Are you tired of serving the same boring dinner options that leave your family unimpressed? I’ve been there too. But these tender, juicy Best Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce completely transformed my weeknight dinner game. Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. When I first made these steak bites, my family couldn’t stop raving about them. The combination of perfectly seared steak chunks bathed in that velvety garlic parmesan sauce created an instant family favorite. Now it’s become our go-to recipe when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
As someone who believes that food is about creating memories around the table, I’ve tested and refined this recipe to guarantee success in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating your family to a delicious weeknight meal, these steak bites deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
In this recipe, I’ll share my top tips for selecting the perfect cut of beef, creating that unforgettable garlic parmesan sauce, and achieving the ideal sear on your steak bites. Plus, I’ll cover serving suggestions and answer your most common questions about this dish.
Why These Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Work
These steak bites have become my family’s most requested meal for good reason:
- Uses affordable sirloin steak that becomes incredibly tender when cooked properly
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- The garlic parmesan sauce elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary
- Works beautifully as both an appetizer or main course
- Creates minimal dishes and cleanup (just one pan needed!)
Choosing the Right Meat for Steak Bites
Best Cuts for Steak Bites Recipe
For the most tender and flavorful steak bites, I recommend using:
- Sirloin: My personal favorite for this recipe – offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank
- Ribeye: More expensive but delivers exceptional marbling and richness
- Tenderloin/Filet Mignon: The ultimate splurge for special occasions, incredibly tender
- Strip Steak: Great beefy flavor with moderate tenderness
Buying Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
When shopping for your steak bites:
- Look for meat with good marbling (those white flecks of fat throughout the muscle)
- Choose beef with bright cherry-red color, which indicates freshness
- Buy slightly thicker steaks (1-1.5 inches) for easier cubing
- Ask your butcher to trim excess fat if you don’t want to do it yourself
Substitutions for Steak Bites
Don’t have sirloin on hand? Try these alternatives:
- Beef tenderloin tips work beautifully but are pricier
- Boneless top round can work if cut small and not overcooked
- For a budget option, well-marinated chuck steak cut into small pieces
Looking for something with a similar taste profile but different protein? Try my Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken recipe for equally impressive results!
Ingredients & Prep for Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Steak Bites Prep Essentials
Before cooking your steak bites:
- Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, removing any large pieces of fat or gristle
- Pat meat completely dry with paper towels (crucial for proper searing)
- Allow meat to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes
- Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Ingredients
For that irresistible sauce, you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Pantry Staples for Steak Bites
Make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- High-smoke point oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- Quality butter (preferably unsalted)
- Fresh garlic (far superior to pre-minced)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pre-Cooking Prep for Steak Bites
- Cut your steak into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re relatively uniform in size
- Pat the meat thoroughly dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of a good sear)
- Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking
- Prepare all sauce ingredients and have them ready (mise en place)
Cooking Method for Perfect Steak Bites
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot
- Add 1 tablespoon of high-smoke point oil to the pan
- Working in batches (don’t overcrowd!), add steak bites in a single layer
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness
- Transfer cooked steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan
- Add Parmesan cheese and seasonings, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened
- Return steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce
For a unique flavor profile, check out my Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken recipe that uses similar techniques with different ingredients!
Doneness Check for Steak Bites
For perfect steak bites, aim for these internal temperatures:
- 125-130°F for medium-rare (pink center)
- 135-140°F for medium (slight pink center)
- 145-150°F for medium-well (little to no pink)
Remember that the meat will continue cooking slightly after removal from heat.
Resting Your Steak Bites
While traditional steaks need significant resting time, these bite-sized pieces only need a short rest:
- Let steak bites rest 2-3 minutes before returning to the sauce
- This brief rest allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Avoiding Tough Steak Bites
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches for proper searing
- Use high heat initially – a hot pan creates the perfect sear
- Cut against the grain when preparing your steak cubes
- Don’t overcook – these small pieces cook very quickly!
Tool Recommendations for Steak Bites
For the best results, use:
- A large cast-iron skillet for superior heat retention and searing
- A sharp chef’s knife for clean cuts
- Tongs for easy flipping and handling of the meat
- An instant-read meat thermometer for perfect doneness
Storage & Reheating Steak Bites
These steak bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat
- Add a splash of cream if the sauce needs revitalization
- For best texture, consider reheating in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of butter
Love creating delicious sides to accompany your steak bites? Check out my Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions recipe for the perfect companion to this dish!
Flavor Variations for Steak Bites
Spicy Twist on Steak Bites
Kick up the heat with these variations:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Incorporate a tablespoon of hot sauce into the cream sauce
- Include a diced jalapeño with the garlic for extra kick
Keto/Paleo Steak Bites
Make this recipe diet-friendly:
- For keto: The recipe is already keto-friendly!
- For paleo: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan
- Use ghee instead of butter for strict paleo compliance
Global Flavors for Steak Bites
Transform the flavor profile with these international twists:
| Cuisine | Key Ingredients | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Italian | Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil | Serve over zucchini noodles |
| Asian | Replace Parmesan with coconut aminos, ginger, and sesame oil | Serve with steamed broccoli |
| Mediterranean | Add lemon zest, oregano, and olives | Serve with Greek salad |
| Mexican | Add cumin, cilantro, and lime | Serve with cauliflower rice |
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board where I’ve collected dozens of amazing steak recipes that will expand your weeknight dinner options!
Serving Suggestions for Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
These versatile steak bites pair beautifully with:
As a Main Course:
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh contrast
- Buttered egg noodles for a comforting meal
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
As an Appetizer:
- Serve with toothpicks and napkins for easy eating
- Provide sliced baguette for sauce-dipping
- Arrange on a platter with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs
Beverage Pairings:
- Bold red wines complement the rich flavors
- Craft amber ales provide nice balance
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
FAQs About Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I make these steak bites ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can prepare the meat and sauce separately up to a day ahead, then reheat and combine just before serving.
What if my sauce breaks or curdles?
Lower the heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold heavy cream to help it re-emulsify.
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
I don’t recommend it. Frozen steak releases too much moisture when thawed, making it difficult to get a proper sear.
How do I fix overcooked steak bites?
Unfortunately, there’s no perfect fix for overcooked meat. However, ensuring they’re well-coated in the creamy sauce helps compensate for any dryness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover steak bites?
Gently warm them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Time to Enjoy Your Steak Bites!
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge to create these incredible steak bites in garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.
Remember, cooking is about bringing joy to your table and creating memories with those you love. These steak bites aren’t just delicious – they’re an experience your family and friends will request again and again.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see your results! Share your creations with me and join the thousands of home cooks who’ve made these steak bites their go-to recipe for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
For more delicious, family-friendly recipes that bring people together around the table, be sure to explore more of my tested and perfected dishes here at Bikren Cook!