If you’re craving a simple, flavorful dish that’ll turn any ordinary dinner into something special, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—the tender steak bits get that perfect sear, and the garlic butter sauce just takes it over the top. It’s quick, satisfying, and honestly, a little addictive once you taste it.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that feels fancy or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this recipe shines. I’ve found it especially great for busy evenings since it comes together in under 20 minutes. Plus, the combination of garlic and butter with juicy steak pieces never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute cravings.
- Versatile Meat Choice: You can use sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye depending on what you have on hand.
- Flavor Packed: Garlic butter sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes makes every bite irresistible.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect as an appetizer, a dinner entrée, or even a hearty snack that gets everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that melt-in-your-mouth steak experience. Using fresh garlic and quality butter really makes all the difference, and picking the right cut of steak helps you nail the texture and flavor every time.
- Olive oil: Helps get a great sear on your steak bites and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Sirloin steak (or your preferred cut): I love sirloin because it’s affordable and tender, but tenderloin or ribeye works beautifully too for a richer taste.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the steak—season generously for the best crust.
- Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth—freshly ground is ideal.
- Unsalted butter: Creates that luscious garlic butter sauce without being too salty.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference—skip the jarred stuff if you can.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice little kick I personally can’t live without.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish that balances the richness.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is that it’s forgiving and adaptable, so you can really make it your own without much fuss.
- Spicy Kick: I’ve added cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat and my family goes crazy for it.
- Herb Twist: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary, which gives a lovely earthy flavor.
- Butter Swap: For a dairy-free version, try using ghee or a plant-based butter substitute—it still tastes rich and amazing.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers while cooking for a one-pan meal that’s a little heartier.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces and patting them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because moisture can prevent that beautiful sear. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the steak pieces in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let the steak cook for at least 2 minutes before stirring; this allows a golden crust to form. Once browned, continue cooking for another 2 minutes, turning them to color evenly. If your pan isn’t big enough, cook in batches for the best results.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
After transferring the steak bites to a plate, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to brown—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This quick step infuses the butter with loads of flavor.
Step 3: Toss and Finish
Pour the garlic butter sauce right over the steak bites and give everything a good toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately—you want to enjoy this while it’s warm and buttery delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry Steak: Removing surface moisture helps you get a perfect crust instead of steamed meat.
- Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let the steak bits sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes for that irresistible golden brown color.
- Add Garlic Last: Adding garlic after the steak prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Too many pieces in the pan cool the temperature down, so cook in batches if needed.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a lovely aromatic lift and pretty green color. Sometimes I mix in a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of grated Parmesan for a subtle tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and steak.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. My family’s favorite combo is creamy Parmesan risotto alongside the steak bites—it’s seriously next-level comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, I like serving garlic butter steak bites on toothpicks with a small bowl of extra garlic butter sauce for dipping. It makes for a casual, hands-on experience that’s always a hit. Another way I’ve served them is over warm polenta or as a protein topping on bruschetta for a fancy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, separate the steak bites from the garlic butter sauce if you want to maintain their texture better, adding the sauce back when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen steak bites before and found that while they stay tasty, the texture can soften a bit. If you plan to freeze, flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to keep bites separate. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheating works best in a hot skillet with a little olive oil or butter—just a few minutes to warm through and refresh the crust. Microwaving tends to make them rubbery, so I avoid that when I can. Adding a touch of fresh garlic butter at the end helps bring back the original flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of steak for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a favorite for its balance of tenderness and price, you can use ribeye, tenderloin, or even strip steak. Just be sure to cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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How do I avoid burning the garlic?
To prevent burnt garlic, wait until after the steak bites are cooked to add garlic to the pan—cook it on medium heat for only about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will affect the whole dish.
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Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe spicy?
Yes! The recipe already includes red pepper flakes which add a mild heat. You can increase the quantity or add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce during cooking to customize the spice level to your liking.
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How long do the steak bites stay fresh in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the steak bites stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a skillet for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become one of those dishes I always turn to when I want something quick, comforting, and downright delicious. I love how easy it is to make yet feels like you’re really treating yourself. Next time you’re in the mood for juicy steak with a buttery garlic punch, give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy every bite just like my family and I do!
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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Steak Bites featuring tender sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection in olive oil and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces (can substitute strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak or rib eye)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking.
- Season and Sear the Steak: Add the steak pieces to the hot oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to develop a good sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the pieces are golden brown. Cook in batches if your skillet is not big enough to avoid overcrowding.
- Rest the Steak: Transfer the seared steak bites to a plate and set aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes aromatic and begins to brown, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine and Garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better crust by removing moisture.
- Use a very hot pan and avoid stirring too soon to get a proper sear on the steak bites.
- Add garlic after searing the steak to prevent it from burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the steak in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but are optional based on your heat preference.
