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Close-up of garlic butter steak bites on a wooden cutting board with garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender steak bites seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this meal is ready in under 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Cast iron skillet For high-heat searing and even cooking.
  • 1 Tongs For flipping steak bites during cooking.
  • 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons Ensures accurate portions of seasonings and liquids.
  • 1 Knife For chopping garlic and optional herbs like parsley or thyme.
  • 1 Cutting Board Provides a safe surface for prep work.

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak) Cut into 1-inch cubes; choose based on desired tenderness and flavor.
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted butter Adds richness and creates the garlic butter sauce.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic for robust flavor.
  • Salt To taste - Season generously to enhance flavor.
  • Pepper To taste - Freshly ground for better flavor.
  • Optional - Red pepper flakes For a spicy kick.
  • Optional - Fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish and added freshness.
  • Optional - Lemon juice A squeeze for brightness before serving.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Recipe

    Prepare and Season the Steak:

    • Trim excess fat from the steak and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
    • Season generously with salt and pepper. Optional: Add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.

    Sear the Steak Bites:

    • Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point (e.g., canola or avocado oil).
    • Place the steak cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to prevent steaming. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature: 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare). Remove and set aside.

    Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, letting it melt and pick up the browned bits. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning.
    • Optional: Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

    Combine and Finish:

    • Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well-coated and warmed through, about 1–2 minutes.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

    Serve Immediately:

    • Serve the steak bites hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. For appetizers, use toothpicks for easy eating.

    Notes

      • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with butter to maintain tenderness.
      • Freezing: Freeze cooked steak bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
      • Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with olive oil and serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
     
     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the best cut of steak to use?
      • Top sirloin is affordable and flavorful, while ribeye offers more marbling and juiciness. Strip steak provides a firmer texture.
       
    2. How can you ensure steak bites are full of flavor?
      • Use fresh garlic, season generously, and sear at high heat to lock in juices.
       
    3. Which seasonings complement garlic butter steak bites?
      • Coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley or thyme.
       
    4. What are common mistakes to avoid?
      • Overcrowding the pan, adding butter too early, and burning garlic.
       
    5. Can garlic butter steak bites be made in an air fryer?
      • Yes, cook seasoned steak bites at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss in melted garlic butter after cooking.
       
    6. What sides pair well with this dish?
      • Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a crisp salad.
     
     

    Tips & Tricks

    • Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic butter sauce for extra depth.
    • Presentation: Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added color and flavor.
    • Leftovers: Use leftover steak bites in wraps, sandwiches, or over a bed of greens for a quick lunch.
     
     

    Plating and Garnishing

    • Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for added freshness and visual appeal.
    • Serving Style: Arrange steak bites neatly on a plate or bowl, drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce, and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
    • Sides: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad for balance.
    Keyword Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Quick Dinner, Steak Recipe