Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 550-650
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Protein: 45-55g