Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup beef broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

When I want a meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce always hit the spot. Tender, juicy bites of steak are seared to perfection in a garlicky butter sauce, then drizzled with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce that takes them to the next level. Whether I’m serving them as a main dish or an elegant appetizer, they never fail to impress.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just high-quality steak, butter, garlic, and a few pantry staples to create a sauce that’s both luxurious and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when I want something indulgent without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a fast yet fancy meal.
Rich and indulgent – The buttery steak and creamy Parmesan sauce make every bite irresistible.
Versatile – Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or enjoy them as an appetizer.
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – You don’t need a long grocery list to make this restaurant-quality dish.

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

The key to tender, juicy steak bites is choosing the right cut of meat. I love using sirloin because it’s lean, flavorful, and still remains tender when seared. If you want something even more buttery, ribeye or filet mignon are excellent options. They have more marbling, which makes the steak bites extra rich and tender. If you’re on a budget, New York strip or flank steak can also work—just make sure to cut against the grain for the best texture.

Options for Substitutions

Need to tweak the recipe? No problem! Here are a few easy swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor:

Steak Alternative – If you don’t have steak, you can use chicken breast or shrimp for a different take on this dish.
Dairy-Free Option – Swap out the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute with coconut cream for the sauce.
Herb Variations – Instead of parsley, try fresh thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic touch.
Spice it Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the dish a little heat.
Lighter Sauce – If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth to cut down on the richness.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in bringing out the rich, savory flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential:

Steak (Sirloin, Ribeye, or Filet Mignon) – The star of the dish! A well-marbled steak ensures juicy, tender bites.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the steak and enhancing its natural flavors.
Butter – Adds richness and creates that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Garlic (Minced) – Infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic works best!
Heavy Cream – The base of the Parmesan cream sauce, giving it a velvety, luscious texture.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated) – Melts into the cream to create a bold, cheesy sauce with a nutty kick.
Beef Broth – Adds depth to the sauce and helps balance out the richness.
Parsley (Fresh, Chopped) – A fresh, bright finishing touch to contrast the creamy sauce and buttery steak.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the steak to perfection, locking in those juices.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – If you like a bit of heat, this adds a gentle kick.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels—this helps it sear properly. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until medium-rare or medium, depending on your preference. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the steak for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Then, add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and smooth. If needed, season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if you like a little spice, some red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Cooking time depends on how you like your steak, but since these are bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly! Here’s a general guide for searing the steak bites:

Rare (Cool Red Center) – 1-2 minutes per side
Medium-Rare (Warm Red Center) – 2-3 minutes per side
Medium (Warm Pink Center) – 3-4 minutes per side
Medium-Well (Slightly Pink Center) – 4-5 minutes per side
Well Done (No Pink) – 5-6 minutes per side

Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat, so it’s best to pull it off just before reaching your desired doneness.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Use High-Quality Steak – The better the cut, the juicier and more flavorful your bites will be.
Pat the Steak Dry Before Cooking – This helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a nice crust forms on each piece.
Let the Steak Rest – Resting for a few minutes after cooking keeps the juices inside, making the bites more tender.
Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
Serve Immediately – These steak bites taste best fresh, straight from the skillet!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Resting Time – Letting the steak rest after cooking helps lock in the juices. Cutting into it too soon can make it dry.
Overcooking the Steak – Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming tough.
Not Using a Hot Pan – A properly heated skillet is key to getting that delicious sear. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the steak will steam instead of caramelizing.
Adding Cold Steak to the Pan – Take the steak out of the fridge at least 10 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Using Low-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in the cream sauce. Pre-packaged cheese may not melt properly.
Overcrowding the Pan – Cooking too many pieces at once lowers the temperature, leading to uneven cooking and a lack of sear.
Over-thickening the Sauce – If the sauce becomes too thick, a little beef broth can bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Forgetting to Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Parmesan is salty, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt. A little black pepper or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavors.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base to soak up the rich Parmesan sauce.

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is great for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Pasta

Toss these steak bites over fettuccine or penne for an easy steak pasta dinner.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad balances out the richness of the dish with crisp romaine and tangy dressing.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a delicious crunch to your plate.

Rice or Risotto

Serve over buttery rice or a creamy risotto for an extra indulgent pairing.

Steamed or Sautéed Greens

A side of sautéed spinach or garlic butter kale complements the richness of the steak bites.

Red Wine

A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of this dish.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t common in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce for the best results.

Refrigeration: Store leftover steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the steak itself can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate when thawed. If you want to freeze the steak bites, store them separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: The best way to reheat steak bites is in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or cream while reheating to bring it back to a smooth consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak rubbery.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-ounce serving of steak with sauce):

Calories: ~480
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~4g
Sugar: ~1g
Sodium: ~450mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands. If you’re watching your macros, you can adjust the recipe by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reducing the butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! While sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon are ideal, you can also use New York strip, flank steak, or even skirt steak. Just be sure to cut against the grain for the most tender bites.

Can I make this without garlic?

Absolutely. If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. You can also use shallots for a milder flavor.

Can I make the Parmesan cream sauce without heavy cream?

Yes! You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just note that the sauce may be thinner and require a bit more cheese for thickening.

How can I add more heat to this dish?

A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even a bit of hot sauce can give the steak bites a spicy kick.

Can I cook these steak bites in an air fryer?

Yes! Toss the steak bites in olive oil and seasonings, then cook them in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Prepare the sauce separately on the stovetop.

What’s the best Parmesan to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a smooth and creamy sauce. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the sauce and sear the steak ahead of time. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

What should I do if my steak turns out tough?

Tough steak is often a result of overcooking or using a lean cut. To fix this, slice the steak thinner, reheat gently in the sauce, and be sure to use a high-heat sear next time for better caramelization.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends—they’ll thank you later!