These Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms are a delightful combination of tender steak pieces and earthy mushrooms, cooked to perfection in rich, savory butter. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 ounces small crimini or button mushrooms (sliced in half)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Steak
Cut the skirt steak into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2″ to 3/4″ in size. Generously sprinkle the meat with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet
Heat a heavy flat-bottomed stainless skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, swirl it to coat the pan. Add about a third of the meat, spreading it across the pan.
3. Cook the Steak
Cook the meat for 1 minute, then use a large spatula to flip the pieces over. Cook for an additional minute. Use a spatula to transfer the cooked meat to a plate, and repeat with the remaining meat in batches.
4. Keep the Steak Warm
Add an additional tablespoon of butter to the skillet. The entire cooking process for the meat should only take a few minutes. Once the meat is cooked, loosely tent foil over the plate to keep the steak bites warm.
5. Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and let the mushrooms cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes, until they are browned. Stir and continue to cook until the mushrooms are soft.
6. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked mushrooms and the buttery pan drippings to the plate with the steak bites. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair these steak bites with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Sauces: Serve with a side of creamy horseradish sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple balsamic reduction to enhance the flavors.
- Wine Pairing: Complement this dish with a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a perfect dining experience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you wish to store the steak bites for a longer period, place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the steak bites and mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered with a microwave-safe lid, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Pro Tips:
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak bites, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning and proper cooking.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak bites rest under foil for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to vary the flavor profile.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms even after the day you cook them. Happy cooking!
Variations:
1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic to the butter. Simply sauté 2-3 cloves of minced garlic in the butter before adding the steak bites.
2. Spicy Steak Bites
For a kick of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the steak bites while cooking. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
3. Herb-Infused Steak Bites
Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the butter. Sauté the herbs in the butter for a minute before adding the steak bites to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
4. Asian-Inspired Steak Bites
Marinate the steak bites in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Add a splash of sesame oil while cooking for an authentic Asian flavor.
5. Creamy Steak Bites
After cooking the steak bites and mushrooms, remove them from the skillet and add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the pan drippings. Stir until the sauce thickens, then pour it over the steak bites and mushrooms.
6. Steak Bites with Vegetables
Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables in the butter before cooking the steak bites, and then combine them all together.
7. Wine-Infused Steak Bites
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or white wine after cooking the steak bites. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the mushrooms to soak up the rich flavors.
8. Steak Bites with Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the steak bites and mushrooms just before serving. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful contrast to the savory dish.
9. Lemon Butter Steak Bites
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steak bites just before serving. The acidity of the lemon brightens the flavors and pairs well with the richness of the butter.
10. Steak Bites with Blue Cheese
After cooking, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the steak bites and mushrooms. The creamy, tangy cheese adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
These variations allow you to customize the Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms to suit different tastes and occasions. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite version!
FAQs :
1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts of steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Just ensure the pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
2. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Feel free to use shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. Each type will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
3. How do I prevent the steak bites from becoming tough?
Avoid overcooking the steak bites. Cook them quickly over high heat and remove them from the pan as soon as they are browned on both sides. Resting them under foil helps retain their juices.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the steak bites and mushrooms ahead of time and reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as margarine or olive oil. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
6. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad are great side dishes to complement the rich flavors of the steak bites and mushrooms.
7. Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the steak is fully thawed before cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture for better browning.
8. How can I add more flavor to the mushrooms?
In addition to salt, try adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar while cooking the mushrooms. You can also sauté them with garlic or shallots for extra depth of flavor.
9. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into a low-carb or keto diet. Pair it with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
10. Can I grill the steak bites instead of cooking them in a skillet?
Yes, you can grill the steak bites on skewers for a smoky flavor. Cook them over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, then sauté the mushrooms separately and combine them before serving.
Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its tender steak pieces and rich, savory mushrooms, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit various tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special event, this versatile dish is sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving suggestions to make it your own!