Let me tell you, weeknight dinners at our house can be… chaotic. Between school runs, after-school activities, and the general whirlwind of family life, finding something that’s both quick, healthy, and actually gets eaten can feel like winning the lottery. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa. Initially, I was a bit skeptical – would the kids actually eat quinoa? Would steak bites be too fussy for a weeknight? But let me tell you, this dish was a revelation. From the moment the garlic butter hit the pan, the aroma alone had everyone sniffing around the kitchen. And the taste? Juicy, tender steak bites bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness, paired perfectly with fluffy, nutritious quinoa. Even my pickiest eater devoured it! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa recipe has become a regular in our rotation, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s not just delicious; it’s also surprisingly simple and packed with protein and nutrients. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner game!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa

• Steak: 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes. The star of the show, choose a tender cut for best results.
• Quinoa: 1 cup uncooked quinoa. A nutritious and protein-packed grain that perfectly complements the steak.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups beef broth. Used to cook the quinoa, adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 6 cloves garlic, minced. Essential for that bold, garlicky butter flavor.
• Butter: ½ cup unsalted butter. Creates richness and helps to brown the steak beautifully.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil. Used for searing the steak and adding healthy fats.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped. Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Earthy herb that enhances the steak’s flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Adds a subtle kick of heat.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa

1. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This removes saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Prepare the Steak: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the steak. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Melt the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The aroma should be intoxicating!
4. Sear the Steak Bites: Increase the heat to high. Add the olive oil to the skillet, ensuring the garlic butter mixture doesn’t burn. Once the pan is very hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Working in batches if necessary is key to achieving a good sear.
5. Cook to Perfection: Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-140°F (57-60°C), and for medium-well, 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy if you’re unsure.
6. Baste with Garlic Butter: As the steak bites cook, spoon the garlic butter mixture over them, basting them frequently. This adds flavor and keeps them moist. If you added red pepper flakes, add them in now for a subtle warmth infused into the steak bites.
7. Combine and Serve: Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful steak. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the quinoa in the delicious sauce.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Stir in the fresh parsley into the quinoa. Serve the garlic butter quinoa immediately, topped with the perfectly seared garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa (per serving, approximate)

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 550-650 kcal
• Protein: 40-50g

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s relatively quick to prepare.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes cutting steak, mincing garlic, rinsing quinoa)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (includes cooking quinoa and searing steak bites)
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa: Delicious Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be served in a variety of ways to make it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

• As a Standalone Meal: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa is perfectly delicious and balanced on its own. The quinoa provides carbohydrates and fiber, while the steak bites offer protein and healthy fats.
• With Roasted Vegetables:
  • Broccoli or Asparagus: Roast broccoli florets or asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and healthy side dish that complements the richness of the steak and quinoa.
  • Bell Peppers and Onions: Roasted bell peppers and onions add sweetness and vibrant color to the plate. Toss them with a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potato cubes provide a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
• With a Fresh Salad:
  • Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the steak bites and quinoa.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A classic cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon-herb dressing adds freshness and acidity.
  • Arugula Salad with Parmesan: A peppery arugula salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette offers a sophisticated side dish.
• Grain Bowl Style:
  • Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the bowl.
  • Include Black Beans or Chickpeas: For extra protein and fiber, add black beans or chickpeas to the quinoa mixture.
  • Top with a Fried Egg: A fried egg adds extra richness and protein, turning this into a hearty and satisfying bowl.
• Over Greens:
  • Spinach or Kale: Serve the garlic butter steak bites and quinoa over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for a lower-carb option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa

To ensure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip for steak bites. These cuts are flavorful and cook quickly, ensuring tender and juicy results. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times, as they can become chewy when cooked as bites.
2. Pat the Steak Dry: Before searing the steak, pat the cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a beautiful brown crust. Moisture hinders browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the steak bites in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, causing the steak to steam instead of sear. A single layer allows for even browning and crispy edges.
4. Use High Heat for Searing: High heat is essential for searing steak bites quickly and locking in the juices. Make sure your skillet is screaming hot before adding the steak. You should hear a sizzle as soon as the steak hits the pan.
5. Don’t Overcook the Steak: Steak bites cook very quickly. Be mindful of the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure you reach your desired level of doneness. Overcooked steak bites will be dry and tough. Medium-rare to medium is generally recommended for tenderness.
6. Rest the Steak Bites: After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful bites. Tent them loosely with foil while they rest.
7. Customize the Garlic Butter: Feel free to adjust the garlic butter to your liking. Add more or less garlic, adjust the amount of thyme, or experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.
8. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter. You can also serve it with a side of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa

Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use other tender cuts of steak like ribeye, New York strip, or even filet mignon. Avoid tougher cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, as they are better suited for longer cooking methods. Sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness, making it an excellent choice for steak bites.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked quinoa to save time?

A: While you can use pre-cooked quinoa, cooking it in beef broth adds a significant layer of flavor to the dish. If you are short on time, pre-cooked quinoa is an option, but simmering it briefly in a little beef broth before adding it to the garlic butter sauce can still enhance the flavor.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: It’s best to enjoy Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa fresh for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can prepare the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The steak bites are best cooked right before serving to ensure they are tender and juicy. You can also chop the garlic and measure out the spices in advance to speed up the cooking process.

Q4: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making the dish too salty. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Q5: Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet with the steak bites?

A: You can add vegetables, but it’s best to cook them separately to ensure they cook properly. Quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or onions can be added towards the end of cooking the steak bites. However, for vegetables that require longer cooking times like broccoli or carrots, roasting or sautéing them separately is recommended.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The steak bites may be slightly less tender upon reheating, but they will still be flavorful.

Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, and steak is also gluten-free. Double-check the labels of your beef broth to ensure it is certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary needs.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. You can double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet or pan to sear the steak bites in batches without overcrowding. You may also need a larger saucepan to cook the quinoa. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly if you are cooking larger quantities.

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