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This garlic butter steak and potatoes became my answer when I wanted something that felt like a fancy steakhouse dinner but could be ready in 35 minutes on a Tuesday night. Searing cubed steak with crispy golden potatoes, then tossing everything in herb garlic butter creates this incredible one-pan meal that makes everyone think you spent way more time and effort than you actually did. I discovered this recipe when I was tired of the same old weeknight dinners and wanted something that would make my family actually excited about what's for dinner.
My husband, who usually just eats whatever I put in front of him without much comment, actually stopped mid-bite to tell me how amazing this was. He said it reminded him of this expensive steakhouse we went to for our anniversary, but better because he could actually relax and enjoy it at home instead of worrying about the bill.
Ingredients
- Good steak cut into bites: Sirloin or NY strip work perfectly and cook quickly
- Yukon gold potatoes: Hold their shape well and get incredibly crispy
- Homemade seasoning blend: Way better than any store-bought mix
- Fresh garlic butter: The secret that makes everything taste restaurant-quality
- Cast iron pan: Retains heat perfectly for proper searing
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepping everything
- Mix your seasoning blend using salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika, then divide it in half. Make your garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and salt. Having everything ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
- Seasoning the steak
- Toss your cubed steak with Worcestershire sauce, browning sauce if you're using it, and half of your seasoning mixture. Make sure every piece gets coated evenly - this is where most of your flavor comes from.
- Parboiling the potatoes
- Boil the diced potatoes for 5-6 minutes until they just start to soften, then drain them well. Once they're cool enough to handle, season with the other half of your spice mixture and olive oil. This pre-cooking step ensures they get crispy outside while staying fluffy inside.
- Searing the steak
- Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned steak for 5-7 minutes until it's browned on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pan or move the pieces too much, you want good color development. Remove and set aside.
- Crisping the potatoes
- In the same skillet with all those delicious steak drippings, cook the parboiled potatoes for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're golden brown and fork-tender. The steak drippings add incredible flavor to the potatoes.
- The garlic butter finish
- Add the seared steak back to the skillet with the potatoes, then stir in that amazing garlic herb butter. Toss everything together until the steak and potatoes are completely coated in the buttery goodness.
I learned that getting the timing right is key to this recipe. My first attempt had overcooked steak because I tried to cook everything together from the start. Now I sear the steak separately and add it back at the end, which keeps it perfectly tender.
Perfect Serving Ideas
This is honestly a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or some steamed asparagus makes it feel even more special. The rich, buttery flavors pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a good beer. Sometimes I serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter.
Making It Different
Try different cuts of steak based on your budget - even cheaper cuts work great when cut into bites and cooked this way. Sometimes I add mushrooms or bell peppers to the potatoes for extra vegetables. Different fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the butter create completely different flavor profiles.
Storage and Reheating
This keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats beautifully in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra oil. The oven works too - just cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through. Try to avoid the microwave since it makes the potatoes soft instead of crispy.
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This garlic butter steak and potatoes has become one of those special dinner recipes that makes any night feel like an occasion. The combination of perfectly seasoned steak, crispy potatoes, and that incredible garlic butter creates something that's both comforting and elegant. It's proof that sometimes the best meals are the ones that take simple ingredients and execute them perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cuts of steak work best for this recipe?
- Sirloin and NY strip work great because they're tender and flavorful. You could also use ribeye or filet mignon if you want something extra tender.
- → Why do you parboil the potatoes first?
- Parboiling gives the potatoes a head start on cooking so they get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, and they finish at the same time as the steak.
- → Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
- Yes, but cast iron gives the best sear. A heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works too - just make sure it can handle high heat.
- → How do I know when the steak is done?
- The steak should be browned on all sides but still tender inside. Since they're small cubes, they cook quickly - don't overdo it or they'll get tough.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
- You can cube and season the steak and potatoes earlier in the day, but it's best cooked fresh for optimal texture and flavor.