Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner in Minutes

Poivre Vert: A Gourmet French Classic Made Easy
Imagine sitting in a cozy French bistro, savoring the aroma of a perfectly seared steak enveloped in a rich, peppery sauce. That’s the magic of Steak au Poivre Vert—a dish that combines the indulgent flavors of a high-end steakhouse meal with the bold, tangy punch of green peppercorns. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this dish offers an irresistible mix of flavor, simplicity, and elegance.
Let’s dive into the secrets behind creating this classic French recipe in your kitchen.
Recipe Card
Steak au Poivre Vert (French Peppercorn-Crusted Steak)
A luxurious yet simple French dish that pairs the rich, savory flavor of a seared steak with the bold, spicy tang of green peppercorns.

Ingredients:

Two high-quality boneless ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick)
Two tablespoons whole green peppercorns (in brine)
One tablespoon of black peppercorns, freshly cracked
One tablespoon of olive oil
Two tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup brandy or cognac
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the steak:Dry the steak cubes with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Sear for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness..Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Toss the steak in the sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the steak is fully coated.
5. Serve:Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately as a main dish or appetizer.

Notes:

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the steak cubes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on your steak bites.

Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
2. Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and juicy steak creates an explosion of savory goodness in every bite.
3. Versatile: Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be served as a main course with sides or as a delicious appetizer at a dinner party.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Steak: Sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness, but you can easily use ribeye for a fattier, more indulgent cut, or tenderloin for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that rich, aromatic flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work in a smaller quantity.
• Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning, but if you prefer salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Olive Oil: This helps sear the steak to perfection. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point will do.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. You can skip this if you prefer a milder dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Step-by-Step):

1. Prep the Steak: Start by cutting your steak into even 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this will help you achieve that perfect sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Steak Bites: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the steak instead of searing it. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, until nicely browned.
3. Remove and Rest: Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate. This resting period helps keep the steak juicy.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Add the minced garlic once melted, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another minute, ensuring the steak bites are fully coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Success:

• Use a Hot Pan: A hot skillet is key to achieving a good sear. Wait until your oil is shimmering before adding the steak.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the steak bites in batches ensures that they sear properly instead of steaming.
• Butter at the End: Adding the butter after searing the steak prevents it from burning and helps create a silky, flavorful sauce.
• Rest the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Variations and Customizations:

• Herb Butter Steak Bites: Swap out parsley for rosemary or thyme for a fresh herb twist.
• Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites: Melt a bit of Parmesan or mozzarella into the sauce for an extra indulgent, cheesy version.
• Spicy Steak Bites: Amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to prevent them from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious as steak tends to overcook quickly in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are some side dishes and accompaniments to elevate your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect soft contrast to the crispy seared steak bites.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the steak with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli for a healthy and flavorful side.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic lovers can never have too much garlic—serve this with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same cooking instructions.

Q: How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?
A: The key is to avoid overcooking. Steak bites cook quickly, so make sure to sear them for just 2-3 minutes on each side to keep them tender and juicy.

Related Recipes:

• Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak: For when you want to enjoy a full steak dinner.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Another quick, garlicky dish for seafood lovers.
• Beef Stir-Fry: A quick and healthy weeknight meal with an Asian twist.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a restaurant-quality meal. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy tender, juicy steak tossed in a decadent garlic butter