Garlic Butter Steak Perfection

This indulgent garlic butter steak bites recipe has transformed our weekly dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary. The juicy steak pieces bathed in aromatic garlic butter pair perfectly with cheesy mashed potatoes, all brought together by a rich parmesan cream sauce that will have everyone scraping their plates clean.

I first made these steak bites when looking to impress my in-laws without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's become our Sunday dinner tradition, with everyone gathering around the table anticipating that first delicious bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs steak: filet, ribeye or sirloin work beautifully here for their tenderness and flavor
• 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil: chosen specifically for its high smoke point which prevents burning when searing at high heat
• 5 tablespoons butter: divided between the garlic butter and cream sauce for maximum richness
• 10 cloves garlic: minced and divided to infuse multiple layers of flavor throughout the dish
• 1.5 cups heavy cream: the foundation of our velvety parmesan sauce
• 2 green onions: diced for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: adjust according to your heat preference
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese: freshly grated provides the best melt and flavor
• 4 lbs russet potatoes: their high starch content creates perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes
• 1 cup half and half: warmed to blend seamlessly into the potatoes
• 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese: shredded for extra creaminess in the potatoes
• Homemade blackened seasoning blend: featuring smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and herbs that creates the perfect crust on the steak

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Steak:

Cut your steak into uniform 2-3 inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Rub them thoroughly with avocado oil making sure each piece is well-coated. This helps the seasoning stick and creates a beautiful sear. Season generously with blackened seasoning on all sides, pressing it gently into the meat. Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes which helps it cook more evenly.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and quarter your potatoes then soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. This crucial step removes excess starch resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes. Drain well, then place in a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on size, while you prepare the steak.

Sear the Steak:

Heat 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add steak pieces carefully avoiding overcrowding which would steam rather than sear them. Let them cook completely undisturbed for about 2 minutes developing a golden-brown crust. Flip just once and cook for another minute, then reduce heat to low and cook one more minute for medium rare.

Create the Garlic Butter:

Remove steak to a bowl then add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the same pan. Let the garlic become fragrant and infuse the butter about 30 seconds being careful not to burn it. Return the steak to the pan and toss to coat each piece in the aromatic garlic butter cooking just another minute. Remove to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm and allow juices to redistribute.

Make the Cream Sauce:

In the same pan with all those flavorful meat drippings, add 2 more tablespoons butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant about 30 seconds, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let reduce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes, green onions and parmesan cheese whisking constantly until smooth and velvety.

Finish the Mashed Potatoes:

Drain your cooked potatoes thoroughly then return to the hot pot. Add the warmed half and half and melted butter, and mash until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheese and seasonings then taste and adjust as needed. The potatoes should be creamy but still have enough body to hold up under the steak and sauce.

Serve and Enjoy:

Plate a generous portion of cheesy mashed potatoes, then arrange the steak bites on top. Spoon the rich parmesan cream sauce over everything, making sure each bite gets some of that luscious sauce. Garnish with additional green onions if desired and serve immediately while piping hot.

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The secret to this recipe is the layering of garlic throughout every component. I learned from my grandmother that cooking the garlic in stages rather than all at once creates a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. When I make this for my family, I always save a few extra spoonfuls of that parmesan cream sauce to drizzle over vegetables the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of steak works best for this dish?

Filet, ribeye, or sirloin are great choices due to their tenderness and flavor. Adjust cooking times for your preferred cut.

→ Can I substitute avocado oil?

Yes, you can use grapeseed oil or vegetable oil, as they also have a high smoke point suitable for searing steak.

→ How do I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Warm the cream and butter before mixing into the potatoes. Also, avoid over-mashing to prevent a gummy texture.

→ What can I use instead of parmesan for the sauce?

Try pecorino romano, asiago, or a mix of mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes and the cream sauce in advance. Sear the steak fresh for the best flavor and texture when ready to serve.