If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites are exactly what you need! Tender, juicy steak pieces are seared to perfection in a hot skillet and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This simple, one-pan dish is ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, impressive meal for guests. Serve these buttery steak bites with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or over a fresh salad. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, tips, and delicious variations to make these mouthwatering garlic butter steak bites!
What are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are quickly seared in a hot pan until they are perfectly browned on the outside and juicy on the inside. After searing, the steak bites are tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality deliciousness. These tender, flavorful steak bites are perfect for serving as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a salad or pasta dish.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these juicy and flavorful garlic butter steak bites:
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin) – 1½ pounds, cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning the steak.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for searing the steak.
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons, for a rich, buttery sauce.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced, for that classic garlic butter flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish (optional).
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – A pinch, for a little heat.
Substitutions and Variations
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences:
- Steak Choices: While sirloin is a great option for steak bites, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak. Just choose a tender, well-marbled cut for the best results.
- Garlic Amount: If you're a big garlic fan, feel free to add more garlic or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Butter Substitutes: For a healthier twist, you can use olive oil instead of butter, though the rich buttery flavor is key to the dish.
- Herbs: Swap out the parsley for fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives for a different herb flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
These variations let you customize the recipe to your liking while keeping the dish quick, flavorful, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites step by step:
- Prepare the Steak:
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to get hot until it starts to shimmer.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the steak in batches.
- Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is typically 130°F-135°F).
- Once seared, transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Toss the Steak in Garlic Butter:
- Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the steak bites with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even on top of a salad.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick summary of the main steps to cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Season and sear the steak bites until browned on both sides.
- Make a garlic butter sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic.
- Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the steak bites in batches to ensure they get a good, crispy sear. Overcrowding the pan causes the steak to steam instead of sear, which can affect the texture.
- Not Drying the Steak: Patting the steak dry before searing ensures the steak will brown properly. Wet steak will release moisture, preventing it from getting a good sear.
- Overcooking the Steak: Steak cooks quickly, especially in small bites. Use a meat thermometer to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness and avoid overcooking it.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, especially over high heat. Lower the heat when making the garlic butter sauce, and cook the garlic for just 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting this dish:
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- As a Main Dish: Serve the steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty meal.
- With Vegetables: Pair the steak bites with roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the steak bites with toothpicks for a quick, shareable appetizer at parties.
- On a Salad: Add the steak bites to a fresh green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Rustic Platter: Serve the steak bites on a wooden or cast iron platter for a rustic, hearty presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or even rosemary over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Add Lemon: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty contrast to the rich garlic butter.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can cut the steak into cubes and season it ahead of time. Store the prepared steak in the fridge for up to 24 hours until you’re ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little extra butter to avoid overcooking the steak.
- Freezing: For meal prep, you can freeze the seasoned steak bites (before cooking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before searing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different cuts of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While sirloin is a popular choice because it's affordable and tender, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak for a more indulgent option.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic butter steak bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh side salad. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or use olive oil for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
To keep the steak bites tender, make sure you don’t overcook them. Searing them quickly on high heat for just a couple of minutes per side will keep them juicy. If you're using a tougher cut of steak, marinate the meat beforehand for extra tenderness.
Conclusion:
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of rich, savory flavor. The tender, seared steak pieces paired with a luscious garlic butter sauce make this recipe a quick and satisfying option for any night of the week. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or on top of a salad, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
This garlic butter steak bites recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak. Bite-sized pieces of sirloin are seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a simple dinner or appetizer, these steak bites can be served with potatoes, veggies, or over rice for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the steak bites with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Use ribeye or New York strip steak for an even more tender result.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- These steak bites pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
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