Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

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When I first whipped up this dish on a busy weeknight, I had no idea it would become one of my most requested meals by family and friends. The juicy, seared steak bites paired with buttery golden potatoes were everything I love in a meal—simple, hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying. There’s just something about that garlic butter glaze that clings to the meat and potatoes so perfectly, you can’t help but keep going back for more.

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, these garlic butter steak bites with potatoes will hit the mark every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

This dish is a flavor bomb with every bite. The steak is seared to perfection, juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The potatoes are golden, tender, and the perfect sponge to soak up all that buttery goodness. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet—easy prep and even easier cleanup. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe checks every box.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to the cut of steak for this recipe, but I do have my favorites. I usually reach for sirloin—it’s lean, affordable, and tender enough to stay juicy with a quick sear. If you want to treat yourself, ribeye brings extra marbling and a richer flavor. Tenderloin is melt-in-your-mouth soft, but it’s pricier. The key is cutting the steak into even, bite-sized cubes and not overcooking them. A hot pan and a short cook time will give you that perfect golden crust without drying the meat.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and forgiving—great news if you’re missing an ingredient or two. Here are a few easy swaps:

• Steak: Try chicken breast or thighs for a lighter twist. Even tofu works for a vegetarian version (just crisp it well).
• Potatoes: Baby golds are my favorite, but red potatoes or even diced sweet potatoes are tasty too.
• Butter: You can use ghee or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will do in a pinch.
• Herbs: I use parsley for freshness, but rosemary or thyme adds a lovely earthy flavor.

The base flavors are so good that these swaps won’t throw the dish off balance—you’ll still end up with something delicious.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

• Sirloin Steak (or your favorite cut): This is the star of the dish. You want a cut that’s tender and cooks quickly, perfect for searing into juicy, flavorful bites.
• Baby Potatoes: I love using baby gold potatoes because they’re creamy inside and get beautifully crisp on the outside when pan-seared.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic depth to the butter sauce and infuses both the steak and potatoes with mouthwatering flavor.
• Butter: The richness from butter pulls everything together. It caramelizes slightly in the pan and gives the dish that signature savory coating.
• Olive Oil: Helps with searing and prevents the butter from burning, especially when cooking at high heat.
• Salt and Pepper: These two simple seasonings are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and potatoes.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and brightness right at the end to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat if you’re into spicy finishes.

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1½ inches. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for a good sear. Wash and halve (or quarter, if large) your baby potatoes. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley if you’re using it.

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Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes, cut side down, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fork-tender and golden brown on the edges. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Increase the heat to medium-high and add a bit more oil if needed. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear each side for about 2 minutes or until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid overcooking—the goal is a nice sear outside and juicy interior. Remove from pan and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown.

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Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the steak bites and potatoes to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until everything is well coated. Let them sit in the pan for another minute to soak up all that flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

Cooking this dish is surprisingly quick. The potatoes need about 10–12 minutes to become tender and golden brown. The steak bites cook even faster—around 2 minutes per side, depending on how well-done you like your steak. After tossing everything in the garlic butter, let it all mingle for another minute or two, just enough to absorb the flavors. Altogether, you’re looking at 20–25 minutes total cook time, which makes this ideal for a fast and satisfying dinner.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

• Dry the steak cubes before cooking for the best sear. Moisture on the meat will cause it to steam instead of caramelize.
• Don’t crowd the pan when searing steak. Give each piece enough space for a nice crust.
• Use a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet to retain and distribute heat evenly.
• Let the steak rest briefly after searing to keep juices inside before tossing it back in the pan with the butter.
• Pre-cook potatoes covered to speed up the tenderizing process without burning the outsides.
• Use fresh garlic, not jarred, for the most vibrant flavor in the butter sauce.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end if you want to brighten things up.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the pat-dry step for steak: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Always blot steak bites with paper towels before hitting the pan.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you try to cook everything at once, the steak will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches for the best texture.
• Overcooking the steak: These bite-sized pieces cook fast. Leaving them too long in the pan will make them tough and dry.
• Undercooking the potatoes: If you rush the potatoes, they’ll be hard in the center. Make sure they’re fork-tender before combining with the steak.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if it gets too dark. Stir constantly and keep the heat moderate during this step.
• Forgetting to season properly: Both the steak and potatoes need salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust at the end if needed.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing balances the richness of the steak and butter.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for mopping up the extra garlic butter left on the plate—don’t let it go to waste!

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast that pairs nicely with the garlicky flavors.

Parmesan Green Beans

Toss steamed green beans with a little butter and grated parmesan for a quick veggie side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor is a natural match for steak—cook them with garlic and thyme for extra depth.

A Glass of Red Wine

A bold red, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, complements the savory richness of the dish beautifully.

Lemon-Herb Quinoa

If you want a lighter alternative to potatoes or a more filling side, quinoa with herbs and citrus works great.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is simple. Let the garlic butter steak bites and potatoes cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For reheating, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a dab of butter to rehydrate the sauce. The microwave works too, but the steak may lose some of its tenderness, so the stovetop is best if you have time.

You can also freeze this dish, although the potatoes may soften a bit in texture. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

These values are estimates and will vary depending on the cut of steak and exact amounts used, but it gives you a good sense of the balance—hearty, filling, and protein-rich.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?

Sirloin is my go-to for its balance of flavor, tenderness, and affordability. Ribeye is a great option if you want more marbling, and tenderloin works beautifully if you’re aiming for melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance—chop the steak, cut the potatoes, and mince the garlic. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best cooked fresh. Reheated steak can sometimes turn chewy.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes! You can roast the potatoes first, then broil the steak bites at high heat until just seared. But a stovetop skillet still gives the best sear and flavor, especially for the garlic butter finish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using a certified gluten-free butter and seasonings. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

How do I keep the steak from overcooking?

Use a very hot pan, don’t overcrowd it, and only sear the steak bites for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re browned—they’ll continue cooking slightly off-heat.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli would cook up nicely in the same skillet. Just don’t overload the pan or it’ll steam instead of sear.

What’s the best oil to use for searing steak?

Use oils with a high smoke point like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. Butter adds flavor but can burn easily, so it’s best added after searing or mixed with oil.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s not spicy at all unless you add red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking or skip the spice completely if you prefer a milder dish.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes is the kind of meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With bold flavors, a simple process, and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is a weeknight winner and a dinner party pleaser all in one. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry table, it’s a dish that brings sizzle, flavor, and satisfaction with every bite. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to dinner ideas.

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