If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dish to satisfy your cravings, look no further than these Chipotle Butter Steak Bites. This recipe delivers maximum flavor in minimal time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
The key to these steak bites is searing them in a hot cast-iron skillet to create a flavorful crust while keeping the centers juicy and medium-rare. This balance of textures ensures that every bite is packed with deliciousness. The real star of the show is the silky butter sauce infused with canned chipotles in adobo.
Chipotles in adobo are a pantry staple in Mexican households, providing a smoky heat and rich complexity to dishes. In this recipe, the chipotles and adobo sauce are combined with garlic, cumin, and a splash of tequila to create a flavorful base for the butter sauce. The cold butter is then whisked in, creating a velvety coating that enhances the natural richness of the beef.
These steak bites can be served in a variety of ways – as a casual appetizer with tortillas and lime, piled over rice or nachos for a hearty meal, or skewered with toothpicks for a party snack. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, one thing is certain – they will disappear fast!
If you’re worried about the spice level of the chipotles in adobo, fear not. While they do bring a medium, smoky heat, the butter in the sauce helps temper the spice. For a milder flavor, simply use fewer chopped chiles in the recipe.
When it comes to choosing the type of steak for this dish, both rib eye and strip steak work well. Rib eye is the juicier option due to its higher fat content, while strip steak offers a leaner profile with a firmer texture. For a truly indulgent and buttery experience, opt for rib eye; for a leaner but still tender option, go with strip steak.
In the Food & Wine Test Kitchen, they found that cooking the steak in batches is crucial to achieving that perfect crust, and allowing the skillet to cool slightly before adding the tequila helps create a silky base for the butter sauce. Cutting the steak into evenly sized cubes ensures consistent cooking throughout.
To complement the smoky, spicy depth of these steak bites, consider pairing them with a lightly peppery 2023 Pax North Coast Syrah. This California red wine offers vibrant blackberry and plum flavors that enhance the dish’s buttery richness while mirroring the chipotle’s gentle heat. The savory spice and bright acidity of the wine cut through the steak, creating a bold yet harmonious pairing.
In conclusion, these Chipotle Butter Steak Bites are a must-try for any steak lover looking for a quick and delicious meal. Developed by Paige Grandjean and written by Andee Gosnell, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
