If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and impressive meal, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is perfect for you! Juicy, tender steak bites are seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? You can have this dish on the table in under 15 minutes! Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a special dish to impress guests, these steak bites are sure to be a hit. Keep reading for all the details on how to make this mouthwatering dish, and learn how to customize it to suit your tastes.
What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak, usually made from tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, that are seared in a hot skillet and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The high heat of the skillet creates a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the steak juicy and tender on the inside. These steak bites are perfect on their own or served with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. They're great as a main dish or even as an appetizer for a crowd!
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful and tender garlic butter steak bites:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ pounds steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for more garlic flavor)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more, depending on how garlicky you like it!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, or substitute with dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh zing)
Substitutions and Variations
This garlic butter steak bites recipe is easy to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Steak Substitutions: Sirloin is a great choice for steak bites because it’s tender and affordable, but you can also use ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin for an extra-tender result. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, flank steak or skirt steak will work too—just be sure to slice them thinly.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to swap out the herbs. Use rosemary, oregano, or even a Italian seasoning blend for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
- Add Veggies: You can toss in vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the steak bites for a full meal. Just sauté the veggies before adding the steak so they don’t overcook.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels—this helps them get a good sear. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). You can also add garlic powder if you want even more garlic flavor in the steak itself.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it get hot. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the steak in batches if your skillet is smaller.
Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving them too much. This will create a nice golden-brown crust. Once the steak bites are seared and cooked to your desired level of doneness (usually medium-rare or medium), remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Stir in the thyme and lemon juice (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Toss the Steak Bites in the Garlic Butter
Add the seared steak bites back into the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the steak is warmed through and well coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the steak in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce by sautéing garlic in melted butter with herbs and lemon juice.
- Toss the steak back into the skillet to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Make sure to cook the steak bites in a single layer with enough space between them. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steak to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor and a soggy texture. Cook in batches if needed.
- Overcooking the Steak: These steak bites cook quickly! Keep an eye on them and sear each side just until they develop a nice crust. For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to reduce the heat to medium when making the garlic butter sauce. Cook the garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute) to avoid bitterness.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic butter steak bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:
- With Potatoes: Serve these steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even French fries for a classic pairing.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the steak bites over a bed of rice, buttered noodles, or even garlic bread for a heartier meal.
- With Veggies: Pair the steak bites with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- As an Appetizer: Serve these steak bites with toothpicks as a finger food or appetizer at a party. They’re sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Classic Style: Serve the steak bites with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
- As a Salad Topper: Add the steak bites on top of a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad for a hearty, protein-packed salad.
- With a Side of Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Steak Bites
- Cast Iron Skillet Serve: Serve the steak bites directly from the cast iron skillet for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the steak bites on a large platter with a side of vegetables, potatoes, and garnishes for a family-style meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Brighten up the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can cut and season the steak bites a few hours ahead of time. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Control the Doneness: If you prefer your steak cooked more than medium-rare, you can leave the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce for a little longer to cook them to your desired doneness.
- Make it Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly, but to keep it low-carb, serve the steak bites with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?
A: Absolutely! You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same steps for searing the chicken and tossing it in the garlic butter sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak ahead by cutting and seasoning it a few hours in advance. Cook the
steak bites just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Q: What other seasonings can I add to the garlic butter sauce?
A: You can add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost, or stir in some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is the perfect combination of tender steak and rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress whether you’re serving it as a main dish for dinner or an appetizer at a party. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, or customize it with different herbs and spices to suit your taste!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This garlic butter steak bites recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Tender pieces of steak are seared until crispy on the outside, then tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or as an appetizer, this dish takes just 15 minutes to make. Serve with potatoes, veggies, or a side salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper.
- Add steak bites in a single layer to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Stir in fresh thyme and return the steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat the steak in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use ribeye or New York strip steak instead of sirloin.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure a good sear on the steak bites.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
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