If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and easy to whip up, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. I absolutely love it because it brings restaurant-quality flavor right into my kitchen in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends, these juicy, garlicky steak bites are guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds. Stick around and I’ll share all my kitchen-tested tips to make sure yours turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: From prep to plate in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Bold, Delicious Flavor: Garlic butter and a touch of red pepper flakes create an irresistible combo.
- Versatile to Serve: Pairs beautifully with salads, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping required—just basics you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe work so well together because each element enhances the steak’s natural flavor without overpowering it. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and a good quality steak to get the best results.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for a higher smoke point and better flavor.
- Sirloin steak: I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but rib eye or tenderloin works great too.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the steak’s natural taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a nice kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Butter (unsalted): Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key—don’t substitute with garlic powder here.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle spicy note.
- Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it brightens up the dish with a splash of color and freshness.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs while keeping that rich, garlicky goodness.
- Spicy Upgrade: When I want more heat, I add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper—my family goes crazy for this kick.
- Herb Twist: Sometimes, I swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a lovely herbaceous note.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of potatoes for a keto-friendly meal.
- Make It Surf & Turf: Add sautéed shrimp at the end for a fun, elegant spin.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Steak
First things first: heat your olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. While it’s warming up, make sure your steak pieces are patted dry—this is a game-changer for that perfect sear. Don’t skip drying the meat, or you’ll end up with steaming instead of browning. Once the pan is hot, add the steak bites and season them well with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear Those Steak Bites
Resist the urge to stir immediately! Let the steak bite pieces cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to form a golden crust. Then, give them a gentle toss to cook on the other side for another 2 minutes or until perfectly browned. If you crowd the pan, the steak will steam, so cook in batches if your skillet is small. Trust me, the crust makes all the difference.
Step 3: Garlic Butter Magic
After you’ve got that gorgeous sear, transfer the steak bites to a plate to rest. Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet—don’t clean the pan! When the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for just 30 seconds to get that amazing aroma without burning the garlic. This step is where the magic happens and elevates your steak bites from tasty to unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the garlicky butter sauce over the steak bites, give everything a good toss to coat, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top. That little pop of green isn’t just pretty—it adds freshness that balances all the buttery richness. Serve immediately and prepare for lots of compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry for the Best Sear: Moisture is the enemy of browning, so always dry your steak bites before cooking.
- Use High Heat: A hot pan creates that caramelized crust that locks in flavor and juices.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet looks too busy, split into batches for even cooking without steaming.
- Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns quickly so add it after removing the steak to keep it golden and aromatic.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh parsley because it adds not just color but a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these steak bites are creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter roasted vegetables. Lately, I’ve also loved serving them over a bed of buttery rice or alongside a crisp green salad for lighter meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the steak bites on skewers for a fun appetizer vibe or alongside crusty bread and dipping sauces for a casual sharing platter. They also look gorgeous topped with microgreens or thinly sliced scallions to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay surprisingly tender for up to 3 days, which makes for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner base. Just be sure they’re cooled before sealing to keep things fresh.
Freezing
While I don’t freeze this recipe often because it’s so quick fresh, it does freeze well. I recommend flash-freezing the steak bites on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer bag to prevent clumping. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming them gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crisp, adding a splash of butter if it feels dry. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the steak chewy. This way, you keep that fresh-out-of-the-pan deliciousness intact.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my favorite for balance of flavor and tenderness, you can use rib eye, tenderloin, or strip steak—just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and watch cooking times, as some cuts are more tender and cook faster.
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How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Keep your skillet hot and cook the steak bites in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear them quickly, about 2 minutes per side, and remove them from heat once browned—you want them medium-rare to medium for best juiciness.
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Can I make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep the garlic and seasoning the same to retain that wonderful flavor.
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Is it okay to add more garlic?
You can always add more minced garlic if you love that punch, but I recommend cooking it briefly to avoid bitterness. Fresh garlic browns quickly, so keep a close eye to ensure it stays golden and fragrant.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it never disappoints—juicy, flavorful, and insanely easy to make. I remember the first time I made it, my family couldn’t stop raving about how tender and garlicky it was. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab your skillet and give it a go. I promise you’ll fall in love just like I did, and it might just become your new favorite weeknight winner too!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender, juicy sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection in a hot skillet and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Served garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a quick and flavorful stovetop dish perfect for a satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces (alternatively strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak, or rib eye)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to develop a good sear.
- Continue Cooking: Stir the steak pieces and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. If your skillet is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Transfer Steak: Remove the steak bites from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic and slightly browned, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a fresh finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better, crispier crust by removing surface moisture.
- Use a hot pan and resist stirring too early to allow a proper sear on the steak.
- Add garlic after the steak to avoid burning and bitter flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches improves searing and overall texture.
- The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but they can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces steak with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg