Introduction:
When you think of comfort food, a hearty combination of perfectly seared steak bites and creamy mashed potatoes might come to mind. This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes offers a delightful blend of rich, buttery flavors and tender steak paired with silky mashed potatoes. Not only is it a quick dish to prepare, but it’s also a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or even a special weekend meal. With the garlic butter adding depth and richness to the steak and the smooth potatoes serving as a base, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Ingredients:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Afterward, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Next, add the butter, heavy cream, and garlic powder (if using). Begin mashing the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, feel free to mash lightly. At this point, season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Once seasoned, cover the pot with a lid and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
While the potatoes are resting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. As the oil heats up, season your steak bites generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the steak bites in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring each piece has direct contact with the pan.
Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until they are browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Depending on the size of your skillet, you might need to cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely before adding the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir the mixture continuously, allowing the garlic to become fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be mindful not to let the garlic burn as it cooks quickly at this stage.
Step 4: Finish the Steak Bites
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated with the butter. Allow the steak to cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Once done, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the steak for garnish.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, to serve, plate a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes next to the garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over both the steak and the potatoes. For a bit more color and flavor, garnish with extra parsley if desired.
COOKING Note:
To achieve the best possible sear on your steak bites, ensure that the skillet is hot before adding the steak. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, affecting the texture. Cooking the steak in batches guarantees a crispy, golden exterior.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider these ideas to elevate your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or broccoli adds a touch of brightness and balances the richness of the steak and potatoes.
- Fresh Salad: Serve with a light and crisp salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the buttery flavors.
- Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, a slice of garlic bread will help mop up the remaining garlic butter on the plate.
Tips:
- Steak Selection: Sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices for steak bites due to their marbling, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cuts of steak.
- Creamier Potatoes: If you prefer extra smooth mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer to achieve a velvety texture.
- Enhancing Flavor: A dash of lemon juice added to the garlic butter sauce can provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is an ideal meal when you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying. The perfectly seared steak combined with the creamy mashed potatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but the dish is also simple enough to make on busy weeknights. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own home.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye is recommended for their tenderness, you can use cuts like strip steak or tenderloin. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when needed. As for the steak bites, they are best enjoyed freshly cooked to maintain their tenderness and flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can easily swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or plant-based butter, and replace the cream in the mashed potatoes with a dairy-free milk.
Q: How do I ensure my steak is tender?
A: The key to tender steak is not overcooking it. Make sure to sear the steak quickly at high heat and remove it from the skillet once it reaches your desired doneness.
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