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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes make for a satisfying and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly in just one skillet. The tender sirloin cubes sear beautifully alongside crispy golden Yukon Gold potatoes, all coated in a luscious garlic herb butter that elevates simple ingredients into a comforting meal any night of the week. This dish is perfect when you need something hearty, easy, and full of rich flavor without the fuss of multiple pans or complicated steps.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I needed something quick and filling and now it is a go-to that my whole family asks for regularly because it just hits all the right notes of savory comfort
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: Cut into bite-sized cubes, the good marbling ensures tenderness and flavor, feel free to use other cuts like top sirloin or flat iron if preferred
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Diced into small cubes, these hold their shape well and get wonderfully crispy, unlike russet potatoes which can become mushy if overcooked
- Olive oil: Chosen for its higher smoke point, helping to achieve the perfect sear on steak and a golden crust on potatoes
- Garlic and herb butter: I used Kerrygold garlic and herb butter but you can make a simple homemade version with softened butter, freshly minced garlic, and dried parsley for both flavor and budget flexibility
- Salt pepper and garlic powder: For seasoning, you can swap in spice blends like Montreal steak seasoning or Cajun seasoning, just keep salt levels in check so it does not get too salty
Instructions
- Sauté the Potatoes:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to get it nice and hot. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of garlic herb butter to the skillet. Once the butter melts and combines with the oil, add your bite-sized Yukon Gold potatoes. Season them with half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and pepper or adjust to taste. Turn the heat down to medium low then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly and do not burn. If they start browning too fast, lower the heat. Continue until the potatoes are fork tender but still hold their shape.
- Season the Steak:
- While the potatoes cook, toss the sirloin steak cubes with half a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season evenly. This simple seasoning brings out the meat's natural flavor while complementing the garlic butter later.
- Sear the Steak:
- Once the potatoes are golden and cooked through, push them to one side of the skillet or remove them to a plate if you worry about burning while cooking the steak. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of garlic herb butter to the empty side of the pan and turn the heat up to medium high. Place the seasoned steak cubes in the skillet and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until well browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so the steak can sear and not steam. Cook in batches if needed, removing and adding back the potatoes if you took them out earlier.
- Combine and Finish:
- Lower the heat to medium low once the steak is done. Add extra garlic butter to the pan if you like, letting it melt and coat both the steak bites and potatoes. Toss everything together gently so the potatoes and steak have a glossy coating of the garlic herb butter. Give the mixture a taste and add any extra seasoning as you see fit before serving.
One of my favorite parts is the garlic herb butter which brings such a luxurious flavor with minimal effort. It reminds me of family dinners growing up where my mom would make simple dishes taste like a special occasion just by adding her homemade garlic butter. That little touch makes all the difference here too.
Storage Tips
Store leftover steak bites and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to four days. When reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out and preserve that buttery coating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes also hold up nicely for roasting or pan cooking without getting too mushy. For the butter, a compound butter made with fresh herbs and lemon zest can add a bright twist. You can swap sirloin for chicken breast or pork tenderloin but adjust cooking times as needed since those proteins cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can stand alone as a full meal but goes great with a simple side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to lighten things up. If you want to make it more indulgent, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe is a quick comforting weeknight winner that pleases a crowd. Leftovers reheat well making it a great option for meal prep.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I prevent the potatoes from burning?
Scoop out the potatoes if they start to burn and set them aside. Finish cooking the steak, then return potatoes to the skillet to warm briefly.
- → What sides pair well with steak bites and potatoes?
Green beans, fresh salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls complement this dish nicely.
- → Can I use a slow cooker for this dish?
The steak bites work well in a slow cooker, though adding potatoes requires adjustments. You may need to cook potatoes separately.
- → Is it possible to substitute chicken for steak bites?
Yes, chicken bites can be prepared similarly with garlic butter and potatoes for a variation of this dish.
- → How do I get a perfect sear on the steak bites?
Ensure the pan is very hot before adding oil and steak. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of searing.
- → How do I know when steak bites are cooked properly?
Turn steak bites evenly using tongs. Medium doneness is reached at 135°F internal temperature.