Steak bites and potatoes are a classic combination that brings a symphony of flavors and textures to your family’s dinner table. This dish, blending juicy steak with hearty potatoes, is a favorite for both kids and adults. It’s especially suited for busy moms looking for a quick yet delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love Steak Bites & Potatoes
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Features tender, juicy steak and crispy, golden potatoes.
- Simple ingredients, easy to find in any grocery store.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Steak bites and potatoes are made with easy-to-find, simple ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown:
- Beef Sirloin, Tenderloin, or tri-tip: These cuts are ideal for their tenderness and flavor.
- Potatoes: They add a comforting, hearty element. Substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-rich alternative.
- Seasonings (Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): These enhance the meat’s flavor. Feel free to replace onion and garlic powder with diced onion and minced garlic.
- Lemon Juice and Worcestershire Sauce: Add zest and depth to the steak. Substitute with balsamic vinegar if needed.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Provide richness. Any vegetable oil, plant-based butter, or ghee can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! See detailed make-ahead instructions below.
We highly encourage it. The marinade helps to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it, resulting in juicy and delicious steak bites.
If you have the time, it’s best to marinate the steak for the full 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. This will give you the best possible flavor and texture. However, if you’re short on time, even a one-hour marinade can make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
Yes, you can use any cut of steak you prefer, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Yes, you can use frozen cubed potatoes, but keep in mind that they may have a different texture than fresh potatoes.
Yes, you can par-bake the potatoes in the microwave for 4-5 minutes or in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
Yes, try using hearty mushrooms, diced firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based beef substitute instead of steak.
Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or bell peppers make great additions.
Cook them until just fork-tender and sauté them briefly.
Potato Options
You have a lot of flexibility in terms of what type of potato to use in this recipe:
- Waxy potatoes: (New potatoes, French fingerling, Red Bliss, baby potatoes) These potatoes hold up better during cooking and will retain their shape better.
- Russet potatoes: These potatoes have a higher starch content, resulting in a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose waxy or russet potatoes, the key is to cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are the perfect size to pair with the steak bites. So, feel free to experiment and find your own favorite potato variety.
Troubleshooting
- If the steak is tough, it may be overcooked. Aim for a quick sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure steak bites cook evenly.
- If potatoes are too soft, reduce the boiling time.
- For more flavor, adjust seasoning to taste before the final sauté.
Tips From the Chef
- Remove any excess fat or sinew from the steak before cooking for the best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak bites to ensure they get evenly browned.
- Let the steak bites marinate for at least an hour to get the best flavor.
Steak & Potatoes Readiness Indicators
Steak Bites
- Visual Cues:
- Look for a rich, golden-brown sear on the outside of the steak bites. This indicates a good crust has formed.
- Auditory Cues:
- Listen for a steady sizzling sound as the steak cooks. This sound should be constant but not overly aggressive, which could indicate the heat is too high.
- A reduction in sizzling can signal that the steak is nearly done, as the moisture content decreases.
- Touch Cues:
- Use tongs to gently press on the steak bites. They should feel firm but still have a slight give, indicating they are cooked yet tender.
- For medium-rare, the steak should feel similar to the fleshy part of your palm when your thumb and middle finger are touching.
- Internal Temperature:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F, and well-done 155°F or above.
Remember, steak bites will cook quickly due to their small size, so frequent checking is advised.
Potatoes
- Visual Cues:
- Look for a golden-brown crust forming on the cubed potatoes.
- The edges should be crisp, and the surface should have a slightly glossy appearance from the oil or butter.
- Auditory Cues:
- Listen for a soft, crackling sound as the potatoes cook, indicating that the outside is crisping up. The sound will be less pronounced than with the steak, but still noticeable.
- Touch Cues:
- Test the potatoes with a fork or the tip of a knife. It should easily pierce the potato with little resistance.
- The outside should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
- Internal Temperature:
- Potatoes are generally done when they reach an internal temperature of about 210°F.
Make Ahead Instructions
- Marinate Steak: Prepare marinade and soak steak bites up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate in a sealed container or bag.
- Prep Potatoes: Cube and parboil potatoes for 5 minutes a day ahead. Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Pre-Cooking Prep: Before cooking, let steak and potatoes sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Cook as Directed: Follow the recipe’s cooking steps, adjusting cooking time for potatoes as they are already parboiled.
These streamlined steps ensure your steak bites and potatoes are prepped ahead for a quick and easy cooking experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover steak bites and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the potatoes may change.
More Steak Recipes
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
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