Certainly! Here’s a detailed breakdown for **Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce**:
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### **Introduction**
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a savory, indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of perfectly seared steak bites with a decadent, creamy sauce. This dish is ideal for a special dinner or as an impressive appetizer. The combination of tender steak and garlic butter, paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, offers an irresistible balance of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Though steak bites and garlic butter have been popular in various culinary traditions, this particular combination leans into classic American comfort food with a touch of Italian influence. The creamy Parmesan sauce brings a sophisticated twist, drawing on Italian cooking techniques where cream and cheese play a central role in rich, savory dishes. While the dish isn’t rooted in a single specific cultural origin, it reflects the broader trend of fusing flavors from multiple traditions to create something universally appealing.
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### **Ingredients and Quantity**
– **For the Steak Bites**:
– 1 lb (450 g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are great options), cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
– **For the Garlic Butter**:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– **For the Parmesan Cream Sauce**:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
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### **Optional Additions**
– A splash of white wine or beef broth can be added to deglaze the pan after cooking the steak, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
– A teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the cream sauce can add depth and complexity.
– Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
– Mushrooms sautéed with the garlic butter for an earthy addition.
– A squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness.
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Choose the Right Cut of Steak**: Tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon will create the best texture, but any cut with marbling will work well.
2. **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Cook the steak bites in batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice sear.
3. **Let the Steak Rest**: After cooking, allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
4. **Adjust the Sauce Consistency**: If the cream sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little milk or broth to your desired consistency.
5. **Balance the Seasoning**: Taste the cream sauce before serving and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Steak Bites**:
Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
2. **Make the Garlic Butter**:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the steak bites back to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary if using. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside again.
3. **Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce**:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. **Combine and Serve**:
Add the garlic butter steak bites back into the pan with the Parmesan cream sauce. Stir to combine and let it all warm together for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
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### **Description**
These **Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce** are the ultimate in savory satisfaction. The steak bites are seared to a perfect golden brown, ensuring a rich, crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. The garlic butter adds an aromatic and indulgent layer of flavor, while the Parmesan cream sauce offers a creamy, cheesy finish that complements the beef perfectly. Together, these elements create a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time.
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### **Nutritional Information** (per serving, assuming 4 servings total)
– **Calories**: 480
– **Protein**: 38g
– **Carbohydrates**: 5g
– **Fiber**: 0g
– **Sugar**: 2g
– **Fat**: 36g
– **Saturated Fat**: 18g
– **Cholesterol**: 85mg
– **Sodium**: 900mg
– **Calcium**: 250mg
– **Iron**: 3mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
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### **Conclusion**
**Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce** is an indulgent, flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight dinner. The tender steak, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce create a memorable meal that will surely impress your family or guests. Despite its luxurious taste, it’s relatively easy to prepare and offers a wonderful balance of richness and flavor.
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### **Recommendation**
For a complete meal, serve these steak bites with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. This dish pairs well with a bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the richness of the steak and cream sauce. Embrace this recipe as a way to indulge in a comforting yet sophisticated meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your craving for something truly special.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While this dish is undeniably rich, it’s possible to make adjustments to keep it a bit lighter. You could opt for a leaner cut of steak, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream, or even lighten the butter by substituting some with olive oil. With these modifications, you can still enjoy a delicious and indulgent meal while being mindful of your health and well-being.