ULTIMATE COWBOY BUTTER STEAK BITES

The ultimate guide to making Cowboy Butter Steak Bites is a culinary adventure that I, as a food scientist and myth buster, am excited to share with you. Through my own personal experiments and discoveries, I’ve uncovered the secrets to crafting the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth Cowboy Butter Steak Bites.

The Science

At the heart of this dish lies the interplay between the rich, creamy butter and the tender, flavorful steak. The key is understanding the science behind the perfect sear and the optimal cooking time to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. By carefully controlling the temperature and technique, we can unlock the true potential of these simple ingredients.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with the spice mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
4. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is smoking hot, add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a deep, golden-brown crust forms.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 5-7 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately add the remaining Cowboy Butter to the pan. Gently toss the steak cubes to coat them evenly with the melted butter.
8. Serve the Cowboy Butter Steak Bites immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

The Investigation

My first few attempts at making Cowboy Butter Steak Bites were a disaster. The steak would end up tough and chewy, or the butter would burn and leave an unpleasant bitterness. Then, I had an “Aha!” moment – the key was in the searing and the timing.

Perfecting the Sear

Like many of you, I initially thought that a high-heat sear would be the way to go. However, I quickly learned that this approach led to an uneven cook and a tough exterior. After some experimentation, I discovered that a moderately high heat, combined with a generous seasoning of the steak, was the secret to achieving that perfect sear.

The Oven Finish

Once the steak was seared, I found that finishing it in the oven was crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. By roasting the steak at a high temperature, the interior could cook to the desired doneness while the exterior maintained its crisp, caramelized crust.

The Cowboy Butter Revelation

The final piece of the puzzle was the Cowboy Butter. I experimented with various flavor combinations, but the winning formula was a simple blend of softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The butter not only added a rich, creamy element to the dish but also helped to amplify the beefy flavors of the steak.

The Technique

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the Cowboy Butter. 2. Sear the seasoned steak cubes to perfection. 3. Roast the steak in the oven for the ideal doneness. 4. Toss the steak in the melted Cowboy Butter. 5. Serve and enjoy the ultimate Cowboy Butter Steak Bites!