Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes Recipe hits all the right notes: juicy seared steak, crispy golden potatoes, and a buttery garlic sauce that coats every bite. It suits busy weeknights and cooks who want big flavor fast, and it takes about 30 minutes front to back. I made a skillet last week after a long shoot, and my family went quiet for five minutes, which counts as applause.
Why You Should Try This Garlic Butter Steak Bites
You get steakhouse flavor in one pan with minimal cleanup. The garlic butter melts into the seared crust and slicks the potatoes so everything tastes rich and savory. It feels fancy but cooks fast.
The method uses high heat for a quick sear and a short rest, so the steak stays tender. You can batch the steak bites, toss the potatoes in the same skillet, and finish with fresh herbs and lemon. The result tastes balanced, not heavy.
“Five stars. Tender steak, crispy potatoes, and a garlicky butter sauce that made my spouse guard the pan. I hid a portion for lunch and felt very wise.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby gold or baby Yukon potatoes, halved or quartered
- Sub: peel and cube russets into 3/4-inch pieces; pantry shortcut: steam-in-bag potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Brand note: European-style butter gives a deeper flavor
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- Shortcut: 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- If using Morton, use a little less than if you use Diamond Crystal
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lemon wedges for serving
- Optional splash of low sodium beef broth or dry white wine to deglaze
Equipment:
- 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet
- Tongs and a spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board and paper towels
- Microwave-safe bowl with lid or pot for par-cooking potatoes
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep the steak: Pat the steak cubes very dry with paper towels. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Let the steak rest at room temperature while you start the potatoes.
- Par-cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water and a pinch of salt. Cover and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes until a fork slides in with slight resistance. Drain well and let the steam escape so the surfaces dry.
- Crisp the potatoes: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the potatoes in an even layer, cut sides down, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until browned and tender. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Sear the steak bites, batch one: Increase heat to high. Add 2 teaspoons oil if the pan looks dry. Add half the steak in a single layer and sear 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned with a medium center. Transfer to a plate.
- Sear batch two: Repeat with the remaining steak. Keep the browned bits in the pan; they hold flavor.
- Build the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 3 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Add a splash of broth or wine and scrape up the browned bits.
- Finish the dish: Return potatoes to the pan and toss in the garlic butter. Add the steak bites and any juices, then add parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Toss for 30 to 60 seconds to coat and warm through. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate the steak bites and potatoes hot. Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the top and add a squeeze of lemon if you like brightness.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
A few smart moves make this skillet dinner taste like you cooked it on a grill line.
- Dry the steak cubes well so you get a deep sear.
- Cut steak and potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Work in batches and give the pan breathing room for browning.
- Add butter after searing so the milk solids do not scorch.
- Keep garlic on medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent bitter spots.
- Use high heat for the sear, then lower for the butter and garlic so the sauce stays glossy.
- Finish with lemon juice to balance the richness.
- Aim for 125 to 130 F for medium-rare and 135 to 140 F for medium; pull 5 degrees early and let carryover finish the job.
- Short on time: microwave the potatoes as written or use pre-steamed baby potatoes.
- Want extra crust: toss steak with 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch before searing and shake off the excess.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Round out the skillet with a fresh side or a quick sauce.
- Simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette
- Sautéed mushrooms with thyme
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Creamed spinach or garlicky kale
- Warm crusty bread to swipe the garlic butter
- Sauces: chimichurri, garlic-herb yogurt, or horseradish sauce
- Drink: sparkling water with lemon
Storage
- Make-ahead: Cube and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Par-cook the potatoes, cool, and refrigerate for 2 days.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Potatoes soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors stay bold.
- Reheat: Use a hot skillet with a teaspoon of oil and a small pat of butter. Cook over medium heat 2 to 4 minutes, turning often, until hot. Or use an air fryer at 375 F for 4 to 6 minutes. Use the microwave only for a quick reheat if texture matters less.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings: 610 to 650 calories, 34 to 38 g protein, 28 to 32 g fat, 28 to 32 g carbs, 3 to 4 g fiber, 650 to 900 mg sodium. Numbers reflect sirloin, baby gold potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1.5 tablespoons olive oil. Actual values vary by cut of steak, potato size, and salt brand.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender steak bites and crispy potatoes, all cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the halved baby potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden and fork tender. Remove potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- Add steak bites to the same skillet in a single layer, without overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper. Sear on each side for 2-3 minutes or until browned. Remove steak bites to the plate with the potatoes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return potatoes and steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Sirloin works best for tender steak bites. Adjust seasonings to your taste. For extra crispiness, let the potatoes sit undisturbed while sautéing. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables if desired.