Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash

If you’re craving a satisfying, restaurant-style steak dish that’s quick and easy, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is the perfect meal to try. With tender, juicy steak bites coated in a garlic-herb butter sauce and served over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s versatile enough for a cozy night in but fancy enough for impressing guests. Here’s a simple guide to making this mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mash:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mash:

• Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
• Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Steak Bites:

• Cook the Steak Bites: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in batches (to avoid overcrowding), cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the butter, thyme, and rosemary. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the garlic is lightly browned.
• Combine with Steak Bites: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serve:

• Plate the Dish: Serve the steak bites over a bed of mashed potatoes. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top of the steak bites and mash for added flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Presentation: Serve the steak bites directly over a bed of mashed potatoes on a large plate or platter. Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top for added richness.
• Side Pairings: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or a fresh side salad. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, enhances the dish’s savory flavors.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover steak bites and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the steak bites and mash in freezer-safe containers, keeping them separate if possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop (Best for Steak Bites): Warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a small pat of butter to maintain their flavor and tenderness. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Microwave (For Quick Heating): Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of milk or a bit of butter to retain creaminess. Heat the steak bites in short bursts (10-15 seconds) to avoid drying them out.
• Oven (For Large Portions): Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place both the steak bites and mashed potatoes in oven-safe dishes, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes.

These tips will help you enjoy the dish just as much the next day!

Variations

If you’d like to customize or enhance Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash, here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Add Mushrooms for an Earthy Twist

Sauté sliced mushrooms in the same skillet after cooking the steak bites. They’ll absorb the garlic butter flavor beautifully, adding an earthy depth to the dish.

2. Swap for a Different Cut of Steak

For a richer flavor, try cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, which work well when seared quickly and keep their tenderness.

3. Make it Spicy

Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy kick. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.

4. Use Herb-Infused Butter

Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter. Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for a richer, more aromatic flavor. A touch of fresh parsley at the end adds brightness.

5. Add Cheese to the Mash

For extra creaminess, stir shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese into the mashed potatoes while they’re hot. This creates a velvety, cheesy mash that pairs perfectly with the steak bites.

6. Substitute with Sweet Potatoes

For a lighter, slightly sweet variation, swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in the mash. It adds a pop of color and complements the savory steak bites beautifully.

7. Try Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for a Low-Carb Option

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, substitute the mashed potatoes with garlic mashed cauliflower. Cook and mash the cauliflower with a bit of butter, cream, and garlic for a similar texture with fewer carbs.

8. Add Red Wine to the Garlic Butter Sauce

After cooking the steak bites, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the garlic butter. Let it reduce for a rich, flavorful sauce that’s great with both steak and potatoes.

9. Serve with Gravy Instead of Garlic Butter

For a heartier meal, replace the garlic butter with a classic gravy. Make a simple beef gravy by whisking beef broth with a little flour and butter in the skillet after cooking the steak bites.

10. Make it a One-Pan Dish

After searing the steak bites, cook the cubed potatoes directly in the skillet with some garlic and butter until they’re tender. This will give you crispy potatoes with less cleanup and a different, rustic presentation.

These variations allow you to adapt this dish to different tastes and dietary needs, making Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash a truly versatile and crowd-pleasing meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat for the steak bites?

Yes, you can use different cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip. Just be sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time based on thickness.

2. How do I know when the steak bites are cooked to medium-rare?

To achieve medium-rare, cook the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes per side. You can use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute dairy-free butter in both the steak and mashed potatoes, and use a non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) for the mash.

4. What can I use instead of vegetable oil for cooking the steak bites?

You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any high-smoke-point oil you prefer. These oils can handle the high heat without burning.

5. How can I prevent the steak bites from getting tough?

Cook the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and avoid overcooking. Medium-high heat helps get a quick sear, locking in juices and keeping the meat tender.

6. Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, pre-made mashed potatoes work well if you’re short on time. Simply warm them up and serve with the steak bites and garlic butter sauce.

7. How can I make the garlic butter sauce extra rich?

For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a small amount of beef broth after melting the butter. Let it simmer briefly before adding the steak bites back to the skillet.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze both the steak bites and mashed potatoes separately. Place them in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

9. What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or a simple side salad all pair wonderfully with this dish and add color and nutrients.

10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and sear the steak bites ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the mash, prepare the garlic butter, and quickly toss in the steak bites to warm through.

These FAQs cover common questions and provide helpful tips to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is a winning recipe for any occasion. Its tender steak bites, infused with garlic and herbs, paired with smooth mashed potatoes, create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation!

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