Make a sizzling steak and potatoes recipe tonight

Craving a delicious dinner that’s quick to prepare? You’re in luck! With this simple skillet recipe, you can have a mouth-watering meal ready in under 20 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender steak bites and perfectly cooked potatoes, all infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, creates a complete meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.

You’ll love how a few simple ingredients can transform into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy dinner solution for busy weeknights
• Simple ingredients create a flavorful and satisfying meal
• Cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear on steak and golden potatoes
• Garlic butter sauce brings a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish
• Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with consistent results

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes

When it comes to a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, few dishes hit the spot like a perfectly cooked steak paired with tender potatoes. This classic comfort food combination is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By combining a tender cut of steak with potatoes, garlic, and butter, you create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The use of olive oil helps to cook the steak and potatoes without burning, ensuring a perfect finish every time.

This recipe works well because it leverages the rich flavors of its components. The garlic adds a pungent aroma, while the butter enriches the dish with its creamy texture. Meanwhile, the steak and potatoes provide a hearty base that makes the meal feel complete.

What You’ll Need

To make this garlic butter steak and potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with a quality cut of steak, such as sirloin or ribeye. For the potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well due to their waxy texture. You’ll also need garlic, butter, and olive oil, along with some basic seasonings like rosemary and thyme.

The simplicity of the ingredient list makes this recipe accessible and easy to follow. By focusing on a few high-quality components, you can create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Essential Ingredients for Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Elevating your steak and potatoes game starts with choosing the best ingredients for the job. The quality of your dish is directly related to the quality of the components you select.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

The type of steak you choose can significantly impact the overall flavor and tenderness of your dish. Popular options include ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. When selecting a steak, consider the level of marbling, as it affects the tenderness and flavor. A well-marbled steak will generally be more tender and have more flavor.

Key characteristics to look for in a steak include:

• A good balance of marbling for tenderness and flavor
• A thickness that allows for even cooking
• A cut that’s suitable for your preferred cooking method

Best Potatoes for This Recipe

For this recipe, you’ll want to choose potatoes that hold their shape when cooked and have a nice texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices due to their flavor and texture. They yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside when cooked properly.

Flavor Enhancers: Garlic, Butter, and Herbs

The magic of this recipe lies in its flavor enhancers, particularly the combination of garlic, butter, and herbs that creates a rich, aromatic sauce. Fresh garlic provides a pungent base that mellows as it cooks, infusing both the steak and potatoes with its distinctive flavor. High-quality butter creates a silky foundation for the sauce, while herbs like rosemary and thyme add earthy notes. A splash of olive oil mixed with the butter prevents it from burning and adds its own subtle flavor.

To further enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine to the butter mixture. This adds an extra dimension of umami flavor, elevating the dish to a new level.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A well-equipped kitchen is key to preparing a delicious steak and potatoes meal. To achieve professional results, you’ll need a few essential tools beyond just a good recipe.

The Importance of a Good Cast Iron Skillet

A good cast iron skillet is indispensable for cooking your steak and potatoes to perfection. It distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your steak is seared beautifully and your potatoes are cooked through.

Other Essential Tools

In addition to a cast iron skillet, several other tools are necessary. A sharp chef’s knife is crucial for cutting your steak and potatoes into uniform pieces, making cooking easier and safer. You’ll also need heat-resistant silicone or wooden spatulas and tongs to flip and stir your ingredients without damaging your skillet. An instant-read meat thermometer ensures your steak is cooked to the perfect doneness. Measuring spoons help you portion oil and seasonings accurately. A cutting board with a juice groove keeps your workspace clean, and heavy-duty oven mitts protect your hands from the hot skillet handle during cooking.

Preparation Steps

The key to a delicious steak and potatoes dish lies in the preparation. To achieve a mouth-watering meal, you need to prepare both the steak and the potatoes with care.

Preparing the Steak

To prepare the steak, start by selecting a high-quality cut. Trim any excess fat if necessary, and season the steak with your preferred blend of spices, including salt and pepper. Make sure to coat the steak evenly to enhance the flavor.

Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect doneness.

Preparing the Potatoes

For the potatoes, begin by washing Yukon gold potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition, removing any eyes or blemishes. Cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.

Next, parboil the diced potatoes in boiling water for 5 to 6 minutes, until they start to soften. Drain and let them steam dry. Then, toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. This prep work ensures they’re flavorful and tender.

Step-by-Step Steak and Potatoes Recipe

The moment of truth arrives as we combine our ingredients and cooking techniques to create a sizzling steak and potatoes dish. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that you achieve a delicious outcome even if you’re new to cooking.

Cooking the Potatoes to Perfection

To start, you’ll need to cook the potatoes until they’re tender. Begin by boiling them in salted water until they’re partially cooked. Then, finish them off in a hot skillet with some oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. This two-step process ensures that your potatoes are both tender and crunchy.

It’s essential to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the potatoes. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly. This attention to detail will make a significant difference in the final texture of your dish.

Searing the Steak Bites

While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the steak. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Heat a skillet over high heat, add a small amount of oil, and then sear the steak bites until they’re browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

After searing the steak, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful when served.

Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is a crucial component of this recipe, adding a rich and creamy element to the dish. To make it, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, and feel free to add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor.

Once you’ve mixed the garlic butter, it’s ready to use. You can melt it in the skillet used for the steak and potatoes, allowing it to coat the dish evenly.

Bringing It All Together

To complete the dish, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the steak bites and gently toss to combine. Then, add the prepared garlic butter sauce to the hot skillet, where it will immediately begin to melt, creating a luxurious coating for both the steak and potatoes.

Gently toss or stir everything together for about 30 seconds, allowing the butter sauce to coat every piece while the flavors mingle. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a final sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to brighten the flavors. Finish with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley for color, freshness, and a final aromatic note that completes the dish. Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transferred to a warm serving platter for a more formal meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

To elevate your steak and potatoes recipe, consider these expert tips for achieving the best results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these suggestions will help you refine your technique and produce a truly delicious meal.

Achieving the Perfect Steak Doneness

Cooking steak to the perfect doneness is an art that requires attention to detail. To achieve your desired level of doneness, it’s crucial to understand the importance of cooking time and temperature. For a tender and juicy steak, cook it to your desired level of doneness, whether that’s rare, medium-rare, or well-done. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, and let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning, issues can arise during cooking. If your potatoes are not tender after 8 minutes but are starting to get too brown, turn down the heat to medium-low, add 2 tablespoons of warm water, cover, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the water evaporates. Another common issue is overcrowding the pan, which can cause the potatoes and steak to cook unevenly or even steam rather than sear. To avoid this, cook in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough room to cook properly.

Time-Saving Techniques

To streamline your cooking process and reduce prep time, consider these tips:

• Streamline your cooking process by prepping all ingredients before you begin.
• Parboil potatoes up to a day ahead and refrigerate them.
• Use pre-minced garlic from a jar when you’re short on time.
• Purchase pre-cut steak cubes from your butcher or grocery store.
• Clean as you go to save time on cleanup.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your overall cookingtimeand enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

Transform your steak and potatoes into a new culinary experience with simple yet impactful customizations. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment with a variety of flavors to suit your taste preferences.

One way to customize your dish is by exploring alternative seasonings and spice blends. For instance, you can add a Mediterranean twist with oregano and thyme or spice it up with a Cajun seasoning mix. These variations can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Alternative Seasonings and Spice Blends

Experimenting with different seasoning blends can dramatically change the character of your steak and potatoes. Consider using a Korean-inspired mix with Gochujang and soy sauce for a sweet and savory flavor or a Mexican blend with cumin and chili powder for a bold taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your unique flavor profile.

Add-ins to Enhance Your Dish

Adding certain ingredients can elevate your steak and potatoes to a whole new level. Try adding some caramelized onions or crumbled bacon for an even richer taste. Other options include sautéed mushrooms, which contribute earthy umami flavors, or colorful bell peppers for a sweet and tangy contrast. You can also add blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles for a creamy, tangy element. For those who like a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick without overwhelming the dish’s fundamental flavors.

Serving Suggestions

To create a memorable meal, think beyond the steak and potatoes by adding thoughtful side dishes and drink pairings. The potatoes in this recipe already serve as a great side, but you can further enhance your meal with additional options.

Complementary Side Dishes

These garlic steak bites are versatile and can be served with a variety of veggie sides. Consider options like Pennsylvania Dutch green beans, asparagus almondine, or cheesy roasted broccoli to add some variety to your plate. A chopped Caprese salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or corn on the cob can also complement the dish nicely.

Here are some popular side dish combinations that work well with steak and potatoes:

Beverage Pairings

The right beverage pairing can elevate your steak and potatoes dish from a simple meal to a dining experience worth remembering. For those who enjoy wine, a medium to full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah pairs well with the rich flavors.

For beer enthusiasts, options like amber ales, porters, or stouts can complement the caramelized flavors of seared steak. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, consider sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint for a refreshing contrast.

• Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah)
• Beer (amber ales, porters, stouts)
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint

As you plan your meal, remember that the overall context of your dish should guide your beverage choice. Lighter sides might call for a more refreshing drink, while richer sides might require something more robust.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To keep your steak and potatoes fresh for later, follow these storage and reheating tips. Properly storing leftovers is just as important as cooking them to perfection.

Storing Leftover Steak and Potatoes

When storing leftover steak and potatoes, it’s essential to cool them down quickly to prevent bacterial growth. You can store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Always label your containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

When you’re ready to reheat, make sure to thaw frozen leftovers completely in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

Best Methods for Reheating

Reheating leftover steak and potatoes requires some care to prevent overcooking the steak while warming the potatoes through. Here are some effective methods:

• For smaller portions, use the stovetop method: heat a skillet with a touch of oil over medium-low heat, then gently warm the leftovers for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• For larger portions, oven reheating works well: place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make steak tough and potatoes uneven.
• If you must use a microwave, use 50% power and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until just warmed through.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

“A healthy meal is not just about the taste, but also about the nutrients it provides,” and this steak and potatoes recipe is a great example. This dish offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy option for dinner.

Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown

The steak and potatoes recipe contains 455kcal per serving, with a breakdown of 21g of carbohydrates, 40g of protein, and 23g of fat. It also provides essential micronutrients like Potassium (1071mg), Vitamin C (23mg), and Iron (4mg). This nutritional profile supports various bodily functions, from energy production to immune function.

Making This Recipe Healthier

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following adjustments: reduce the amount of butter used and increase the use of olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Choosing grass-fed beef can also enhance the nutritional quality by increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can boost the fiber and nutrient content while reducing calorie density. Leaving the potato skins on adds extra fiber and potassium. Using sodium-free seasonings and opting for leaner cuts of beef are other strategies to make this dish healthier without compromising on flavor.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Steak and Potatoes Tonight

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to create a mouth-watering garlic butter steak and potatoes dish. This versatile steak potatoes recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, proving that exceptional cooking doesn’t need to be complicated.

The combination of tender steak bites and perfectly seasoned potatoes creates a complete meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in just about 20 minutes. As one satisfied cook shared, “My husband’s new weeknight fave. I served with a salad and naan bread and it felt like a holiday! Delicious!” – Liz.

Don’t be afraid to customize this butter steak recipe with your favorite seasonings or add-ins to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating a weeknight dinner, this garlic butter steak and potatoes dish is sure to impress.