Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes is a delicious, hearty dish featuring tender pieces of juicy steak cooked in fragrant garlic butter alongside golden, crispy potatoes. The contrast between the rich, buttery steak and the crunchy potatoes makes every bite satisfying and full of flavor.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but impressive. The garlic butter adds that perfect touch of richness to the steak, and the crispy potatoes soak up all those flavors, making every mouthful extra tasty. I usually use small potatoes to get that crispy texture just right without much fuss.
This meal is great for dinner any night of the week, and I often serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to keep things balanced. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together without a lot of work, which I really appreciate after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I like sirloin for steak bites because it’s tender and cooks quickly. Ribeye works great too if you want a richer flavor from the marbling. If you prefer leaner meat, try flank steak but slice it thin.
Baby potatoes: These are perfect for crispiness and cook faster. If you can’t find baby potatoes, use fingerling or red potatoes. Avoid starchy types like russets as they don’t crisp as well.
Butter and olive oil: Butter adds great flavor, but mixing it with olive oil prevents burning. You can swap olive oil for avocado or vegetable oil if you prefer. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that classic garlic butter taste. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic here as fresh garlic has more vibrant flavor.
How Can I Get the Potatoes Crispy Without Burning?
Here’s my method for crispy potatoes that aren’t burnt or mushy:
- Boil potatoes first until just tender. This softens them so they cook evenly inside without drying out.
- Pat them dry well to remove surface moisture—wet potatoes won’t crisp.
- Use a hot skillet with enough oil and don’t move the potatoes too soon. Let them sit undisturbed so a crust forms.
- Flip carefully to crisp all sides. This slow cooking at medium-high heat builds that perfect golden skin.
- If pieces stick, give a little extra time—they’ll release once fully browned.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet for even heat and great browning.
- Pot for boiling potatoes – a large pot makes it easy to cook the potatoes evenly.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps handle hot potatoes and steak bites without burning your fingers.
- Measuring spoons – for precise garlic and herb seasoning adjustments.
- Knife and cutting board – essential for chopping steak, potatoes, and garlic efficiently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh flavor boost.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during cooking for extra umami.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the potatoes for added veggies.
- Swap steak for chicken or shrimp if you prefer a different protein.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Steak Bites and Sauce:
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes cooking time, for a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty meal you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes Until Crispy:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boiled potatoes cut side down in one layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional oregano and thyme. Let them cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes on the other sides. Remove potatoes from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Prepare and Sear the Steak Bites:
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure good searing. Season generously with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and bubbles, add the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine and Finish the Dish:
Return the steak bites and crispy potatoes to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Cook together for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend well.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the steak and potatoes for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes Instead of Fresh Baby Potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen baby potatoes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring they get crispy when cooked.
Can I Substitute the Steak with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces work well, as do shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks much faster, and chicken might need a bit longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover steak bites and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the steak tender and potatoes crispy.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes and steak separately ahead of time. Reheat them together in the skillet with a little butter and garlic to refresh the flavors before serving.
