High Protein Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Crispy Potatoes (Meal Prep Magic!)
Hey there, kitchen warriors! 👋 Chef Emily here, your fellow messy-apron-wearing flavor enthusiast. Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared into your fridge at 6 PM on a Wednesday, utterly defeated, while your stomach growls like an angry badger? 🙋♀️ Yeah, me too. That’s why I’m OBSESSED with this High Protein Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Crispy Potatoes situation. Imagine: juicy, garlicky steak bites sizzling in butter, paired with golden, crunchy potatoes, all dunked in a spicy mayo that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. And guess what? It’s only 480 calories per serving, packs a whopping 50g of protein, and makes 8 glorious servings perfect for meal prep or feeding your hungry crew!
This isn’t just dinner, friends. It’s your secret weapon against takeout temptation. We’re talking bold, restaurant-worthy flavor built on simple, real ingredients. That garlic butter sauce? Pure liquid gold. Those potatoes? Crispy little clouds of carb-y joy. And that spicy mayo? It’s the tangy, creamy ribbon that ties this flavor party together. Plus, it’s ready in about 45 minutes! Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or need a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t chain you to the stove, this recipe is your new BFF. Grab your favorite skillet, and let’s make some magic happen!
Grandma’s Skillet & My Meal Prep “Aha!” Moment
This recipe always takes me back to my grandma’s cozy kitchen, specifically her ancient, perfectly seasoned cast-iron skillet. That skillet saw more Sunday roasts and pan-seared wonders than I can count! I remember watching her transform humble beef and potatoes into something extraordinary with just garlic, butter, and love. Fast forward to my chaotic early days after culinary school, juggling recipe testing and life. I was drowning in takeout containers and feeling blah. One hectic Sunday, staring at a giant pack of beef and a bag of spuds, Grandma’s skillet wisdom whispered to me. “Keep it simple, Em. Make it hearty. Make it once.” I cubed the steak, tossed the potatoes with abandon, channeled that garlic-butter alchemy, and bam! Eight beautiful containers of high-protein joy landed in my fridge. That first bite of reheated steak bites and crispy potatoes? Pure nostalgia meets modern convenience. It tasted like a warm hug from Grandma, with a spicy mayo kick! It was my meal prep revelation – gourmet flavor could live happily in a lunchbox.
High Protein Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Crispy Potatoes
Gather Your Flavor Arsenal
Here’s everything you need to build this protein-packed masterpiece! Don’t sweat substitutions – I’ve got your back.
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1.6 kg lean topside beef, cubed: Topsides are my lean, mean, budget-friendly heroes! Chef Insight: Cubing it yourself saves $$ vs. pre-cut. Swap: Sirloin or flank work great too! Just trim visible fat.
- 1 tbsp salt + 4 tsp black pepper: Our essential flavor foundation. Sea salt or kosher salt is perfect.
- 4 tsp garlic powder + 4 tsp dried parsley: Double garlic punch! Dried parsley adds herby depth. Chef Hack: Smoked paprika (1 tsp) adds a lovely warmth if you have it.
- 4 tsp olive oil: For that initial sear. Avocado oil works too for high heat.
- 40g light butter (for cooking) + 40g light butter (to finish): Light butter keeps calories down but delivers that rich, nutty flavor. Twist! Add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire with the finishing butter for insane umami depth!
- 8 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh is non-negotiable here! That pungent bite is key.
- Fresh chopped parsley (to finish): Brightens everything up! Cilantro or chives are fun swaps.
- For the Crispy Potatoes:
- 1.8 kg potatoes, diced small: Russets or Maris Pipers are starch kings for crispiness! Dice small (1/2-inch) for max crunch. Chef Tip: Soak in cold water for 15 mins, then pat SUPER dry for ultimate crisp.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley (to taste): Be generous! Smoked paprika is my smoky secret weapon.
- 2–3 tsp olive oil (optional): Helps crisp if your potatoes aren’t super starchy. Twist! Sprinkle grated Parmesan + fresh thyme before serving for a herby, cheesy crunch bomb!
- For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- 60g light mayo: The creamy base. Greek yogurt works for a tangier, lighter vibe.
- 30g sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce): Adjust to your heat level! Gochujang adds fun fermented depth.
- Squeeze of lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness. Lime works too! Twist! Add a pinch of smoked paprika and chopped chives for an extra kick and pop of color.
Let’s Get Sizzling! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create some kitchen magic? Follow these steps for steak bite perfection and potato nirvana!
- Potato Power-Up: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dice those potatoes small and even! Chef Hack: Seriously, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes if you have time – it pulls out excess starch for crunchier results. Drain, pat them bone dry with paper towels (wet potatoes = soggy sadness!). Toss them in a big bowl with your chosen seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley) and the optional olive oil. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment. Why single layer? Crowding steams them instead of roasting! Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until gloriously golden and crispy. Chef Insight: Don’t rush the flip! Let them get a good crust first.
- Steak Bite Sizzle: While potatoes roast, pat your steak cubes VERY dry (dry meat = epic sear!). Season generously all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Heat 2 tsp of the olive oil and HALF the light butter (20g) in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is KING here!) over medium-high heat until the butter stops foaming and it’s super hot. Chef Tip: Test the heat with one cube – it should sizzle aggressively! Add steak in a single layer (work in batches! Don’t crowd the pan!). Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a beautiful brown crust. Flip and sear another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining steak, adding a touch more oil if needed.
- Garlic Butter Bliss: Once all steak is out, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 20g of light butter and the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant – DO NOT let garlic burn (bitter city!). Twist Time! Add that splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire now if using! Immediately return all steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything furiously to coat in that luscious garlic butter. Kill the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste! Adjust salt/pepper if needed.
- Spicy Mayo Whisk: While steak rests (it keeps it juicy!), whisk together the light mayo, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Chef Tip: Start with less sriracha, taste, then add more! Want that extra kick? Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika and some chopped chives.
- The Grand Finale: Your potatoes should be perfectly crispy by now! Portion steak bites and crispy potatoes into meal prep containers or onto plates. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo or serve it on the side for epic dipping. Devour immediately, or let cool completely before storing.
Serving Up the Deliciousness
Presentation is part of the fun! For meal prep, layer potatoes on the bottom, pile high with steak bites, and drizzle/spoon the spicy mayo over the top or in a separate little container. If serving immediately for dinner, go restaurant-style: Smear a swoosh of spicy mayo on the plate. Artfully pile the crispy potatoes next to a generous mound of glistening steak bites. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives over everything for a pop of green. A simple side of steamed green beans or a zesty arugula salad cuts the richness perfectly. Don’t forget napkins – it’s gloriously messy finger food at its finest!
Mix It Up! Flavorful Twists
Love this base recipe? Try these fun spins!
- Herb Garden Explosion: Swap parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme (use half the amount dried) in the steak seasoning and potatoes. Finish with chopped basil!
- Smoky Chipotle Fiesta: Replace sriracha with chipotle in adobo (minced) in the mayo. Add 1 tsp cumin to the steak seasoning and potatoes.
- Mushroom “Steak” (Veggie!): Swap steak for 2 lbs large king oyster or portobello mushrooms, sliced thick. Sear hard! Boost protein by adding a can of rinsed white beans to the potatoes halfway through roasting.
- Keto/Kickin’ Cheese: Skip the potatoes. Roast cauliflower florets tossed in oil and steak seasonings instead. Add extra cheese to the spicy mayo or melt cheddar on the steak bites at the end.
- Mediterranean Sunshine: Omit spicy mayo. Finish steak with a squeeze of lemon, chopped Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Toss potatoes with dried oregano.
Emily’s Kitchen Confidential
Okay, real talk: The first time I tested this for meal prep, I may or may not have “sampled” so much straight from the skillet that I almost didn’t have enough left for the containers! 😂 The garlic butter sauce is just… hypnotic. Over time, I’ve learned a few things: Batch cooking the steak is non-negotiable. Crowding the pan steams it – total texture killer! Patience with the potatoes pays off in crispy dividends. And that spicy mayo? It started as a simple mix, but adding the smoked paprika and chives was a game-changer suggested by a reader (shoutout to Brenda from Ohio!). It adds such depth! This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Don’t stress over perfect cubes. Embrace the rustic charm! The core magic is in the high heat, the garlic butter bath, and that crispy potato contrast. It’s evolved from a simple “use-up-the-beef” idea into my absolute GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) meal prep hero. I hope it becomes yours too!
Your Questions, Answered!
Let’s tackle those common kitchen conundrums:
- “Can I use a different cut of beef?” Absolutely! Sirloin tip or flank steak are excellent lean choices. Avoid super tender cuts like filet – they cook too fast and can get pricey cubed. Tougher cuts like chuck need longer, slower cooking (not ideal for bites). Stick with lean, quick-cooking cuts.
- “Help! My potatoes aren’t crispy. What went wrong?” The usual suspects: 1) Wet Potatoes: Pat them DRY after soaking/washing! 2) Overcrowding: Use two baking sheets if needed. Single layer is key! 3) Oven Temp Too Low: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C). 4) Not Flipping: Flip halfway for even browning. 5) Cut Too Big: Small dice = more surface area = more crunch!
- “How do I store and reheat this for meal prep?” Let components cool completely before assembling containers (prevents sogginess!). Store airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating: Best method: Microwave potatoes first (1-2 mins), then add steak bites and microwave another 30-60 secs until just heated through. Avoid overcooking the steak! Alternatively, reheat steak bites quickly in a skillet over medium. Keep the spicy mayo separate until serving.
- “Can I make this dairy-free/without butter?” You bet! For the steak: Use all olive oil or avocado oil for searing. Skip the finishing butter. Instead, after searing, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or low-sodium soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch for a glossy, flavorful “sauce” to toss the steak in. Add the garlic to this mixture.
High Protein Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Crispy Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This dish is all about bold flavor, sizzling steak, golden crispy potatoes, and a spicy mayo that ties it all together. High in protein, low in effort, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
1.6 kg lean topside beef, cubed
1 tbsp salt
4 tsp black pepper
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp dried parsley
4 tsp olive oil
40g light butter (for cooking)
40g light butter (to finish)
8 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh chopped parsley (to finish)
Twist: Add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra umami
For the Crispy Potatoes:
1.8 kg potatoes, diced small
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley (to taste)
2–3 tsp olive oil (optional for crispiness)
Twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan + fresh thyme before serving for a herby, cheesy crunch
Spicy Mayo Sauce:
60g light mayo
30g sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
Squeeze of lemon juice
Twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika and chopped chives for an extra kick
Instructions
Prep the potatoes: Toss in seasonings and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy.
Cook the steak bites: Heat olive oil + butter in a large skillet over high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned.
Add minced garlic in the final minute of cooking, then toss with fresh parsley and the rest of the butter.
Mix the spicy mayo: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Adjust spice and lemon to taste.
Plate steak bites and crispy potatoes. Drizzle with spicy mayo or serve on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 / serving
- Fat: 13g / serving
- Carbohydrates: 39g / serving
- Protein: 50g/ serving
Nutritional Powerhouse (Per Serving)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 50g | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fat: 13g | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30-35 mins | Servings: 8
Note: Nutritional info is an estimate based on specific ingredients used (like light butter/light mayo). Values may vary slightly depending on brands and exact quantities.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of meal prep that makes Wednesday feel like Friday. Juicy, garlicky steak bites, shatter-crisp potatoes, and a kicky mayo—simple ingredients, restaurant flavor, and zero fuss. Dry your steak, don’t crowd the pan, soak/dry those potatoes, and keep the sauce separate for peak reheat magic. Batch it on Sunday, thank yourself all week.
