Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Category: Evening Meals That Deliver Results

This dish combines tender steak bites seared to perfection with golden, crispy potatoes. Cooked in a buttery garlic sauce enriched with thyme and seasoned with salt and pepper, the meal delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite. Ideal for a comforting dinner, it pairs well with fresh veggies or salad for balance.

Sarah Crisp
Recipe By Sarah Crisp Sarah Crisp
Last updated on Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:11:12 GMT
A plate of steak and potatoes. Pin
A plate of steak and potatoes. | cookrisp.com

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a hearty dish that transforms classic steakhouse flavors into a comforting weeknight dinner. Each bite delivers tender steak, crispy potatoes, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce—all with minimal fuss and cleanup.

When I first made this dish, my family hovered by the stove waiting for the steak bites to be ready. Now it is the number one comfort meal at our table because every time that garlicky butter hits the hot pan it just feels like home.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Butter: This coats every potato and steak piece for richness. Choose unsalted so you control the salt level.
  • Olive oil: Helps the potatoes and steak brown without scorching the butter. Go for extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Dried thyme: Brings earthy depth and pairs perfectly with steak and potatoes. Check the date on your dried herbs for maximum freshness.
  • Salt and pepper: The foundation for bold steak flavor. Always use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for best results.
  • Baby potatoes: Go for small yellow or red potatoes. Their thin skins crisp up nicely and add nutty taste.
  • Sirloin steak: Known for tenderness and balanced marbling. Cut into bite size pieces for even cooking. Opt for fresh steak with bright color and little excess moisture.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced makes all the difference. Look for firm cloves without green sprouts.
  • Parsley: Fresh leaves add a bright finish and a pop of color. Choose vibrant green bunches without wilted stems.

How to Make It

Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by cutting the baby potatoes into halves or quarters so each piece is about the same size. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with melted butter, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper so every piece is evenly coated.
Sauté the Potatoes:
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated potatoes in a single flat layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about eight to ten minutes so they form a crisp crust, then turn and cook another eight minutes until deeply golden and tender inside. Remove potatoes and set aside.
Sear the Steak Bites:
Return the skillet to medium high and add one more tablespoon of butter. Lay the sirloin steak pieces in a single layer without crowding. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let them sear for two to three minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set next to the potatoes.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the stove to medium low. Add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then add all the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic just starts to turn golden and smells aromatic. Do not let the garlic brown too much.
Bring It All Together:
Return both the crispy potatoes and steak bites to the hot pan. Gently toss so every piece is slicked in hot garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve straight from the skillet or plate up as desired.
A plate of meat and potatoes.
A plate of meat and potatoes. | cookrisp.com

Butter is my not so secret ingredient here. It creates a silky sauce and brings everything together in one glorious bite. There is something special about scooping up crispy potato and tender steak with that cloak of buttery garlic. Each time I make this for family Sunday suppers it just vanishes from the platter in minutes.

Flavor Boosters

Try infusing your butter with a sprig of rosemary or tossing in a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Finishing with a squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish and a sprinkle of flaky salt adds just the right crunch at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your steak and potatoes as is for a filling dinner, or round it out with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Warm rolls or crusty sourdough are perfect for soaking up every bit of garlic butter. A tangy dipping sauce on the side or fresh lemon juice can offer a bright finishing touch.

Creative Twists

Swap the sirloin for ribeye or strip steak, or try chicken breast or portobello mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add asparagus, carrots, or bell peppers for a seasonal spin, or switch parsley for fresh rosemary in autumn for a woodsy note. Use whatever baby potatoes are at peak freshness.

A plate of meat and potatoes.
A plate of meat and potatoes. | cookrisp.com

This cozy meal turns even an ordinary Thursday into something memorable. Every bite is warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor—just the kind of dinner that vanishes fast.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different cuts of steak?

Yes, ribeye or strip steak can be substituted for sirloin. Choose well-marbled cuts for optimal tenderness and flavor.

→ How do I ensure the potatoes get crispy?

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron and cook the potatoes over medium heat with olive oil before adding butter to achieve a golden, crispy texture.

→ Is peeling the potatoes necessary?

No, baby potatoes have thin skins that crisp up nicely and add extra flavor and nutrients when cooked.

→ What skillet works best for cooking?

A large cast iron or stainless steel skillet provides even heat and the best sear for both steak and potatoes.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, vegan butter or olive oil can replace butter, slightly changing the flavor while keeping the dish delicious.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Enjoy a dinner featuring tender steak bites and crispy potatoes coated in rich garlic butter and seasoned with thyme and pepper. Perfect for a cozy evening meal, this dish is truly bookmark-worthy.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Complete Time
45 minutes
Recipe By Sarah Crisp: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Dinner Victories

Level of Difficulty: Perfect for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 2 Number of Servings (Main dish for 2)

Dietary Categories: Free of Gluten

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ For the steak and potatoes

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 12 ounces sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes
04 10 ounces baby potatoes, halved
05 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 Kosher salt, to taste
08 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

Step 01

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved baby potatoes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crisp-tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and keep warm.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Increase heat to high. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, seasoning again with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and steak reaches desired doneness. Remove steak from the pan and set aside with the potatoes.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 04

Return the seared steak bites and sautéed potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with dried thyme. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together until evenly coated with garlic butter and heated through.

Step 05

Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the steak bites and potatoes hot, directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Baby potatoes do not require peeling; their thin skins add extra texture and flavor.
  2. Working in batches when searing steak ensures caramelization rather than steaming.
  3. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
  4. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a touch of butter for best results.

Things You'll Need

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Spatula
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Always read labels for allergens and consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

This is for general info and isn't a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 15 grams