If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and mouthwatering meal, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is sure to hit the spot! Tender pieces of steak are seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, these juicy steak bites are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even as an appetizer for a special occasion. Serve them with mashed potatoes, veggies, or over rice for a complete meal. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are quickly seared in a hot skillet, giving them a beautifully browned crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once seared, the steak bites are tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce for a simple yet indulgent dish. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or as part of a larger meal. The garlic butter adds richness to the steak, while the quick cooking time ensures the steak stays tender and flavorful.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 ½ lb sirloin steak (or ribeye or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or green beans)
- Rice or cauliflower rice
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Steak Choices: Sirloin steak works great for steak bites, but you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip steak for a more indulgent option. Choose a cut that’s tender and cooks quickly.
- Herb Variations: You can substitute the thyme and rosemary with other herbs like oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning. If you prefer, you can also omit the herbs entirely and focus on the garlic butter flavor.
- Garlic: For an extra-garlicky flavor, increase the amount of garlic to 6 cloves. You can also roast the garlic before adding it to the butter for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Butter Substitutes: Use ghee for a richer, more intense flavor, or try a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, toss in some vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites in just 15 minutes!
- Prepare the Steak:
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps achieve a better sear. Season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper on all sides. - Sear the Steak:
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering. Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and crispy. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, but not burnt. - Toss the Steak in Garlic Butter:
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the steak bites in the butter until they are well-coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Serve the steak bites hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Cut and Season the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat the steak dry and season with salt and pepper. Drying the steak ensures you get a good sear, while seasoning beforehand allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. - Step 2: Sear the Steak for a Crispy Crust
Heat your skillet until it's very hot, then add the steak bites. You want to hear a sizzle when the steak hits the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until the steak has a nice, golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook the steak in batches if needed to ensure even browning. - Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
After the steak is seared, melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and herbs, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. This creates a fragrant, buttery sauce that coats the steak bites beautifully. - Step 4: Toss the Steak in the Butter
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. - Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the steak bites with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the steak bites will steam rather than sear, leading to a soggy texture. Cook the steak in batches to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Overcooking the Steak: Steak bites cook quickly, so watch them carefully. Overcooking can make the steak tough. Sear for just 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so once you add it to the butter, keep stirring and only cook it for 1-2 minutes to avoid burning. Burnt garlic will make the sauce taste bitter.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for how to serve and present this delicious dish:
- Serve with Sides: Serve the steak bites with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables, or over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Appetizer: Serve these steak bites as an appetizer at a party. Skewer each bite with a toothpick for easy serving, or pair them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or chimichurri.
- Toss with Pasta: Mix the garlic butter steak bites with your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. The garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with noodles like linguine or fettuccine.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Family-Style: Serve the steak bites directly from the skillet and let everyone dig in. Garnish with extra herbs for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a complete meal, serve the steak bites over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, allowing the garlic butter sauce to drizzle down into the starches.
- With Veggies: Pair the steak bites with roasted or sautéed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a balanced, delicious meal.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Cast-Iron Skillet: Serve the steak bites directly from a hot cast-iron skillet for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, thyme, or chives over the steak bites to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve on a Wooden Board: Arrange the steak bites on a wooden serving board with small bowls of dipping sauces on the side for a beautiful appetizer presentation.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can cut and season the steak bites ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes the meal come together even faster.
- Adjust Doneness: If you prefer your steak more well-done, simply sear the bites for 4-5 minutes per side instead of 2-3. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they may become tough.
- Leftovers: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes! Sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and affordability, but you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip for this recipe. Ribeye will give you a richer, more marbled flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil in place of the butter. The garlic and herbs will still give the steak a delicious
flavor.
Q: How do I make sure the steak bites stay tender?
A: To ensure your steak bites stay tender, be sure not to overcook them. Sear the steak quickly over high heat, and if needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With juicy, tender steak pieces tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress whether you’re serving it as a main course or a party appetizer. The recipe is easy to customize, and you can pair it with just about any side for a complete meal. So grab your skillet, some butter, and a steak, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal in just 15 minutes!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garlic butter steak bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak. This recipe features seared steak cubes tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce for a delicious meal that's ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an appetizer, these juicy steak bites can be served with vegetables, rice, or potatoes for a complete meal. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak bites with salt and pepper. Add the steak to the hot skillet in a single layer, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
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