Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and patted dry
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons sea salt (for coating the skins)
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds steak (choose from NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low sodium preferred)
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 8–10 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Juice of 2 lemon wedges
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusted to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Rub each russet potato generously with olive oil and coat them with sea salt.
- Place potatoes directly on the baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- For extra crispy skins, continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes after they’re fork-tender.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Steak Bites
- Trim any excess fat from your steak and cut into 2-inch chunks. These cook quickly and fit nicely into the baked potatoes.
- Place the steak bites in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt.
- Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add steak bites in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. This allows a flavorful crust to form.
- Flip the pieces and cook for 1 more minute. Reduce heat to low, cooking for 1 additional minute to finish.
- Push the steak to one side of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
- Toss steak bites with the garlic butter and continue cooking for another minute, stirring to coat.
- Remove the skillet from heat and tent with foil to keep steak warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat and add the remaining tablespoon of minced garlic.
- Sauté garlic until aromatic, about 30 to 45 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
- Let it reduce for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat. Add the minced parsley and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust with salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle but still hot, give each one a light drop from about 12 inches above the pan to help fluff the insides.
- Slice open each potato and use a fork to fluff the inside gently.
- Spread a bit of the remaining softened butter into each potato.
- Spoon in the garlic butter steak bites, dividing evenly among the potatoes.
- Generously drizzle each one with warm parmesan cream sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley or freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Steak: Sirloin offers a good balance of tenderness and affordability. Ribeye is more indulgent with its marbling, while tenderloin is lean and ultra-tender. Choose based on your budget and preference.
- Steak Cooking Tips: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary. Let the steak rest while you finish the sauce so juices redistribute.
- Sauce Control: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer. Too thick? Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
- Flavor Boost: Use freshly grated parmesan—not the shelf-stable kind—for best results. It melts more smoothly and tastes fresher.
- Efficient Workflow: Bake the potatoes first. While they’re in the oven, prep all ingredients and cook the steak and sauce in succession. This keeps everything hot and fresh when serving.
- Cleaning Tip: Let your skillet cool slightly before cleaning. Deglaze with a bit of water and scrape with a wooden spoon for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour