Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt, to taste (up to 1 ½ teaspoons recommended)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Cooking Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
- ¾ cup water
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning and Ingredients: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients before starting. For extra tenderness, cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently tenderize each side using a meat mallet.
- Season the Steak: Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt over the steak cubes (up to 1 ½ teaspoons, seasoning to taste). Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture and rub it into all sides of the steak pieces to infuse maximum flavor.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes in batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute on each side (approximately 4 minutes per batch total). The goal is to achieve a medium-rare doneness. Remove the cooked steak bites and set aside. Repeat until all steak is seared.
- Make the Sauce Base: Turn off the heat once the searing is done, then add ¾ cup water to the skillet. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet, incorporating the browned bits (fond) into the liquid. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and reduce by half, approximately 6 minutes.
- Add Butter, Garlic, and Thyme: Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter, sliced garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 3 minutes to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and return the seared steak bites along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the steak and allow it to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks, or enjoy as a hearty main course alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
Notes
- Top sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but you can substitute with filet mignon, ribeye, or strip steak if preferred.
- Gently tenderizing the steak beforehand will yield more tender bites.
- Adjust salt and seasoning quantities based on personal taste and dietary needs.
- Cooking the steak in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures proper searing.
- Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan thoroughly to build a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Serve hot immediately for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American