If you’ve ever dreamed of a quick, indulgent meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy cubes of sirloin steak, seared to golden perfection, then drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that makes every bite utterly crave-worthy. It’s a simple, elegant dish that comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like a gourmet treat any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe combines ease, richness, and heartwarming satisfaction into one unforgettable plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a crucial element to the dish’s texture, flavor, and vibrant appearance. You don’t need a long list to create a spectacular meal—sometimes simplicity shines the brightest.
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cubed: This cut is tender and flavorful, perfect for quick searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect, golden crust on the steak bites.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, punchy flavor that complements the steak beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish and lovely color contrast.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels—this ensures a delicious, crisp crust when they hit the pan. Then, generously season the steak with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to unlocking the full flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and reach your preferred doneness. Work in batches if necessary to maintain that perfect sear. Once done, remove the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This releases the garlic’s aromatic oils without letting it brown, which keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Combine Steak Bites and Garlic Butter
Return those gorgeous steak bites to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat every succulent piece. Cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors meld into one sensational taste experience.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; its bright, herbal freshness cuts through the richness of the garlic butter perfectly. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for a savory boost if you want to get creative.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites pair beautifully with comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. If you’re going for a lighter angle, a vibrant green salad or sautéed spinach complements the richness wonderfully. Rice or cauliflower rice also works well, soaking up every bit of that buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these steak bites on skewers as an appetizer or over a bed of garlic noodles for a more filling meal. You can even turn this into a steak bite taco with melted cheese and avocado for a casual yet irresistible dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because the steak is cooked quickly, it stays tender even after chilling, making for excellent next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep your steak bites longer, freezing is an option. Spread the steak pieces out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents clumping and allows you to thaw only what you need. Frozen steak bites will maintain their quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little butter or oil to refresh the sauce and prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the texture perfect and the garlic butter sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for its tenderness and flavor, ribeye or strip steak can also be wonderful alternatives. Just make sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it necessary to dry the steak before cooking?
Yes, drying the steak thoroughly is important. Moisture on the meat surface causes steaming instead of searing, so patting the cubes dry helps you achieve that perfect crispy crust.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked enough?
Time is a good guideline—about 2 to 3 minutes per side on medium-high heat typically gets you medium rare to medium. Adjust cooking time based on your texture preference, and try not to overcrowd the pan, as this will reduce the heat and affect doneness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or oil, and you’ll still get that wonderful garlicky flavor coating the steak. The richness will be a bit different, but the dish will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover garlic butter steak bites reheat beautifully and can be tossed into a salad, wrapped in a tortilla for a steak wrap, or even mixed into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is honestly one of those recipes that feels like a treat but comes together so simply that you’ll want to make it again and again. The blend of juicy steak with aromatic garlic butter is a total crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, flavorful dish — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful skillet recipe featuring tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection in olive oil, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy and satisfying American main course is perfect for a quick dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides for optimal flavor.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until the exterior is golden brown and the steak reaches your preferred doneness. Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly as the garlic cooks for about 1 minute, just until aromatic but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Combine Steak with Sauce: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to reheat the steak and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top if using, and serve the steak bites immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- These steak bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
- Can substitute sirloin with ribeye or strip steak for a richer taste.
