Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe

There’s something about the sizzle of juicy steak bites hitting a hot pan, mingling with the pillowy softness of gnocchi that’s been perfectly seared in garlic butter. Every time I dive into this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi recipe, it feels like a cozy little celebration on my plate. The seared edges of the steak bursting with flavor and the gnocchi soaking up the garlicky richness—it’s like comfort food leveled up. If you’re craving a meal that’s simple to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Here’s why this combo works so well: I use butter instead of just oil because it brings a richness and slightly nutty flavor that only brown butter can add, especially when it mingles with garlic. The gnocchi, which can feel a little bland on its own, soaks up this butter and garlic blend beautifully. Choosing sirloin steak chunks gives you tender meat with a great crust when seared right, without breaking the bank. Olive oil is added because it has a higher smoke point than butter, so it helps prevent the butter from burning during searing.

The dried Italian herbs are optional but I like how they deepen the flavor profile with subtle warmth. And don’t underestimate simple salt and pepper! They’re what let each ingredient really shine.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe

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Savor tender garlic butter steak bites with soft gnocchi in this easy recipe that turns dinner into a mouthwatering delight

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

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Instructions

Pat your steak bites dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, usually 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized. Remove steak and set aside.

Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Do not let it brown or burn.

Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the garlic butter. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they get a light golden crisp on the outside.

Return the steak bites to the pan, sprinkle with Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes, and toss everything together gently for another minute to marry the flavors.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Juicy sirloin steak bites seared to golden perfection and tossed with pillowy gnocchi in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This cozy, comforting recipe combines the best of tender steak crust with soft gnocchi, creating a delicious and easy meal perfect for any night.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the steak: Pat your steak bites dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, usually 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized. Remove steak and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). You’ll smell that amazing garlicky aroma—don’t let it brown or burn!
5. Cook the gnocchi in garlic butter: Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the garlic butter. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they get a light golden crisp on the outside.
6. Combine and finish: Return the steak bites to the pan, sprinkle with Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes, and toss everything together gently for another minute to marry the flavors.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve right away. The steak will be juicy, the gnocchi chewy yet crunchy on edges, and every bite soaked in buttery garlic goodness.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe: Tips for Success

• Don’t crowd the pan when searing the steak: If you do, the meat steams instead of sears, and we want that beautiful caramelized crust every time.
• Dry your steak bites: Moisture is the enemy of browning. Always pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Timing the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Add it after the steak is done, and cook it just until fragrant, no longer.
• Use fresh butter: It makes a real difference in flavor. Also, salted or unsalted is fine, but if you use salted, ease up a bit on the salt added to the steak and finishing dish.
• Don’t overcook gnocchi: Cooking past “just floated” can make them mushy. Stay alert—2-3 minutes is usually ideal.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe: Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, here’s the trick: reheat gently on a skillet over medium-low heat. This prevents the steak from getting tough and keeps the gnocchi from turning gummy. A quick toss in a little extra butter or olive oil as you reheat brings back that fresh-cooked flavor and texture beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the gnocchi mushy and the steak chewy.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe: FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for its balance of tenderness and price, you can also use ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak cut into small cubes. Just remember that leaner cuts cook faster and may need less time in the pan to avoid dryness.

Is fresh gnocchi better than frozen?

Fresh gnocchi can be a bit softer and cook faster, but frozen gnocchi works great for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it fully or cook directly from frozen and adjust the cooking time to when it floats to the top of your boiling water.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Keep the olive oil to help with browning. The flavor profile shifts slightly, but it’s still delicious, especially with extra garlic and herbs.

What can I add to make this dish more of a meal?

I like to throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra earthiness and color. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad also pairs wonderfully to balance the richness.

Is it okay to prep ingredients in advance?

For sure! You can cut your steak ahead and keep it refrigerated for a day. Mince your garlic in advance too. I do recommend cooking the gnocchi fresh because they soften quickly, but if pressed for time, par-cook and refrigerate them, then finish in the pan as directed.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 540
• Fat: 35g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

Please note these are rough estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe

This dish always feels like a warm hug after a long day. The way the garlic butter clings to every bite, the tender steak bursting with seared flavor, and the gnocchi offering that soft, pillowy texture makes it one of my absolute favorites. If you give it a try, don’t forget to leave a comment sharing how it turned out! I love hearing your twists and tips—and I’m cheering you on every buttery, garlicky step of the way.