Imagine a dish that combines the rich, mouthwatering sear of perfectly cooked steak with the pillowy softness of golden gnocchi - a culinary match made in heaven that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. This restaurant-quality meal is not just a recipe, it's a flavor adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With just 25 minutes between you and dinner perfection, these steak bites and gnocchi will become your new go-to comfort food that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cubed
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and caramelization.
- Season steak cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and just about to smoke.
- Carefully add steak cubes to the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat and prevent steaming.
- Sear steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to create a golden-brown crust on all surfaces. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring to prevent burning and infuse flavor into the meat.
- While steak is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Drain gnocchi and, if desired, quickly pan-fry in the same skillet after removing the steak to add extra texture.
- Combine seared steak bites and gnocchi in the skillet, tossing gently to mix.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a side of green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and optimal tenderness.
- Moisture Matters: Pat your steak cubes completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear and prevents steaming.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches if needed. Overcrowding reduces pan temperature and prevents proper caramelization.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan and cook steak on medium-high heat for a perfect sear without overcooking.
- Timing is Everything: Add garlic in the last minute of cooking to prevent burning and maximize flavor infusion.
- Gnocchi Pro Tip: Look for the float - gnocchi are done when they rise to the surface of boiling water, typically in 2-3 minutes.
- Optional Texture Boost: Quickly pan-fry gnocchi after boiling for an extra crispy exterior that adds delightful contrast to the soft interior.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
