If you’re looking to impress with a dish that brings together comforting textures and bold flavors, this Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Juicy cubes of sirloin steak seared to perfection meet pillowy golden gnocchi, all bathed in a fragrant garlic rosemary butter sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this dish feels both indulgent and surprisingly easy to pull off. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with taste and so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this steak bites and gnocchi recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender steak cubes to the rich butter and fresh rosemary that bring it all together.
- 1 lb sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps give the gnocchi a golden crust.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with inviting warmth and aroma.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped): A fragrant herb that perfectly complements both steak and gnocchi.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing steak bites to a flavorful brown crust.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory finish and a touch of nuttiness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by seasoning your sirloin cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heating the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, you’ll want to get the pan really hot before adding the steak. This ensures a deeply browned crust that locks in those juicy flavors. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until beautifully browned, then remove the steak bites and set them aside. This first step is crucial for building the savory depth that anchors the entire dish.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Gnocchi to Golden Perfection
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add your gnocchi. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before tossing, so each piece develops a crisp, golden-brown exterior while remaining fluffy inside. This contrast in texture makes every bite delightful and keeps the dish from feeling one-dimensional.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Rosemary Butter
Push the gnocchi to one side of the pan, then add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic and fresh rosemary in the empty space. Sauté just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the herbs release their notes — about one minute. This step infuses the gnocchi with layers of aromatic flavor, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Combine and Finish with Cheese
Toss the gnocchi through the garlic rosemary butter ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Return the steak bites to the pan, gently mixing to heat everything through together. To finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the entire pan and stir lightly, letting the cheese melt and add a subtle, savory richness.
How to Serve Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of green but also introduces a fresh, clean note that balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Don’t be shy about adding extra Parmesan at the table for those who love that cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This steak bites and gnocchi recipe stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp mixed green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables can lighten the meal and add some refreshing crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on the side is a welcome touch that complements the hearty flavors without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually inviting presentation, serve the steak and gnocchi on a rustic wooden board or in a shallow cast iron skillet straight from the stove. Layer with fresh herb sprigs and maybe even a lemon wedge to brighten the plate. This dish is perfect for sharing, so think family-style—comfort food that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making the steak bites and gnocchi even more enjoyable when reheated carefully.
Freezing
While gnocchi can get a bit soft after freezing and thawing, the steak bites freeze very well. For best results, freeze steak bites separately in a sealed bag and add freshly cooked gnocchi when ready to eat. This keeps textures optimal and prevents sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to warm the steak bites and gnocchi evenly without drying them out. Adding a touch of butter or olive oil during reheating helps revive the moisture and flavors as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, cuts like ribeye or strip steak will also work well. Just be sure to cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Is homemade gnocchi better than store-bought for this dish?
Homemade gnocchi offers a delicate texture and fresh taste that’s hard to beat, but a good-quality store-bought version works just fine here. The cooking method ensures they still get that beautiful golden crust and soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your Parmesan and other ingredients have no gluten additives. This way, the dish remains accessible without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This steak bites and gnocchi recipe is mild and full of savory, herbaceous flavors. If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a gentle kick.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance for a quick dinner?
You can prep the steak cubes by seasoning them ahead of time and even cook the gnocchi earlier in the day. Then finish everything quickly in a hot skillet when ready to serve for a fast yet impressive meal.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special without demanding complicated steps or ingredients. Its wonderful balance of tender steak, comforting gnocchi, and aromatic butter sauce makes it a reliable favorite for any occasion. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to meal for sharing good times and great flavors with the people you love!
Print
Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Steak Bites and Gnocchi recipe offers a delicious, hearty meal featuring tender sirloin steak cubes pan-seared to perfection and golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in a fragrant garlic rosemary butter sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Gnocchi and Sauce
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade gnocchi
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak Bites: Generously season the sirloin steak cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are well coated to enhance the flavor during cooking.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Pan-Fry the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the gnocchi and pan-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the Garlic Rosemary Butter: Push the gnocchi to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the empty side of the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic turns fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Gnocchi in Garlic Butter: Mix the gnocchi thoroughly into the garlic rosemary butter, ensuring every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Reheat Steak Bites: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet, mixing them gently with the gnocchi and garlic butter. Heat through for about 1-2 minutes to combine flavors and warm the steak.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet contents, allowing it to melt slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and a touch of herbaceous freshness.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites and gnocchi hot directly from the skillet and enjoy a perfectly balanced, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality sirloin steak for the best texture and flavor in steak bites.
- If using homemade gnocchi, ensure they are well drained before pan-frying.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic butter.
- Fresh rosemary lends the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be substituted in a pinch, using about half the amount.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
