Craving restaurant-quality flavor in minutes? These garlic butter steak bites deliver tender, juicy perfection in one pan! I love how these flavor-packed morsels sear beautifully while the rich garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible coating on each bite. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or impressive appetizer, this versatile recipe transforms ordinary steak into something truly special. Ready to create steakhouse magic at home with minimal effort?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These garlic butter steak bites will become your new favorite for good reason:
• Quick & simple – From kitchen to table in under 20 minutes with just one pan
• Restaurant-quality flavor – The rich garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible coating on perfectly seared steak
• Incredibly versatile – Works as an appetizer, main dish, or protein addition to salads and pasta
• Foolproof cooking – Bite-sized pieces cook more evenly than whole steaks, making it easier to achieve the perfect tenderness
• Impressive results – Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, while actually being one of the easiest meals you’ll make
What’s not to love about tender, juicy steak bites bathed in aromatic garlic butter? This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these mouthwatering garlic butter steak bites, I’ve kept the ingredient list simple yet powerful. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
For the Steak:
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak (ribeye or strip steak work beautifully too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons quality butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
Sirloin offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor without being expensive, though ribeye adds extra richness if you’re feeling indulgent. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it mellows beautifully in butter, creating that signature aroma that makes this dish irresistible. Fresh herbs make a difference, but dried work too (use ⅓ the amount). With simple recipes like this, quality ingredients truly elevate the final result!
How To Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Creating these delicious garlic butter steak bites is straightforward, but a few key techniques will elevate them from good to exceptional. Let me walk you through the process:
Prep the Steak:
- Cut properly – Slice your steak into 1-inch cubes while it’s still slightly chilled (easier to cut). Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Dry thoroughly – Pat the steak pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving that perfect sear!
- Season well – Toss the steak bites with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. The oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
Cook to Perfection:
- Preheat your pan – Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot (about 2 minutes). A properly heated pan is non-negotiable for a beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd, Cook the steak bites in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing, robbing you of that delicious crust.
- Minimal movement – Once the steak hits the pan, resist the urge to stir constantly. Let each side develop a rich brown crust (about 45 seconds per side for medium-rare).
- Remove and rest – Transfer the seared steak bites to a plate and let them rest while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Create the Signature Sauce:
- Lower the heat – Reduce to medium-low before adding butter to prevent burning.
- Butter + garlic magic – Add butter to the same pan (all those browned bits are flavor!). Once melted, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 40 seconds. Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it.
- Herb infusion – Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes if using.
- Reunite components – Return the steak bites to the pan, adding any accumulated juices. Toss to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce.
- Final touch – Add lemon juice if using, and sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer
This recipe is perfect for serving a hungry family of four as a main course when paired with a couple of sides. If you’re serving these steak bites as party appetizers, you’ll get about 6 servings. I often double the recipe when hosting friends – trust me, these disappear quickly!
Storage/Reheating
These garlic butter steak bites recipe are definitely best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but leftovers can still be delicious if handled properly:
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: For best results, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through (about 2 minutes). Overcooking during reheating will toughen the meat.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the steak chewy. If you must use a microwave, use 50% power in short intervals.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the steak and garlic butter sauce will deteriorate significantly.
Variations
Love this recipe but want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:
• Bourbon Steak Bites: Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of bourbon before adding the butter for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Mushroom Garlic Butter Steak: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after cooking the garlic for 1 minute. Let them brown before returning the steak to the pan.
• Spicy Garlic Steak Bites: Double the red pepper flakes and add a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Before cooking, toss the steak pieces in a mixture of finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley along with the regular seasonings.
• Asian-Inspired: Replace the thyme with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of honey added at the end of cooking for a sweet-savory glaze.
• Surf and Turf Bites: Add 8 ounces of peeled, deveined shrimp to the pan in the last 3 minutes of cooking for an impressive twist.
These steak bites are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to customize them to your taste preferences or what you have on hand!
Quick Recipe Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and finish with sliced green onions.
- Steakhouse Style: Mix in 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Cajun Kick: Season steak with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons crumbled feta after cooking.
- Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms in the pan before adding the butter and garlic.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin offers great value and flavor. Ribeye provides more richnes, while tenderloin offers maximum tenderness. Strip steak works well too.
2. How do I know when my steak bites are done?
Medium-rare: 130-135°F with pinkish-red center. Medium: 135-145°F with light pink center. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
3. Why are my steak bites tough?
Usually from overcooking, using too low heat, or cutting with the grain instead of against it.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt accordingly.
5. Is a cast iron skillet necessary?
Any heavy-bottomed pan works, but avoid non-stick as they can’t handle the high heat needed for proper searing.
6. Can I make this ahead for a party?
Prep ingredients ahead but cook just before serving for get best results. Can hold in a low oven (170°F) for up to 20 minutes.
7. What sides pair well with these steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, rice, or salad. For low-carb options, try cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use about 1/3 the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh. For example, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
9. My garlic burned and tastes bitter. What went wrong?
Reduce heat to medium-low before adding garlic and cook for only 30-60 seconds.
10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative. Add extra seasoning to compensate.
11. How do I get a proper sear?
Pat meat dry, use a very hot pan, and don’t overcrowd the pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
12. Could I use chicken or pork instead?
Yes! Use boneless chicken thighs (cook to 165°F) or pork tenderloin (cook to 145°F).
Conclusion
These garlic butter steak bites transform ordinary steak into something special with minimal effort. The combination of perfectly seared beef and aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Whether for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Give these flavorful bites a try – they’ll likely become a regular in your cooking rotation!
Happy Cooking.
garlic butter steak bites
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures proper searing.
- In a bowl, toss steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) until evenly coated.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes.
- Add steak bites to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Sear for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side without moving them too much, until browned on all sides and cooked to desired doneness.
- Transfer seared steak bites to a clean plate and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add butter to the same pan and allow it to melt.
- Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return the steak bites to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- If using, add lemon juice and toss again.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 312 per serving (when serving 4)
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 385mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 0.2g
- Protein: 24g
- Vitamin D: 0.2mcg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Potassium: 450mg
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