Cast-Iron Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes
Steam baby potatoes in a covered 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium coals or a medium camp stove flame for 10 minutes, then uncover and crisp them for 8 minutes. Sear 1-inch sirloin cubes over high heat in two batches until they hit 145°F, then toss everything with garlic butter and parsley. Total time is about 45 minutes.
This is a one-skillet dinner for a tired crew. Potatoes steam, then crisp. Steak cubes sear fast. Garlic butter ties it together in the last minute.
It uses everyday ingredients and one pan, and you can cut everything at home. Sirloin is lean and cooks quickly in small pieces, so watch the clock and pull it early rather than late.
Cast-Iron Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Heat
- Medium coals to steam the potatoes, then high heat to sear
- Pack weight
- 3.5 lb
- Campfire
- Camp stove
- Backpacking
- Cooler required
- One burner
- Low water
- A few dishes
- Prep ahead
Ingredients
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Gear you'll need
- 12-inch cast-iron skillet with lid or foil
- Campfire grate or camp stove
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs
- Heat-proof gloves
Steps
-
Season the steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with 3/4 tsp salt, the pepper, paprika and thyme. Wash your hands and the bowl-handling surface after touching the raw beef.
-
Steam the potatoes
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium coals or a medium flame. Add the potatoes, 1/2 tsp salt and the water, then cover. Cook 10 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
-
Crisp the potatoes
Take off the lid and let the water cook off. Stir now and then for 8 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crisp on the edges. Move them to a plate and cover with foil.
-
Sear in batches
Add 1 Tbsp oil and turn the heat to high. Add half the steak in a single layer and sear 3 to 4 minutes, turning once or twice. Repeat with the rest, using the last Tbsp of oil.
-
Check the temperature
Poke an instant-read thermometer into a few of the largest cubes. Pull the steak at 145°F for medium, or 160°F if anyone wants it well done. Pieces this small go from done to dry fast.
-
Make the garlic butter
Return all the steak to the skillet and drop the heat to low. Add the butter and garlic and stir 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown.
-
Toss and serve
Fold the potatoes back in and add the parsley. Squeeze lemon over the top and serve straight from the skillet while hot.
Trail Notes
Cut the potatoes and steak at home. Keep the steak in a sealed bag at the bottom of the cooler at 40°F or below, away from ready-to-eat food, and cook it within 1 to 2 days. Never let raw beef sit out above 40°F for more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather).
Use boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and cook them to 165°F, or use smoked sausage coins and skip the sear. Add a sliced bell pepper to the potatoes for color.
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and pack it out with your trash. Strain dishwater and scatter it at least 200 feet from water and trails. Don't dump grease in the fire ring.
Round out your camp day
Picked to work with the same kit as this recipe.
BreakfastCast-Iron Vegan Tofu Scramble Breakfast Tacos with Black Beans and Avocado
LunchCampfire Honey-Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packets
Snack or treatCampfire Foil Packet Baked Brie with Honey and Grilled BaguetteMore one-burner camping meals →Planning a trip? Get the free 3-day meal plan →
Campers ask
What cut of steak is best for steak bites at camp?
Sirloin is a good pick because it's tender enough, cooks fast and costs less than ribeye. Boneless strip steak works well too.
How do I keep steak bites from turning tough?
Pat the meat dry, sear in two batches so it browns instead of steaming, and pull it at 145°F. Overcooked small cubes get chewy quickly.
Can I cook steak bites over a campfire?
Yes. Use a grate over a bed of hot coals, and let the skillet preheat for a few minutes before the steak goes in. Use a stove if the fire is flaring up.
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