If you are craving a quick, indulgent, and incredibly flavorful dish, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is here to save the day. This irresistible recipe transforms tender, juicy steak pieces into bite-sized morsels coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that is bursting with savory goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, these steak bites come together in under 15 minutes, making them a perfect solution when hunger strikes but you still want dinner to feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is all about the simplicity and quality of your ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role — from the seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the steak, to the garlic butter sauce that adds an irresistible richness. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish that is balanced in taste, texture, and color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A high smoke point oil ideal for searing the steak to a perfect crust.
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces: Choice cuts that offer tenderness and great beef flavor when cooked quickly.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the beef’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a luscious, creamy coating and helps meld together the garlic and spices.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the dish with that signature bold garlic bite.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle kick of heat to balance the buttery richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbal note to finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Make sure to pat your steak bites dry with paper towels — this is crucial for creating a beautiful sear. Season them evenly with salt and pepper, then carefully add them to the pan. Let them cook untouched for 2 minutes to develop that gorgeous caramelized crust, then stir and cook another 2 minutes until all sides are golden brown. If necessary, cook in batches to keep the steak pieces from steaming and overcrowding the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once your steak bites are perfectly seared, transfer them to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance without burning. This quick step infuses the butter with intense flavor and a touch of heat, creating the heart of your sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Pour the irresistible garlic butter sauce back over the steak bites and toss gently to coat every savory piece. The steak will soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness, making each bite more addictive than the last. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for that perfect pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this dish. Its vibrant green color instantly livens up the plate and provides a refreshing herbal lift to the rich flavors. For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
Because the garlic butter steak bites are so rich and satisfying, pairing them with simple sides works best. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement the dish perfectly. For something heartier, garlic butter steak bites taste fantastic alongside buttery dinner rolls or even on a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe into a party appetizer by serving the steak bites with toothpicks on a platter alongside dipping sauces like horseradish sauce or a tangy chimichurri. You could also set them over toasted baguette slices for mini steak crostinis, making them an elegant and shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the best texture, separate the steak bites from any excess sauce, then combine before reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the steak bites, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the steak, but the garlic butter flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
Reheat your steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out, or warm them in the oven covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may cause the steak to become rubbery, so stovetop reheating is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with sirloin, strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and avoid tougher cuts that need longer cooking times.
What if I don’t like spicy food—can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can skip the red pepper flakes to make it mild. The garlic butter will still deliver amazing flavor without the extra heat.
Is it necessary to pat the steak dry before cooking?
Yes! Patting the steak dry ensures you get a nice sear and crust. If the meat is wet, it will steam instead of brown, which changes the texture and flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your seasonings and butter to be sure no gluten-containing additives are included.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness inside. Because the pieces are small, they cook quickly—generally around 4 minutes total over high heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels decadent but comes together so effortlessly. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something delicious at home. Once you try these tender, buttery, garlicky bites, you’ll want to make them again and again. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and enjoy every savory moment.
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 delivers tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak seared to golden perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 15 minutes, this skillet-cooked delight is perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black 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
- Prepare and Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season evenly with salt and black pepper. Add the steak bites to the hot skillet without overcrowding, cooking for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a brown crust. Stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches to prevent steaming.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Transfer the steak bites to a plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Toss and Garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked steak bites. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure steaks brown instead of steam.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced bottled garlic if possible.
- If using ribeye or tenderloin, cooking times may slightly vary due to fat content.
- For less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
