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Cooking is my thing, and this dish always wows my family. My Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes puts together golden meat chunks cooked in garlic butter alongside smooth potato mash that just melts when you eat it. I whip this up for friends coming over or just when we need something comforting on a weeknight. It's become a go-to favorite that I'm always happy to share.
A crowd-pleasing dinner staple
I'm always trying to get that perfect mix of tastes and textures in my kitchen. The soft steak goes so well with the gentle flavor of homemade mash. Adding garlic butter turns a basic meal into something special. I came up with this one evening when I wanted to treat my family without spending forever cooking, and now it's one of my signature dishes.
What you'll need for magic
- Steak : 500 g of your choice (ribeye, tenderloin or sirloin), cut into 3-4 cm chunks for the best tenderness.
- Butter : 50 g, unsalted, to make a velvety sauce.
- Ail : 2 cloves, chopped fine, giving that rich aromatic taste.
- Herbes : 1 sprig of thyme or rosemary, adding gentle flavor to the sauce.
- Pommes de terre : 600 g potatoes (try Yukon Gold or Russet), making creamy mashed potatoes.
- Crème : 100 ml, for silky smooth mash.
- Huile d'olive : 1 tablespoon, to get those steak pieces perfectly seared.
- Sel et Poivre : Add to your liking, to enhance all the flavors.
- Persil : Optional, for a fresh garnish on top.
Simple step-by-step approach
- Getting the meat ready
- I slice the steak into even-sized cubes. After a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, they sit out for 10 minutes on the counter.
- Cooking it right
- I get my cast iron pan really hot with a drizzle of olive oil. The steak cubes need about 2-3 minutes on each side to brown nicely. Remember not to overcrowd the pan - that's key.
- My garlic butter trick
- I turn down the heat then toss in butter, garlic and herbs. Everything melts together as I spoon the butter over the meat for a minute or two.
- How I make the mash
- The potatoes boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes. After draining, I mash them with butter, cream, salt and pepper until they're completely smooth.
- Putting it all together
- I start with a good scoop of mash on the plate, arrange the steak pieces on top and pour over the garlic butter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes it off.
Tasty twists I love
When I'm in the mood for something spicier, I'll throw in some Espelette pepper. Sometimes I add roasted veggies like in-season asparagus or green beans on the side. My guilty pleasure is mixing grated parmesan into the mash - it gives an amazing flavor.
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Perfect pairings for this meal
In my kitchen, I like to serve this with steamed or roasted green veggies depending on what's in season. A nice glass of Bordeaux or Pinot Noir really brings out the flavors. I often add a small crunchy salad with homemade dressing to bring some freshness to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best steak cut to use?
- Ribeye, striploin, or sirloin are great. They're tender cuts ideal for quick cooking as bites.
- → How can I create super-smooth mashed potatoes?
- Pick starchy potatoes and mash them using a potato ricer. Gradually mix in warm butter and cream for a silky finish.
- → How long should I cook the steak bites?
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side over high heat for tender results. The duration depends on the cut size and how done you like it.
- → Can the garlic butter be prepped ahead?
- Yes, you can make it earlier and store it in the fridge. Let it soften to room temperature before using.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
- Gently heat the steak in a skillet to avoid overcooking. For mashed potatoes, warm them with a splash of milk or cream.