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These tender, juicy garlic butter steak bites bathed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce transform ordinary beef into an extraordinary meal that feels restaurant-worthy but takes just minutes to prepare at home. The combination of aromatic herbs, perfectly seared steak, and rich, cheesy sauce creates an irresistible dish that works equally well as an impressive appetizer or a satisfying main course.
I first created this recipe when trying to replicate a steakhouse experience at home during the pandemic. What started as a special occasion dish quickly became my go-to when I want to treat myself or impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: Cut into 1-inch cubes offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor while remaining budget-friendly compared to premium cuts
- Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the salt level while providing richness to both the steak and sauce
- Fresh herbs: Including thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring brightness and aromatic complexity; use fresh rather than dried for the best flavor profile
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for the sauce; choose full-fat for the silkiest texture
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth; look for freshly grated rather than pre-packaged for superior melting quality
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbaceous notes that complement the fresh herbs; use a quality blend or make your own
Step By Step Instructions
- Season the Steak:
- Generously coat steak cubes with salt and pepper ensuring even coverage on all sides. Salt not only flavors the meat but helps create a beautiful crust when searing. Let the seasoned meat sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off for more even cooking.
- Sear the Steak:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is hot but not smoking. Arrange steak pieces in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than searing. Cook for 3-4 minutes turning occasionally to develop a rich brown crust on all sides while maintaining a pink center.
- Create the Garlic Herb Butter:
- After removing steak, add remaining butter to the same pan to capture the flavorful fond leftover from searing. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs, sautéing just until fragrant, about 60 seconds. The residual heat from the pan will release the aromatic oils without burning the garlic which would create bitterness.
- Coat the Steak:
- Return the seared steak to the skillet with the garlic herb butter, tossing gently to coat each piece. Allow the meat to cook for just 1-2 additional minutes to absorb the flavors without overcooking. The steak should remain medium-rare to medium for maximum tenderness.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In a separate skillet, melt butter before adding minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil which could cause separation. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning stirring constantly until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Either pour the sauce directly over the steak bites in the skillet for family-style serving or present it alongside as a dipping sauce for a more interactive experience. The hot steak should be served immediately while the sauce is still warm and fluid.
This dish reminds me of my first date with my husband at an upscale steakhouse. Years later I surprised him with this homemade version for our anniversary and he swears my Parmesan cream sauce is even better than the restaurant's version. The secret is using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Perfect Doneness Guide
Understanding steak doneness is crucial for this recipe. For medium-rare which offers the best texture remove the steak bites when the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. They'll appear pinkish-red in the center with a well-browned exterior. For medium cook until they reach 135-145°F with a warm pink center. Remember that smaller steak bites cook quickly and continue cooking slightly after removal from heat so err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking.
Creative Serving Ideas
These versatile steak bites work beautifully in multiple presentations. Serve them on small skewers with a ramekin of sauce for an elegant appetizer. For a complete meal pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp salad to balance the richness. They also make excellent sliders when tucked into mini buns with a drizzle of the Parmesan sauce. For a low-carb option serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles which readily absorb the delicious sauce.
Make-Ahead Options
While best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare components ahead for quicker assembly. Cut and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance keeping it covered in the refrigerator. The Parmesan cream sauce can be made up to two days ahead and gently reheated on the stovetop adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its silky consistency. Final cooking and assembly should be done just before serving for the best texture and temperature.