Savory, Juicy, and Full of Comfort

I made these Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes last night when I wanted something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how fast and flavorful it turned out.

Everything came together in one pan, the steak was perfectly juicy, the potatoes were crispy and soft inside, and the garlic butter? Just super delicious. With simple ingredients, it felt like a fancy dinner without the stress or the price tag.

Adding fresh garlic and herbs at the end made the entire skillet smell so good, and the result just made everyone smile! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect cozy dinner, casual date night, or something easy and homemade after a long day—this is a go-to recipe. It’s hearty, balanced, and satisfying.

I like to enjoy it straight from the pan with a fresh green salad on the side and a piece of warm bread. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or drizzle of balsamic glaze—this dish is super easy to make and lets you get creative with toppings or sides. It’s rustic, flavorful, and never boring.

What are Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes?

Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes is a skillet-style dish made with small, seared pieces of steak and pan-fried potatoes tossed in a garlicky butter sauce. It’s usually made with sirloin or ribeye steak, golden potatoes, and seasoned with herbs and paprika. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and the potatoes are crispy outside and tender inside. Everything cooks in the same skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Perfect For:

• Weeknight Dinners: It’s quick, easy, and satisfying. You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Steak Lovers on a Budget: You get all the flavor of a steakhouse meal but in bite-size form using affordable cuts.
• Family Meals: Everyone loves steak and potatoes, and you can tweak the seasonings to suit all tastes.
• Romantic Dinners: It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort—perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Tongs or a spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl (for seasoning the steak)
• Paper towels (for patting steak dry)

How to make Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes

Step 1:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and fork-tender (about 15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.

Step 2:

Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and herbs. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear steak in a single layer (in batches if needed) for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Don’t overcook.

Step 3:

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the potatoes to the pan and toss everything together.

Step 4:

Cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

• Use room-temperature steak: It helps the meat cook evenly and sear properly without steaming.
• Pat the steak dry: Moisture causes it to steam instead of brown; dry meat means better crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches for the best golden-brown edges.
• Let the steak rest: After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it helps retain juices.
• Finish with butter and garlic: Adding them at the end prevents burning and brings out their flavor.
• Add herbs for brightness: Fresh parsley or rosemary at the end makes everything pop.
• Cut potatoes into small pieces: Smaller pieces cook faster and get crispier on the outside.

Optional Ingredients

• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle over the finished dish for a salty, nutty finish.
• Chili flakes: Add a pinch for a gentle heat that pairs well with the garlic butter.
• Mushrooms: Sauté with the steak for a savory, earthy flavor combo.
• Lemon juice or zest: A splash of citrus brightens the whole dish.
• Paprika or smoked paprika: Adds warm flavor and color to both steak and potatoes.
• Onion wedges: Cook alongside the potatoes for sweetness and added texture.

What to Pair with Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes?

To make this a complete meal, start with a bowl of fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette. The crisp greens and light dressing balance out the richness of the steak and garlic. Add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or feta for extra freshness.

A side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds color, nutrition, and freshness to your plate. These cook quickly and round out the meal.

If you’re craving something cozy, a serving of buttered corn on the cob or sautéed spinach works perfectly. It brings variety in texture and flavor and helps make the dish feel more complete.

To make it feel extra special, pair it with a glass of red wine or a light sparkling drink and finish with a simple dessert like fruit or chocolate. It’s a steakhouse-style meal right in your kitchen that feels indulgent but is doable.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken bites and potatoes: Swap steak for boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Season the same way and cook until golden and juicy. A great lighter option.

Sweet potatoes instead: Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and earthy flavor twist. They get caramelized and tender when pan-fried.

Garlic herb butter: Mix butter with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil for more depth. This makes every bite feel gourmet.

Asian-inspired version: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of ginger to the garlic butter for a fusion twist. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Cheesy skillet: Top everything with shredded cheese before serving for a melty, comforting finish. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great choices.

Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a keto-friendly option. Cook them the same way and enjoy all the flavor.

BBQ-style: Rub the steak with a BBQ rub and add a splash of BBQ sauce at the end. This gives the whole dish a smoky, sweet spin.

Tex-Mex: For a fun change, add taco seasoning to the steak and serve with avocado slices and lime wedges. You can even add a dollop of sour cream.

How to Store

Let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a little oil or butter to bring back the crispy edges.

You can freeze steak bites and potatoes, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can! While sirloin and ribeye work great, you can also use New York strip, filet tips, or even flank steak—just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes first?

Not necessarily. If you cut them small enough, they’ll cook perfectly in the skillet. But parboiling for 5–7 minutes can speed up the cooking time and make them extra tender inside.

How do I keep the steak tender and juicy?

Avoid overcooking. Sear the steak quickly over high heat and remove it once it’s browned. Let it rest before serving to lock in juices.

What kind of potatoes should I use?

Baby gold or red potatoes work best. They hold their shape, crisp up nicely, and have a creamy texture inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the steak and potatoes earlier in the day and cook when ready. It also reheats well, especially in a skillet.

Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stove?

You can! Roast the potatoes first at 425°F until nearly done, then add the seasoned steak bites and finish roasting together for about 10 minutes.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or cayenne if you want to kick up the heat.

Can I use frozen potatoes or steak?

It’s better to use fresh for the best texture, but if needed, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.

Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes is a one-pan meal featuring juicy seared steak and crispy golden potatoes tossed in buttery garlic goodness. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered

• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and fork-tender (about 15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
• Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and herbs. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear steak in a single layer (in batches if needed) for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Don’t overcook.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the potatoes to the pan and toss everything together.
• Cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.