Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli Recipe

The aroma that filled my kitchen last week was nothing short of divine. The tantalizing scent of garlic melting into butter, mingling with the savory promise of perfectly seared steak – it was a symphony for the senses. I was trying out a new recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit. My family, usually a tough crowd to please on weeknights, devoured every last bite. The steak was juicy and flavorful, the broccoli perfectly crisp-tender, and that garlic butter sauce? Don’t even get me started! It was so good, we were practically licking our plates clean. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, look no further. This recipe is a winner!

Ingredients

This recipe shines in its simplicity, using just a handful of high-quality ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Let’s break down each component and discuss why they are essential for achieving the best results.

• 1 ½ lbs Sirloin Steak, Cut into 1-inch Pieces: Sirloin is our star protein here, and for good reason. It’s a lean yet flavorful cut of beef that is tender enough to cook quickly in bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for this recipe. When selecting your sirloin, look for a piece that is well-marbled but not overly fatty. Marbling, those thin streaks of fat within the meat, is key to tenderness and flavor as it renders during cooking, keeping the steak bites juicy. Cutting the steak into 1-inch pieces is crucial for even cooking and quick searing. Too large and the outside might char before the inside is cooked to your liking; too small, and they might dry out. If you can’t find sirloin, you can substitute with other tender cuts like ribeye (though this will be fattier and more expensive), New York strip, or even filet mignon for a truly luxurious experience. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on the thickness and cut of steak you choose. For a more budget-friendly option, top sirloin is also a great choice, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
• 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Butter is the backbone of our luscious garlic butter sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. The rich, creamy flavor of butter is essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent taste that makes this recipe so irresistible. When the butter melts in the skillet, it creates a beautiful base for sautéing the garlic and searing the steak bites. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making it too salty. For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content.
• 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse that elevates this dish from simple steak and broccoli to something truly special. Fresh garlic is a must here; pre-minced garlic just doesn’t deliver the same pungent, fresh flavor. Minced garlic infuses the butter with its robust aroma and slightly spicy edge. Four cloves provide a good balance of garlic flavor without being overpowering, but feel free to adjust to your preference. If you are a garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two! For a milder garlic flavor, you can use roasted garlic instead of minced, which will impart a sweeter, mellower garlic taste. Make sure to mince the garlic finely so it cooks quickly and evenly in the hot butter without burning.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil plays a dual role in this recipe. First, it’s used to toss the broccoli before roasting. Olive oil helps the broccoli crisp up beautifully in the oven and prevents it from drying out. Secondly, a touch of olive oil in the skillet alongside the butter helps to raise the smoke point and prevent the butter from burning as you sear the steak bites. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for its flavor, but regular olive oil works just as well for roasting and searing. You could also use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil if preferred.
• 1 tsp Salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of both the steak and the broccoli. It’s crucial for bringing out the savory notes and balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Kosher salt or sea salt are excellent choices for their clean taste. Adjust the amount of salt to your personal preference. Remember, you can always add more salt at the end, but you can’t take it away.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the dish. It complements the salt and garlic beautifully, providing a subtle warmth. Freshly ground pepper is always recommended for the best flavor as pre-ground pepper loses its pungency over time.
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that adds a layer of smoky depth and subtle sweetness to the steak bites. It’s not spicy, but rather imparts a rich, smoky flavor that mimics the taste of grilling, even when cooked in a skillet. It also adds a beautiful reddish hue to the steak bites. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoky flavor will be missed. For a touch of heat, you could substitute with a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper, but be mindful of the spice level.
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets: Broccoli provides a healthy and delicious counterpoint to the rich steak bites. Fresh broccoli florets are best for roasting as frozen broccoli can become watery and less crisp. Look for broccoli heads that are firm and tightly closed with a vibrant green color. Cut the broccoli into florets of roughly the same size so they roast evenly. If you prefer, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, adjusting roasting times as needed. Broccoli is packed with nutrients and adds a welcome textural contrast to the tender steak bites.

Instructions

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli.

1. Preheat Your Oven to 425°F (220°C): Starting with a hot oven is essential for achieving beautifully roasted broccoli. Preheating ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the broccoli in, allowing it to start cooking immediately and crisp up properly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before proceeding to the next step.
2. Prepare the Broccoli for Roasting: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated with oil and seasonings. This coating of olive oil is crucial for promoting crispiness and preventing the broccoli from drying out in the oven. The salt and pepper enhance the natural flavor of the broccoli. Use your hands or tongs to toss the broccoli thoroughly.
3. Roast the Broccoli: Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the broccoli instead of roasting it, resulting in soggy, rather than crispy, broccoli. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and lightly browned. Keep an eye on the broccoli towards the end of the roasting time to prevent it from burning. The edges should be slightly charred and crispy, while the inside remains tender.
4. Prepare the Steak Bites: While the broccoli is roasting, prepare the steak bites. Ensure your sirloin steak is cut into 1-inch pieces. Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps to achieve a good sear. Excess moisture on the surface of the steak will prevent proper browning.
5. Melt the Butter in a Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron for best searing, over medium-high heat. Add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Allow the butter to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. The hot skillet and melted butter are essential for getting a nice sear on the steak bites.
6. Sear the Steak Bites: Once the butter is melted and hot, carefully add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Again, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the skillet and steam the steak instead of searing it. If necessary, sear the steak in batches. Season the steak bites with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings will create a flavorful crust on the steak. Sear the steak bites for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C), and for medium-well, 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
7. Add the Garlic and Finish Cooking: After searing the steak bites on both sides, reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. The garlic will infuse the butter with its aroma and flavor, creating the signature garlic butter sauce. At this stage, you can also add a splash of white wine or beef broth (about 1-2 tablespoons) to deglaze the pan and create a richer sauce, if desired. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the garlic butter steak bites immediately alongside the roasted broccoli. The steak bites are best enjoyed hot when they are juicy and tender, and the broccoli is still crisp-tender. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the steak bites and broccoli for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and vegetables. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Servings: 4
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 550-650 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific cut of sirloin, amount of butter used, and portion sizes.)

Approximate Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 45-55g (from sirloin steak)
• Fat: 35-45g (from butter, olive oil, and steak marbling)
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g (from broccoli)
• Fiber: 4-6g (from broccoli)

Note: These are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator app or website, inputting the exact ingredients and quantities used. This recipe is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a satisfying and relatively balanced meal. It is important to consider portion sizes to manage calorie intake, especially if you are watching your weight.

Preparation Time

One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (This includes cutting the steak, mincing garlic, and prepping the broccoli.)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (This includes roasting the broccoli and searing the steak bites.)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

From start to finish, you can have this flavorful and nutritious meal on the table in just about 25 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, or even a quick weekend lunch. The minimal prep and fast cooking time mean you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak bites and roasted broccoli without the fuss.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli is a complete meal in itself, but there are many ways to enhance and customize your serving experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Plate: Simply serve the steak bites and roasted broccoli side-by-side on a plate. This is the most straightforward and satisfying way to enjoy the dish. Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over both the steak and broccoli for added flavor.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the steak bites and broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce beautifully, adding another layer of texture and flavor. Quinoa is a great option for added protein and fiber.
• With Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with steak. The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes complements the juicy steak bites and roasted broccoli perfectly. Consider adding garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes to further enhance the flavor profile.
• Alongside a Fresh Salad: To lighten up the meal and add some fresh greens, serve a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. A crisp green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the steak bites.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the steak bites and broccoli in crisp lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves work well. This is a fun and healthy way to enjoy the dish, and the lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
• With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread! Serve with crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, to soak up every last bit of that delicious garlic butter sauce. Garlic bread would be an especially decadent accompaniment.
• Elevate with Garnishes: Garnish your dish to add visual appeal and extra flavor. Fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the steak bites just before serving can also brighten up the flavors.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Roasted Broccoli

Want to take your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli to the next level? Here are five essential tips to ensure success every time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (Twice!): This is crucial for both roasting the broccoli and searing the steak bites. Overcrowding the baking sheet when roasting broccoli will lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy broccoli. Similarly, overcrowding the skillet when searing steak bites will lower the pan temperature and cause the steak to steam rather than sear, preventing a flavorful crust and juicy interior. Roast the broccoli in a single layer, and sear the steak bites in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper browning and crisping.
2. Pat the Steak Bites Dry: Before searing the steak bites, make sure to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the steak is essential for achieving a beautiful sear. Water is the enemy of searing; it lowers the temperature of the pan and prevents the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the delicious brown crust and complex flavors we want in perfectly seared steak. Dry steak = better sear!
3. Control the Garlic Butter: Garlic butter is the star sauce, so treat it right! Don’t burn the garlic. Minced garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic becomes bitter and unpleasant. Add the minced garlic to the skillet towards the end of the steak cooking process, and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep the heat at medium to medium-low when adding the garlic to prevent burning. The goal is to infuse the butter with garlic flavor without browning or burning the garlic itself.
4. Adjust Steak Doneness to Your Preference: This recipe is written for medium-rare to medium steak bites, which is generally the most recommended level for tenderness and juiciness in sirloin. However, cook the steak to your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remember that steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat (carryover cooking), so take it off the heat when it is a few degrees below your desired final temperature. For rare, aim for 125-130°F (52-54°C), medium-rare 130-135°F (54-57°C), medium 135-140°F (57-60°C), medium-well 140-145°F (60-63°C), and well-done 145°F+ (63°C+).
5. Don’t Discard the Pan Drippings: After searing the steak bites and removing them from the skillet, you’ll be left with flavorful pan drippings in the garlic butter. Don’t discard this liquid gold! This is where much of the flavor resides. Use these pan drippings to drizzle over the steak bites and broccoli when serving, or even toss the roasted broccoli in the pan drippings for extra flavor before serving. Every bit of that garlic butter goodness should be savored!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have questions about making Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Broccoli? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you succeed:

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: While fresh broccoli is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor in roasted broccoli, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. However, be aware that frozen broccoli tends to release more water during roasting, which can result in less crispy broccoli. To use frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels before tossing it with olive oil and seasonings. You may also need to roast it for a slightly longer time to achieve some crispiness. For optimal results, fresh broccoli is always preferred.

Q2: What other vegetables can I roast with the steak bites besides broccoli?

A: This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily substitute or add other vegetables to roast alongside the steak bites. Excellent alternatives include cauliflower florets, Brussels sprouts (halved), asparagus spears, bell peppers (cut into chunks), carrots (cut into rounds or sticks), or even cherry tomatoes (added towards the end of roasting to prevent them from bursting). Root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes will take longer to roast, so you may need to start them roasting before adding the steak bites to the skillet. Adjust roasting times as needed depending on the density and type of vegetables you choose.

Q3: Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?

A: For the best quality, it’s recommended to cook the steak bites just before serving. Steak bites are most tender and juicy when freshly seared and served immediately. However, you can prep some components ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. You can cut the steak into bites, mince the garlic, and prepare the broccoli florets in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the roasting and searing steps. If you have leftover steak bites, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but they will be less tender when reheated.

Q4: What kind of steak is best for steak bites?

A: Sirloin steak is an excellent choice for steak bites due to its balance of flavor, tenderness, and leanness. Other good options include ribeye (more flavorful and fattier), New York strip, top sirloin (more budget-friendly), or even filet mignon (most tender but also most expensive). The key is to choose a tender cut of beef that cooks quickly and evenly when cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid tougher cuts of beef that require long cooking times, as they will become dry and chewy when cooked as steak bites.

Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? What about ingredient substitutions for dietary restrictions?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, such as vegan butter sticks or olive oil. Olive oil will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well for searing the steak and sautéing the garlic. For other dietary restrictions:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if served without rice or potatoes. Focus on the steak and broccoli and consider adding more healthy fats.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is not vegetarian or vegan as it contains steak. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you could substitute the steak with large portobello mushroom caps, halloumi cheese (for vegetarian), or firm tofu (for vegan), adjusting cooking times accordingly. However, the recipe as written is designed around steak.

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