Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is a simple, delicious dish that brings together tender, juicy chunks of steak and crispy, golden potatoes all coated in rich garlic butter. The combination of textures—the soft potatoes and the perfectly seared steak—makes every bite a little celebration. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is super easy to make at home.
I love making this dish on a busy weeknight because it comes together quickly and fills the kitchen with the warm smell of garlic and butter. My trick is to get the potatoes really crispy before adding in the steak, so you get that satisfying crunch and soft inside every time. The garlic butter sauce is the real star— it makes everything taste so comforting and full of flavor.
Whenever I serve these steak bites and potatoes, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It’s great on its own or paired with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things bright. This recipe always gets compliments, and I find myself wanting seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s a great meal to share with friends or family when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye works best due to their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, try flank or strip steak, but avoid chuck as it can be tougher.
Baby Potatoes: These give a crispy outside and soft inside. Yukon Gold or red potatoes make good substitutes. Just cut larger potatoes into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
Butter & Garlic: Butter adds richness, and garlic brings a punch of flavor. You can swap butter for olive oil if you want to keep it lighter, but butter really helps with that delicious sauce.
Herbs: Oregano and thyme are optional but add nice background notes. Fresh rosemary or parsley also pair well here if you want to switch things up.
How Do You Get Tender Steak Bites and Crispy Potatoes in One Pan?
The key is cooking the potatoes first to get them crispy, then cooking the steak separately in the same pan to get a good sear. Here’s how:
- Start the potatoes in medium heat with olive oil, letting them crisp up slowly. Stir occasionally to brown evenly without burning.
- Remove the potatoes before adding the steak, so the pan stays hot and clean for a great sear.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to avoid steaming and help form a brown crust.
- Cook the steak quickly on medium-high heat, turning until browned but still juicy inside.
- Finally, add butter and garlic at the end, then toss everything together. This coats the pieces in that rich, flavorful sauce without overcooking.
Taking your time with each step helps balance the textures perfectly—crispy potatoes and tender steak with a garlicky, buttery finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even browning and easy cleanup.
- Chef’s knife – sharp and sturdy to easily cut the steak and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board – a stable surface for chopping the steak, potatoes, and garlic.
- Measuring spoons – to accurately measure the oil, butter, and herbs.
- Spatula or tongs – helpful for turning the steak bites and potatoes to get an even sear.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese topping – sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top just before serving for added richness.
- Spicy kick – add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for some heat.
- Vegetable boost – stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Herb switch – use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant aroma.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes (Tender & Crispy!) Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak and Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved if large
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 minutes to cook. Overall, you can expect to have this delicious meal ready in around 35 minutes, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Start by rinsing the baby potatoes and patting them dry. If your potatoes are on the larger side, cut them in halves or quarters so they cook evenly and at the same pace.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes, then season generously with salt, pepper, and if you’d like, dried oregano and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes turn golden brown and are crispy on the outside but tender inside. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. When done, remove the potatoes from the pan and set them aside.
3. Cook the Steak Bites:
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper. To avoid overcrowding, cook the steak in batches if needed. Sear the cubes by turning them occasionally until they’re nicely browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. This usually takes 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare. Remove steak bites and set aside with the potatoes.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the steak bites and potatoes back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors blend and everything warms through.
6. Serve:
Plate up your garlic butter steak bites with crispy potatoes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your meal right away, and consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
Can I Use Frozen Steak Bites for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the steak bites in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat them dry well to get a good sear without steaming.
How Can I Make the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
After boiling or rinsing, pat the potatoes very dry before adding oil. Cook them over medium heat without stirring too often to let them form a golden crust.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can cook the steak and potatoes in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter to refresh the flavors.
What Is a Good Side Dish to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes?
A simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus complement the richness of this dish nicely and keep the meal balanced.