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Garlic butter steak bites and potatoes bring together juicy steak and crispy potatoes in one skillet for a dinner that is bursting with flavor but comes together in under thirty minutes. The combination of golden potatoes and perfectly seared steak tossed in garlicky ghee always reminds me of celebratory family nights when we craved something hearty but unfussy.
I first whipped this up for a Friday movie night when everyone wanted something different for dinner. The sizzling smell alone had the whole family racing to the kitchen and I have been doubling the recipe ever since.
Ingredients
- Ghee or butter: quarters of a cup divided gives richness and helps achieve those golden edges use good quality ghee for an extra nutty aroma
- Olive oil: one tablespoon prevents burning and mixes with ghee for flavor balance pick robust extra virgin
- Yukon gold potatoes: one pound cut into even half inch cubes ensures creamy insides with crisp outsides choose firm and unblemished potatoes
- Fresh garlic: three cloves minced fragrant backbone for the sauce use plump heavy cloves for best punch
- Dried thyme: one teaspoon adds woodsy notes that pair deliciously with beef select a bright green thyme if possible
- Dried oregano: half a teaspoon brings earthy undertones look for oregano with a bold aroma
- Sea salt: half a teaspoon plus more rounds out the flavors flaky salt melts in beautifully
- Ground black pepper: quarter teaspoon lightly heats up each bite use freshly cracked if you can
- Sirloin steak: one and one quarter pound cut into half inch cubes cooks quickly tender and juicy buy well marbled steak for best results
Instructions
- Prep the skillet:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and two spoonfuls of ghee to the pan letting the ghee melt until the mixture shimmers and covers the surface.
- Cook the potatoes:
- Toss in the cubed potatoes right away while the fat is warm. Sprinkle over the minced garlic thyme oregano salt and pepper. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for two or three minutes so they begin crisping underneath. Stir to turn them and continue cooking scraping the pan every one to two minutes. Watch for golden edges and fork tenderness after about eight to ten minutes but note that crowded pans or uneven cuts may take longer. Set the cooked potatoes and garlicky bits aside on a plate.
- Sear the steak:
- Crank the heat up to medium high and melt the last two spoonfuls of ghee in the empty skillet. Once fully melted and hot enough to sizzle scatter in the steak cubes. Season them quickly with a pinch more salt and pepper. Let the meat sear without touching for at least two minutes. A good crust forms this way. Then stir and flip the steak cubes cooking for another minute or two until all sides are deeply browned.
- Combine and finish:
- Add the cooked potatoes and their savory bits back into the pan. Stir everything together so the garlicky ghee clings to both potatoes and steak. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if desired. Scatter over some freshly chopped parsley for a green finish before serving hot.
The best part is always the little crispy potato pieces that soak up the steak juices. My husband says the smell alone means everyone will show up to dinner early. We still fight for the last buttery bite at our table.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with an extra splash of ghee or olive oil to help the steak stay juicy and revive the potatoes’ crisp edges. Avoid microwaving if you love a crisp texture. This dish is also perfect for packing into meal prep bowls for busy weekdays.
Ingredient Substitutions
For ghee you can substitute unsalted butter or even a vegan butter spread with a high smoke point. Try any small waxy potatoes such as red potatoes or fingerlings if Yukon gold are not available. Swap dried thyme or oregano for Italian seasoning in a pinch. Sirloin can be replaced with rump or strip steak and for a truly decadent treat try using ribeye. If you want to skip beef entirely mushrooms or chicken breast cubes work too.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these garlicky steak bites and potatoes beside a crisp green salad for brightness. Serve with lemony steamed broccoli or blistered green beans for something fresh on the side. Sprinkle chopped chives or even crumbled blue cheese if you love bold flavors.
Cultural and Historical Context
Pan seared steak alongside potatoes has roots in home style American dinners but the generous use of garlic butter feels inspired by French bistro classics. Cooking everything together in one pan makes it practical for busy households but delivers the decadence of a steakhouse meal at home. In my family pan dinners like this are tied to celebratory weekends and dinner parties where we want to laugh and linger at the table.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use springtime baby potatoes for the sweetest bite. Add fresh asparagus or peas in late spring for color. Swap oregano for chopped rosemary toward fall for piney warmth.
Success Stories
This recipe became my go to when my sister called at the last minute for a cozy dinner that feels special. She now texts photos each time she makes it for her own family. Friends have shared their own takes including adding a splash of white wine while finishing the steak or stirring in roasted mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cool cooked steak bites and potatoes completely before sealing in freezer bags or airtight containers. Freeze for up to two months. To serve thaw overnight then reheated in a skillet with a splash of ghee. This works well for prepping ahead for busy school nights or weekend guests.
Steak bites and potatoes make a one pan dinner that feels like a celebration but comes together in just minutes. The irresistible smell will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of steak works best?
Sirloin is recommended for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak can also deliver great results.
- → Can I use different potatoes?
Absolutely! Red, yellow, or fingerling potatoes all work well. Just keep the pieces small and even for even cooking.
- → How do I get a good sear on the steak?
Let the steak pieces cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes before stirring to develop a browned crust.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute ghee or butter with a plant-based alternative or use all olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- → What herbs pair well in this dish?
Dried thyme and oregano add earthiness, while fresh chopped parsley adds freshness before serving.
- → How can I avoid burning the garlic?
Sprinkle the garlic over the potatoes and stir frequently to prevent burning; avoid letting it sit directly on hot pan surfaces for too long.