There’s something magical about the combination of perfectly seared steak, golden potatoes, and fragrant garlic butter that makes my heart skip a beat. As someone who’s been cooking this dish for over a decade, I can tell you that this one-pan wonder never fails to impress. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-tested recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Essential Ingredients
For 4 servings:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sirloin steak | 1.5 pounds | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
Baby potatoes | 1.5 pounds | Quartered |
Butter | 6 tablespoons | Unsalted |
Garlic cloves | 8 | Minced |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Extra virgin |
Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs | Whole |
Fresh thyme | 4 sprigs | Whole |
Salt | 1.5 teaspoons | Kosher |
Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
Parsley | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped |
Equipment Needed
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Cast iron skillet | 12-inch or larger |
Sharp knife | For cubing steak |
Kitchen tongs | For turning meat |
Cutting board | Prep work |
Garlic press | Optional |
Meat thermometer | Recommended |

Preparation Steps
Preparing the Potatoes
- Wash and quarter baby potatoes (leave skin on for extra texture)
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Preparing the Steak
- Cut sirloin into 1-inch cubes
- Pat dry with paper towels (crucial for proper searing)
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
Making the Garlic Butter
- Mince garlic cloves finely
- Soften butter at room temperature
- Mix together with:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Half of the minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Potatoes
- Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Once oil is shimmering, add potatoes
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally
- Add rosemary and thyme sprigs
- Remove when golden brown and tender
Step 2: Cooking the Steak
- Increase heat to high
- Add remaining olive oil
- Place steak cubes in a single layer
- Sear for 3-4 minutes, turning once
- Add remaining garlic and 3 tablespoons butter
- Cook for additional 1-2 minutes
Step 3: Finishing
- Return potatoes to pan
- Add remaining garlic butter
- Toss everything together
- Garnish with fresh parsley

Pro Tips
- Choose a well-marbled sirloin for the best flavor
- Cut steak and potatoes in uniform sizes for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed
- Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear
- Let the pan get properly hot before adding ingredients
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 580 |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Iron | 4mg |
Potassium | 890mg |
Sodium | 890mg |
Storage and Reheating
Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3-4 days | In airtight container |
Freezer | Not recommended | Affects texture |
Reheating | Stovetop preferred | 2-3 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans with almonds
- Roasted asparagus with lemon
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh crusty bread
- Grilled corn on the cob
Common Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye or tenderloin work great, just adjust cooking time based on the cut’s thickness.
Q: Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?
Make sure they’re completely dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, resist the urge to stir too frequently.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can pre-cut and season the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance.
Q: What’s the best internal temperature for the steak?
For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Here’s a temperature guide:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Variations
Spicy Version
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Include 1 diced jalapeño
- Use cayenne-seasoned butter
Herb-Crusted
- Add dried Italian seasoning
- Include crushed fennel seeds
- Mix in fresh oregano
Mediterranean Style
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
- Include capers
- Top with crumbled feta
Troubleshooting Guide
Issue | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Tough meat | Overcooking | Use meat thermometer |
Burnt garlic | Too high heat | Add garlic later |
Soggy potatoes | Too much moisture | Pat dry thoroughly |
Uneven cooking | Different sizes | Cut uniform pieces |
Health Considerations
- For lower sodium: Reduce salt and use herbs for flavor
- For lower fat: Use lean steak cuts and reduce butter
- For gluten-free: Recipe is naturally gluten-free
- For dairy-free: Substitute butter with olive oil and herbs