Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage
Oh, are you in for a treat! Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation. I absolutely adore how this dish brings together two incredible components into one harmonious and utterly delicious experience. What makes it truly special is that irresistible combination of succulent, tender beef steak bites, each piece glistening in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with the surprisingly delightful, tender-crisp texture of savory sautéed cabbage.
Trust me, you are going to fall head over heels for this recipe because it’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. It tastes like a gourmet meal you’d find at a fancy restaurant, yet it’s wonderfully simple to whip up in your own kitchen. Picture this: perfectly seared, bite-sized pieces of beef, infused with garlicky, buttery goodness, resting on a bed of savory, tender sautéed cabbage that absorbs all those fantastic flavors. It’s a complete meal that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something truly special without all the effort. Prepare for pure deliciousness!
Ingredient Notes
Crafting delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage starts with choosing the right components. Here are the key ingredients that make this dish shine, along with some helpful notes and substitutions.
- Steak: For these incredible steak bites, I highly recommend using a tender cut of beef like sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin. These cuts are fantastic for quick cooking and staying tender when cut into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Cut your steak into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. If you can only find a slightly tougher cut, ensure you don’t overcook it!
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is my go-to for sautéing. Its mild flavor and slightly crunchy texture stand up wonderfully to the rich garlic butter. You’ll want about 1 head of medium cabbage. Shred it finely or chop it into small pieces – whichever you prefer for texture. Napa cabbage is another great option if you want something a bit more tender and quicker to cook.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is absolutely non-negotiable for the “garlic butter” in our Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage. I typically use 4-6 cloves, minced, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic fiend like me! Garlic powder won’t give you the same vibrant flavor here.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you the most control over the dish’s seasoning. You’ll need a good amount, about 4-6 tablespoons, to create that luxurious garlic butter sauce that coats the steak bites so perfectly. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
- Oil: A high-smoke-point oil is essential for searing the steak bites to get that beautiful crust without burning. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil are excellent choices. Olive oil can work, but watch the heat closely.
- Seasonings: Good old salt and freshly ground black pepper are your best friends here. Don’t be shy with them – they bring out the natural flavors of both the beef and the cabbage. A pinch of onion powder or paprika can also add an extra layer of savory goodness to your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage.
- Beef Broth (optional): A splash of beef broth (about ¼ cup) is a wonderful addition to create a light pan sauce after searing the steak and sautéing the cabbage. It helps deglaze the pan and incorporate all those flavorful browned bits, making the garlic butter even more irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create your mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage. It’s a surprisingly quick and straightforward meal!
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- First, pat your steak cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear. Season them generously all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Next, shred or chop your cabbage to your desired size.
- Finally, mince your garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of your chosen high-smoke-point oil. Once the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke, add half of your seasoned steak bites in a single layer.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, turning them to get a nice brown crust on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary, removing each batch to a clean plate once seared. Remember, these are small pieces, so they cook quickly. You want them nicely browned on the outside but still tender on the inside.
- Once all steak bites are seared, set them aside on a plate. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through; they’ll finish cooking later.
- Sauté the Cabbage:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil (or butter) to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Add your shredded cabbage to the pan.
- Season the cabbage with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp or softened to your liking. If it starts to get too dry, you can add a tablespoon of beef broth or water. Once cooked, push the cabbage to one side of the pan or remove it to a separate plate with the steak.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the empty side of the pan (or to the center if you’ve removed the cabbage). Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic.
- Cook the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant but not browned or burnt. If you’re using beef broth, pour it in now and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any remaining delicious bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared steak bites to the pan with the garlic butter sauce (and cabbage, if it’s still in the pan). Toss everything together gently to ensure the steak bites are thoroughly coated in that glorious garlic butter. If the cabbage was removed, serve the steak bites immediately alongside the sautéed cabbage.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage hot and enjoy!
Tips & Suggestions
To truly elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage, consider these helpful tips and creative suggestions:
- Achieve the Best Sear: The key to beautifully seared steak bites is a super hot pan and not overcrowding it. Seriously, don’t rush this part! Searing in batches ensures each piece gets direct contact with the hot surface, leading to that irresistible browned crust that adds so much flavor to your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage. Patting the steak dry removes surface moisture, which is essential for searing instead of steaming.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Steak bites cook very quickly due to their small size. For tender, juicy results, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. They will also carry over cook a little after being removed from the heat and when tossed back into the warm garlic butter.
- Customize Your Cabbage: The beauty of sautéed cabbage is its versatility. If you prefer a crunchier texture, cook it for less time. For a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience, let it sauté a little longer until deeply caramelized. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten up the cabbage’s flavor.
- Enhance the Garlic Butter: While simple garlic and butter are fantastic, feel free to get creative. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the savory notes of the garlic butter. For an aromatic twist, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme added to the butter as it melts will infuse it with wonderful herbal notes. Just remember to remove the herb sprig before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Consider serving your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage alongside a fluffy bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic butter. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be a lovely contrast.
- Cheese Please! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage can add an extra layer of salty, umami goodness that complements both the beef and the cabbage beautifully.
Storage
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage for another delicious meal.
- Cool Completely: Before storing, allow any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from building up inside the container, which can make the food soggy and shorten its shelf life.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: While technically possible, freezing is not highly recommended for this dish. The steak bites can become tougher in texture, and the cabbage may become overly soft and watery upon thawing. If you must freeze, place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, gently reheat your Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water, and stir occasionally until heated through. This method helps the steak bites retain some tenderness and prevents the cabbage from becoming mushy. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the steak might become a bit chewier. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage a try! I crafted this recipe to be the ultimate blend of robust flavor and satisfying simplicity, proving that a delicious, complete meal doesn’t have to be complicated. The juicy, tender beef, bursting with the irresistible aroma of garlic butter, finds its perfect companion in the sweet and savory notes of the sautéed cabbage. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re seeking a speedy weeknight solution or a delightful dish for a special occasion, I’m confident that Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Sauteed Cabbage will become a cherished go-to in your cooking repertoire. Get ready to fall in love with every flavorful bite!
Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Sauteed Cabbage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Sauteed Cabbage is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender beef steak bites with savory sautéed cabbage. It’s a gourmet experience made simple for your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of tender cut beef (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin)
- 1 head of medium green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 4–6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 4–6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- High-smoke-point oil (avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of onion powder or paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup of beef broth (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shred or chop your cabbage to your desired size and mince your garlic.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add half of the seasoned steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove seared steak bites to a plate and repeat with remaining steak.
- Sauté the Cabbage: Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil or butter to the skillet. Add the shredded cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-12 minutes until tender-crisp. If it gets too dry, add a tablespoon of beef broth or water.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the empty side of the pan and melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. If using, pour in the beef broth and simmer for a minute.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared steak bites to the pan with the garlic butter sauce and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: To achieve the best sear, ensure the pan is very hot and avoid overcrowding. For tender results, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. Customize the cabbage texture by adjusting cooking time, and consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.