Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a mouthwatering one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy steak bites and crispy potatoes coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. This hearty dish will satisfy your craving for a comforting and delicious steak dinner.

The Origin of Steak and Potatoes

Steak and potatoes are a classic American combination that has been enjoyed for generations. This dish takes the simplicity of a traditional steak dinner and turns it into a quick, flavorful skillet meal. The addition of garlic butter elevates the flavors, while the crispy potatoes provide the perfect contrast to the tender steak.

Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Steak

Steak is the star of this dish, providing a rich, savory flavor and tender texture. The steak is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the garlic butter.

• Pro Tip: Use a tender cut of steak like ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin for the best results. Make sure to pat the steak dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes work best for this dish because of their creamy texture and ability to crisp up beautifully in the skillet.

• Substitution Tip: If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use russet potatoes or sweet potatoes, but be sure to cut them into small pieces for quicker cooking.

Garlic Butter

The rich garlic butter sauce is what ties everything together in this dish. The garlic adds a robust flavor that complements both the steak and potatoes, while the butter provides a smooth, luxurious finish.

• Pro Tip: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Fresh garlic is ideal for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh parsley or thyme adds a bright, herbal note that balances out the richness of the butter and steak.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Cut 1 lb of baby potatoes in half (or into small chunks if using larger potatoes). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, cut-side down, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.

• Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if needed, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they get crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

While the potatoes are cooking, cut 1 lb of steak into bite-sized pieces. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

In the same skillet used for the potatoes, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the steak pieces in a single layer. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside with the potatoes.

• Pro Tip: For the best sear, avoid overcrowding the pan and let the steak develop a crust before flipping.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley or thyme and cook for an additional minute.

• Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning. Lower the heat if necessary.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked potatoes and steak to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with more fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of creamy coleslaw.

You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or serve it with a tangy dipping sauce like horseradish cream for added flavor.

Variations and Add-Ins

Steak and Veggie Skillet

For a more balanced meal, add some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet along with the potatoes. Sauté them until tender before cooking the steak.

Cheesy Steak and Potatoes

If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar over the steak and potatoes right before serving. Let the cheese melt into the dish for an extra layer of richness.

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle smoked paprika over the potatoes for an added smoky flavor.

Dietary Adaptations

This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet can be adapted to suit different dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as all the seasonings and sauces used are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish with another type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the steak with chicken breast, pork chops, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes work best, but sweet potatoes or russet potatoes can also be used. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the cooked steak and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating