kitchenwithpaula

[kitchenwithpaula]

How to Make Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Just 15 Minutes!

If you’re craving a delicious, savory meal that’s quick to make, look no further than juicy garlic butter steak bites. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests and need something flavorful and fast. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly seared steak bites coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s sure to impress. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish in no time!

Ingredients:

1 lb. sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak: Start by cutting your steak into small bite-sized cubes. This will ensure each piece cooks quickly and evenly. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps them get a nice sear.

Season: Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor, but the garlic butter will do most of the flavor heavy lifting.

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering. The pan needs to be hot to ensure a beautiful sear on the steak.

Sear the Steak: Add the steak cubes to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned and crispy on the edges. You want a nice caramelized crust on each piece for that perfect texture.

Make the Garlic Butter: While the steak bites are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you like, you can add fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra herbal punch, but this step is optional.

Combine: Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness (typically medium-rare to medium is ideal for steak bites), pour the garlic butter over the steak bites in the skillet. Toss the steak cubes in the butter to coat them evenly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Serve: Transfer the steak bites to a plate, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan on top, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while the steak bites are still juicy and tender.

Tips for Success:

Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin or ribeye are great options for this recipe, but you can use any cut of steak you prefer. Just make sure it’s tender and cooks quickly.

Don’t Overcook: Steak bites cook fast! Keep an eye on them and remove them from the pan when they’re slightly undercooked to retain that juicy tenderness.

Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter for a unique twist. A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar can also add brightness to the dish.

Why You’ll Love It:

These garlic butter steak bites are perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet indulgent meal. The combination of a seared crust, juicy interior, and rich garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible flavor that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, they’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. So next time you're in a time crunch but still want a satisfying meal, give these garlic butter steak bites a try—you won’t regret it!

[kitchenwithpaula]

Garlic Shrimp Gratin: A Deliciously Decadent Dish

If you’re looking for a rich and indulgent seafood dish that’s easy to make but feels like a gourmet experience, look no further than Garlic Shrimp Gratin. This creamy, garlicky seafood dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive entrée for a special occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp, a creamy garlic sauce, and a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping is simply irresistible.

In just a few simple steps, you can prepare this flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings. Here’s how to make Garlic Shrimp Gratin at home!

Ingredients:

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

Prep the Shrimp: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear nicely in the pan.

Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re just pink and opaque. You don’t need to fully cook the shrimp yet, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Once the cream has thickened, stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assemble the Gratin: In a baking dish, arrange the cooked shrimp in a single layer. Pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure they are well-coated.

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in the butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp and sauce, covering it generously.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the shrimp are fully cooked through.

Garnish and Serve: Once the gratin is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, either on its own or paired with a side of rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Success:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Since the shrimp are cooked briefly before baking, it’s important to not overcook them in the pan. They will cook further in the oven, so it’s best to remove them from the pan when they’re just slightly undercooked.

Customize the Cheese: While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices for this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors.

Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic cream sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp Gratin:

This Garlic Shrimp Gratin offers the perfect balance of rich, creamy flavors with the savory taste of garlic and shrimp. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the tender shrimp and silky sauce, creating a perfect bite every time.

Whether you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dinner or something special to serve at your next dinner party, this gratin is guaranteed to impress. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and comforting—an all-around crowd-pleaser that will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for special occasions or a fancy weeknight dinner.

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible seafood dish? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a showstopping meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant’s menu. Enjoy!