butter steak and Parmesan cream?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors and create a complete meal.

→ How do I achieve perfectly tender steak bites?

Don’t overcrowd the skillet, use high heat, and allow a quick sear to lock in moisture and keep the steak tender.