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This hearty steak bites and gnocchi recipe has become my family's go-to dinner when we want something impressive yet incredibly simple. The tender marinated steak pairs perfectly with the pillowy gnocchi for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in minutes.
I first created this dish when my teenagers had friends over unexpectedly, and it's been in our regular rotation ever since. The combination of tender steak and toasted gnocchi never fails to impress even the pickiest eaters at my table.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin steak or tenderloin: Quality protein that becomes incredibly tender when cut into bite-sized pieces
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and begins tenderizing the meat
- Olive oil: Helps with marinade distribution and prevents sticking
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides depth and umami flavor
- Apple cider vinegar: Tenderizes meat while adding tanginess
- Onion and garlic powder: Create a flavor foundation without needing to chop
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors
- Dried packaged gnocchi: The perfect starchy complement to absorb flavors
- Butter: Creates a silky sauce and helps brown the gnocchi
- Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic punch when added at the end
- Parmesan cheese: Optional but adds wonderful salty richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the steak:
- Cut your steak into uniform bite-sized pieces about 3/4 inch across. Take time to trim away any tough sinew or excess fat to ensure tender bites. Place in a marinating container that allows for even distribution of marinade.
- Mix the marinade:
- Combine all marinade ingredients and pour over the steak pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated. The acid in the lemon juice and vinegar will begin tenderizing immediately, but allowing it to marinate for at least an hour allows flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Prepare cooking stations:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the gnocchi. Meanwhile, heat your largest skillet over medium-high heat until it's very hot but not smoking. Having both stations ready creates perfect timing.
- Cook the gnocchi:
- Follow package directions exactly—most gnocchi cook for just 2-3 minutes. They'll float when done. Drain thoroughly as excess water will prevent browning in the next step.
- Sear the steak:
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would cause the meat to steam rather than sear. Use tongs to transfer meat from marinade, leaving most liquid behind. Let each piece develop a deep brown crust before stirring. This takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Create the finishing sauce:
- Once all steak is cooked and returned to the pan, add butter and fresh garlic. The residual heat will melt butter and toast garlic to aromatic perfection without burning. Stir constantly during this phase.
- Brown the gnocchi:
- Add drained gnocchi to the skillet with steak and butter sauce. Allow gnocchi to sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds between stirs to develop golden brown spots. This creates wonderful texture contrast between the crispy exterior and pillowy interior.
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My family particularly loves when I use sirloin for this recipe. The first time I made it, my youngest son declared it better than our favorite steakhouse meal which made my heart swell with pride. Now it's our special Friday night tradition.
Storing Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully if stored properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet rather than a microwave to maintain the texture of both the steak and gnocchi. Add a small splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauce. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Substitutions
While sirloin and tenderloin work best for this recipe, you can use ribeye or New York strip if that's what you have on hand. For a budget-friendly option, try using flap meat or flank steak cut against the grain. The gnocchi can be swapped for potato wedges, pasta, or cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb alternative. Vegetarians could replace the steak with portobello mushrooms using the same marinade and cooking technique.
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the richness of the steak perfectly. For a special touch, offer additional freshly cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt at the table.
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This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that your entire family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of beef for this dish?
Yes, while the recipe calls for beef sirloin or tenderloin, you can substitute with ribeye, strip steak, or flank steak. Just ensure you cut against the grain for maximum tenderness, especially with tougher cuts.
- → How important is the marinating time?
Marinating helps tenderize and flavor the meat. While 1 hour is the minimum recommended time, marinating for the full 8 hours will yield the most flavorful results. In a pinch, even 30 minutes will impart some flavor.
- → Can I use fresh homemade gnocchi instead of packaged?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade gnocchi works wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as fresh gnocchi typically cooks faster than dried packaged varieties.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a light side of garlic bread. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Sangiovese complements the flavors nicely.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative if desired.
- → Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the steak up to 8 hours ahead. You can also pre-cook the gnocchi according to package directions, rinse with cold water, and refrigerate until ready to use. When mealtime arrives, simply sauté the steak and finish the dish with the pre-cooked gnocchi.