Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender, juicy chunks of steak cooked in rich garlic butter, paired perfectly with golden, crispy potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures is super satisfying, making it a great meal for any night of the week. The garlic butter adds a wonderful aroma and that buttery, garlicky taste we all love, while the crispy potatoes offer a nice crunchy contrast.
I love making this recipe when I want something simple but still feel a little fancy in the kitchen. The best part is how quickly it comes together—the steak cooks fast, and those potatoes turn out perfectly crispy without much fuss. I like to use a big skillet so everything gets a nice sear and cooks evenly. Plus, adding fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan over the top makes it even more delicious.
When I serve these steak bites and crispy potatoes, I usually set the table with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things balanced. This meal always feels like a treat, and I find it’s a big hit with friends and family too—everyone loves that mix of hearty meat and crispy potatoes. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make but leaves everyone happy and full, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I like sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer leaner cuts, try flank or strip steak. For a budget option, even chuck steak works if cut into small cubes.
Potatoes: Baby gold potatoes crisp up nicely and stay creamy inside. You can swap with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure to cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Butter & Garlic: Butter gives a rich, silky flavor. If you want, substitute half with olive oil for a lighter taste. Fresh garlic is key here—minced finely so the flavor spreads evenly without burning.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a warm, earthy touch. Fresh herbs are better but dried works fine too. You can also try oregano or parsley for a slightly different twist.
How Do You Get Steak Bites Tender and Potatoes Crispy?
The trick to perfect steak bites is not overcrowding the pan. Give each piece space to sear, so you get that nice brown crust. Cook quickly over medium-high heat to keep them juicy.
For potatoes, par-cooking helps. You can boil for 5 minutes before pan-frying for extra softness inside. Make sure the pan is hot before adding potatoes to get that crispy edge.
- Heat skillet well before cooking to avoid sticking.
- Use enough oil and butter for flavor and crispiness.
- Stir garlic briefly at the end to avoid bitterness.
Combining everything at the end in the garlic butter sauce helps coat all pieces with flavor and keeps the potatoes from losing their crisp texture. Finishing with fresh parsley and lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron) – It heats evenly and gives the steak a great sear.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – I use it to toss potatoes and steak without scratching the pan.
- Measuring spoons – For the butter, oil, and herbs, to keep things precise.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping steak, garlic, and herbs.
- Small bowl – To toss potatoes with spices before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein kick.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of thyme and rosemary for new flavor profiles.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta after cooking for added richness.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers with the potatoes for extra veggies and sweetness.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
For The Crispy Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby gold potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if available)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 to 30 minutes of cooking. You’ll spend time preparing the potatoes and steak, then cooking each separately before combining them in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Cook the Potatoes:
Start by tossing the baby gold potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary in a large bowl until all pieces are well coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned potatoes and cook, stirring and turning occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. When done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm.
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
With the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan for a good sear. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the steak bites for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce & Combine:
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic. Return the steak bites and crispy potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce so they’re well coated. Cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Add lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the steak bites if you like a little zesty brightness. Serve immediately while warm, paired with your favorite sides or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Steak for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the steak completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for faster thawing. Pat dry well to get a good sear on the steak bites.
How Can I Make the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil them for 5 minutes before pan-frying. Also, make sure the skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan so the potatoes get a nice golden crust.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the potatoes and steak in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter to refresh the garlic butter sauce before serving.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Potatoes?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious butter sauce.