1. Prep your ingredients

Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 inches each. Give them a good rub with avocado oil, then generously season with the homemade blackened seasoning. I like to let the steak sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to take the chill off. Meanwhile, peel and quarter the potatoes, then soak them in cold water for 10 minutes—this helps remove excess starch and makes your mash fluffier.

2. Get the potatoes cooking

Drain the potatoes and place them in a pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and let them cook until they’re fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on them.

3. Sear the steak bites

While the potatoes are boiling, heat 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your steak pieces in batches (you don’t want to crowd the pan). Sear them for about 2 minutes without moving them—this is how you get that beautiful crust. Flip them once, cook for another minute, then reduce the heat to low and cook for one more minute. Set the steak aside in a bowl.

4. Make the garlic butter magic

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté 1 tablespoon of minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss the steak bites back into the pan, making sure they’re coated in that garlicky butter goodness. After another minute, remove them again and tent them with foil to keep warm.

5. Whip up the parmesan cream sauce

To the same pan (yes, this is a one-pan sauce—hooray for fewer dishes!), add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Once it’s fragrant, whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes before adding the red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and parmesan. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to your liking.

6. Mash the potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with melted butter and warmed half-and-half. Toss in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve it up

To plate, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with those succulent steak bites, and drizzle with the parmesan cream sauce. You can sprinkle a little extra green onion on top for color and crunch if you like.