Narrated by Four Friends: Jake, Chris, Matt, and Ben
Introduction
Jake: Alright, everyone! Tonight, we’re going for a classic: Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mash. Think steakhouse vibes, but mini-sized for that perfect, fancy comfort dinner.
Chris: Juicy steak bites, rich garlic butter, and a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like luxury in a few bites.
Matt: And don’t worry—you don’t need a giant kitchen or fancy tools to make this. It’s all about working small but packing in big flavors.
Ben: Let’s get started before Jake eats the ingredients again.
Ingredients
Jake: Here’s what you need to serve 1–2 people (tiny portions, but full-on delicious):
For the Steak Bites
- 4 oz steak (like sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Butter
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Mash
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt and pepper
For Garnish
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley
Chris: That’s it! Simple ingredients, but trust me, the results will blow you away.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Matt: Start by patting the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Dry steak = better sear!
Ben: Season the steak with salt and pepper on all sides. Let it sit while you prep the potatoes.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Jake: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes until they’re fork-tender.
Chris: Drain the potatoes and set them aside for mashing later.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Matt: Heat a tiny skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the steak bites in the pan.
Ben: Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, turning them until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
Jake: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Chris: Stir in the chopped parsley, then remove the pan from the heat to keep the butter from browning too much.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Matt: Mash the boiled potatoes in a small bowl with the butter and heavy cream.
Ben: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy. If you want them super fluffy, use a mini whisk.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Jake: Place a small dollop of creamy mashed potatoes on a plate or shallow bowl.
Chris: Arrange the steak bites on top or beside the mash, then drizzle the garlic butter over the steak.
Matt: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that finishing touch.
Ben: Boom. You just made a mini masterpiece.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1–2 miniature portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Jake: Want to shake things up? Try these:
- Swap steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for some heat.
- Toss in some roasted veggies like baby carrots or zucchini slices for extra sides.
Storage and Reheating
Chris: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Matt: To reheat, warm the steak and mash separately in a small skillet over low heat.
Ben: Microwaving works too, but keep the heat low and cover the dish to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Jake: Sirloin or ribeye is ideal—something tender and flavorful.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the mash?
Chris: Totally, but heavy cream makes it richer and creamier.
3. What’s the secret to a good sear on the steak?
Matt: A super hot pan and leaving the steak alone while it cooks. No constant flipping!
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Ben: Use plant-based butter and almond milk for the mash.
5. How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Jake: Keep the cooking time short—small pieces cook fast. Check after a minute or two.
6. Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Chris: Absolutely! Just reheat it gently when ready to serve.
7. What’s a good side dish to add?
Matt: A small side salad or steamed green beans work perfectly.
8. Can I make the mash smoother?
Ben: Use a mini strainer or ricer to get ultra-creamy potatoes.
9. How do I prevent the garlic butter from burning?
Jake: Keep the heat low and stir constantly—it doesn’t need long to cook.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Chris: Yep, just scale everything up evenly, and use a larger skillet if needed.
Conclusion
Matt: And there you have it, Miniature Savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mash! A tiny dinner that’s big on flavor.
Ben: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or showing off for someone special, this dish always hits the spot.
Jake: Fancy but easy—just the way we like it.
Chris: Let’s eat, guys. This smells too good to wait. 🍴🥩🥔
