Looking for a quick meal that bursts with flavor? You’ve come to the right place! My Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Rice recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and tastes amazing. With tender beef, rich garlic butter, and fluffy rice, this dish is a weeknight winner. Let me show you how to whip up this delicious meal fast!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetable Components
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups beef broth (or water)
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gather these ingredients for a quick and tasty meal. The beef sirloin adds robust flavor. Unsalted butter gives a rich texture, while garlic adds a fragrant touch. Fresh thyme and smoked paprika create a delightful blend that enhances the steak’s taste. Salt and pepper are key for balancing flavors.
For the rice, jasmine rice cooks fluffy and aromatic. Beef broth enriches each grain, making it a perfect base for the dish. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Finally, fresh parsley not only garnishes but also brightens the plate.
This mix of ingredients delivers a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes. You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking, making it versatile for any palate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice
To start, you need to boil beef broth. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil. This adds great flavor to your rice. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of jasmine rice. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The rice will absorb all the liquid. After cooking, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
Preparing the Steak Bites
While the rice cooks, get your steak bites ready. First, cut 1 lb of beef sirloin into small cubes. Season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This gives each bite a rich flavor. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Searing the Beef
Once the skillet is hot, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt. Now, add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them browned and cooked just right. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Adding Flavor
After searing, return all of the steak bites to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Now, it’s time to add flavor! Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir in the remaining butter. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic smells amazing.
Finishing Touches
Next, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook them just until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving the Dish
Now it’s time to serve! Divide the garlic butter steak bites over your fluffy jasmine rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
For steak bites, I recommend using beef sirloin. It has great flavor and tenderness. Look for sirloin with good marbling. This means it has fat throughout, which makes the meat juicy.
Quality matters. Fresh meat makes a big difference in taste. Choose cuts that are bright red and firm. Avoid any that look dull or have brown spots.
Perfecting the Searing Technique
The right skillet temperature is key. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. It should be hot before you add the beef. A hot skillet gives a nice brown crust.
Don’t overcook the steak. Cook each bite for just 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. If you crowd the pan, the meat will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed.
Enhancing the Dish
You can serve garlic butter steak bites with various sides. Try a simple salad or steamed veggies. These add color and crunch to your meal.
For garnishes, fresh parsley works well. It brightens the dish and adds a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle some extra smoked paprika for added flavor.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch up the protein in this dish with ease. Chicken steak bites work great. Just cut chicken breast or thighs into cubes. Season them the same way as the beef. Cook until golden brown. You can also try plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. Marinate the plant protein in the same garlic butter mix. Sear until crispy for a tasty twist.
Rice Alternatives
If you want a change from jasmine rice, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor. Cook it by boiling in broth for about 15 minutes. Cauliflower rice is lighter and lower in carbs. Simply sauté it for a few minutes until tender. Both options pair well with the garlic butter steak bites.
Flavor Profile Adjustments
You can easily adjust the flavor of this dish. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes when cooking the steak. This will give your bites a nice heat. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Try rosemary or oregano for a fresh taste. Mixing in some lemon zest can brighten the flavors too. These tweaks keep the meal fun and exciting!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. The steak bites and rice will stay good for up to three days in the fridge.
Reheating Suggestions
You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the food in a safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture of the steak bites.
Freezing the Dish
To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook garlic butter steak bites and rice?
Cooking garlic butter steak bites and rice takes just 15 minutes.
– Prep Time: 5 minutes
– Cooking Time: 10 minutes
– Rice Cooking: 10-12 minutes on low heat
– Steak Searing: 6-8 minutes total for perfect bites
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time.
– Cooked Steak Bites: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Rice Storage: Cooked jasmine rice keeps well in the fridge.
– Reheat Separately: Heat rice and steak bites before serving.
What can I serve with steak bites and rice?
You can serve many sides with steak bites and rice.
– Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and health.
– Salads: A fresh green salad brightens the plate.
– Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep.
– Cook in Batches: Make more steak bites and rice to save time.
– Use Airtight Containers: Store portions for quick meals.
– Easy Reheating: Just warm in the microwave or on the stove.
We explored a delicious recipe for garlic butter steak bites with jasmine rice. Key ingredients include beef sirloin, garlic, and fresh thyme. You learned how to cook, season, and serve this dish perfectly. We shared tips for choosing quality beef and strategies for meal prep.
Remember, you can adapt this recipe with different proteins or rice. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey, and savor every bite!
