There’s something magical about the combination of juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and aromatic garlic butter. When you combine all these into a simple but delectable grill recipe, it becomes the ultimate comfort food that promises a savory, satisfying experience for everyone at the table. This garlic-butter-potatoes-steak dish is an absolute treat for meat lovers and those who crave the rich flavors of a well-seasoned meal. Whether you’re planning for a family gathering, a weekend barbecue, or simply want to impress your friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The method of cooking involves a grill and aluminum foil, allowing the flavors to infuse as the ingredients cook in their own juices, resulting in tender steak and perfectly cooked potatoes. Plus, the garlic butter adds richness and depth to the overall flavor profile, making this meal a flavor-packed delight.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering garlic-butter-potatoes-steak dish that will make your taste buds rejoice!
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that contribute to this delicious meal:
For the Potatoes:
- 26 ounces (740 g) Yukon potatoes, washed (peeled or unpeeled), cut into chunks
Yukon potatoes are known for their creamy texture and mild flavor, making them the ideal choice for roasting or grilling. The choice of peeling them or not depends on your personal preference. The skin of the potato adds a bit of texture and nutritional value, so leaving the skins on might be a good option if you want a rustic touch. - 1/4 cup (65 mL) diced onion
Onions add an earthy and slightly sweet flavor to the potatoes. When cooked, they caramelize and bring out even more savory flavors, enhancing the taste of the entire dish. - 2 tsp fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that helps balance the richness of the garlic butter and adds color to the dish. - Salt and black pepper
Seasoning the potatoes with salt and black pepper helps bring out their natural flavors. Seasoning them well ensures that they are not bland and enhances the overall dish. - 1/3 cup (85 mL) cooked diced bacon
Bacon is a wonderful addition to this recipe. It provides a savory, smoky element that complements the garlic butter, potatoes, and steak perfectly. Crispy bacon crumbles on top of the potatoes make for a delightful texture contrast. - 1/3 cup (85 mL) green onions (or shallots), sliced
Green onions or shallots add a mild, slightly pungent flavor that contrasts the richness of the garlic butter and the bacon, making the dish more complex and flavorful.
For the Steak:
- 2 pounds (908 g) tenderloin or rib-eye, at room temperature
You can choose between tenderloin or rib-eye steak for this recipe, but both cuts are great options for grilling. Tenderloin is more tender but lean, while rib-eye offers more marbling, making it juicier and richer in flavor. Make sure the steaks are at room temperature before cooking for even cooking. - Salt to taste
A generous sprinkling of salt enhances the flavor of the meat and helps to bring out its natural juices. - 1/4 cup (65 mL) grated cheddar cheese
The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that works beautifully with the savory steak and crispy potatoes. The gooey melted cheese is irresistible and adds a layer of indulgence to the meal. - 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella brings a creamy, mild flavor to the dish and melts wonderfully, giving the potatoes a smooth and delicious texture.
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) garlic butter, divided
Garlic butter is the heart of this recipe. The richness of the butter combined with the pungent, aromatic garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile. You will use the garlic butter both to coat the potatoes and to flavor the steak, giving the dish its distinctive savory flavor.
Instructions:
Now that we’ve broken down the ingredients, it’s time to move on to the cooking instructions. This recipe is straightforward and can be made in just a few simple steps. Let’s get grilling!
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the meat and potatoes cook properly and get that nice sear from the grill. It’s important that the grill is preheated before you begin assembling the foil packets to avoid uneven cooking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed Yukon potatoes (either peeled or unpeeled) with diced onion, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Pour half of the melted garlic butter over the potato mixture and toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated in the buttery goodness. Let the potatoes rest while you prepare the steak.
3. Prepare the Steak:
Slice your steak into thick 2-inch slices, which ensures that the steak stays juicy and tender while cooking. If the slices are too thin, they may dry out and lose flavor.
Once sliced, generously season the steak with salt, ensuring the meat is well-seasoned on both sides. Now, take the remaining garlic butter and spread it evenly over each steak slice, coating it completely. This adds rich, savory flavor to the steak while ensuring it remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
4. Assemble the Foil Packets:
Tear four or six 15-inch (40 cm) pieces of aluminum foil and lay them out on a flat surface. Place a portion of the seasoned potatoes on the center of each piece of foil. Lay the garlic-butter-coated steak slices on top of the potatoes, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and season the entire packet with a little more salt and pepper to taste. Next, fold the sides of the foil over the steak and potatoes, then fold the bottom half of the foil over to seal the packet. This ensures that all the juices stay inside, infusing the steak and potatoes with flavor while cooking.
5. Grill the Foil Packets:
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill, cover the grill, and cook for 7 minutes on one side. After 7 minutes, flip the packets over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The goal is to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness while ensuring the potatoes are tender.
6. Add Cheese and Bacon:
After grilling, carefully open each foil packet, being cautious of the steam that will escape. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the cooked potatoes and return the foil packets to the grill for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden.
Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle the crispy cooked bacon and sliced green onions (or shallots) over the potatoes for an extra burst of flavor and texture. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill, being careful to avoid any hot steam. Plate the garlic-butter-steak and potatoes, making sure to serve with a side of the melty cheese, bacon, and green onions. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Incredible Flavor: The garlic butter that coats both the potatoes and steak is the star of the show. It infuses both the meat and potatoes with rich, savory flavor, creating an irresistible dish.
- Easy and Quick: The foil packet method ensures that all the ingredients cook together, so there’s no need for multiple pots or pans. It’s easy to make and cleanup is a breeze.
- Perfectly Balanced Meal: With a combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon, this meal provides the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re not a fan of steak, you can easily swap the steak for a protein like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. You could also simply enjoy the potatoes with the garlic butter and cheese for a vegetarian delight.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the potatoes or steak, such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary, to add depth to the flavor.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you don’t have a grill, you can prepare this dish in a cast iron skillet or bake the foil packets in the oven. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion:
Garlic-butter-potatoes-steak is the perfect dish for grilling season or anytime you want a simple yet flavorful meal. The combination of juicy steak, crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon makes for an unforgettable meal that will have your taste buds singing. With this easy recipe, you can impress your friends and family and enjoy a satisfying meal in no time.
