If you’re craving a quick, mouthwatering dish that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is the one to turn to. I absolutely love how these golden, tender steak bites soak up the rich garlicky buttery sauce—it’s like a little burst of steakhouse magic right in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Cooking: Steak bites cook in just about 10 minutes, perfect when time is tight.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes packs big flavor without overpowering the steak.
- Versatile & Easy: Use whatever tender steak you prefer, and it’s just one skillet—minimal cleanup.
- Impressively Delicious: Feels special enough for guests but is foolproof for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that all work together to create rich, juicy bites of steak with a buttery, garlicky kick. Plus, it’s easy to find everything at the store or already have it on hand.
- Olive oil: Helps in getting a perfect sear and adds subtle fruity flavor.
- Sirloin steak: Or any tender steak you prefer; I love sirloin because it’s juicy but not too fatty.
- Salt: Enhances the steak’s natural flavors; season generously but to taste.
- Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a bright, peppery heat.
- Unsalted butter: This is the flavor base for your sauce; unsalted helps you control the seasoning better.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with that amazing aroma and punch.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle heat that complements the steak beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness to finish.
Variations
I love how this recipe lends itself to tweaks. I’ve played around with different seasonings and add-ins over the years, and you should totally make it your own—it’s so flexible!
- Spice it up: Sometimes I swap the red pepper flakes for cayenne powder or add smoked paprika for a smoky twist; it gives a great deeper flavor.
- Herb swap: Instead of parsley, I’ve tried fresh thyme or rosemary with really nice herbal notes that go great with butter.
- Swap the steak: Tenderloin or ribeye also works beautifully if you want something richer or more tender.
- Diet-friendly options: For low-carb days, just toss in some sautéed veggies right in the pan for a complete meal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by adding your olive oil to a large skillet and heating it over high heat. You want that pan really hot so you get a nice sear. While the oil heats, pat your steak pieces super dry with paper towels — this step is key to getting that beautiful brown crust. Season the steak with salt and pepper and carefully add the pieces to the hot skillet. Resist the urge to stir too soon; let them cook for about 2 minutes to form that flavorful crust. After that, stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until all sides are golden and caramelized. If your pan isn’t roomy enough, don’t overcrowd—cook in batches for best results.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the steak bites are perfectly seared, transfer them to a plate. In the same skillet (no need to wash it!) reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt gently, then toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for only about 30 seconds—you want the garlic to become fragrant and just start to turn golden, no bitterness here! This quick step fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the luscious garlic butter sauce over your steak bites, giving everything a good toss to make sure each piece glistens. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and get ready to hear your kitchen buzz with compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Dry the Steak Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear; pat your steak dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Hot Pan, Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let the steak bites sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they develop that crust—you’ll thank me later.
- Garlic Timing Is Everything: Add garlic after the steak is done cooking to avoid that burnt, bitter garlic flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cooking too many pieces at once steams them rather than sears, so batch cooking is worth the extra effort.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce and makes the dish pop visually. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper on top also elevates the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these steak bites with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also work beautifully, soaking up any extra garlic butter drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I sometimes serve these bites on a wooden board with toothpicks for an easy appetizer spread. Garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges, it makes for a charming interactive dish your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak bites will keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious once reheated.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these steak bites successfully, wrapped tightly in freezer-safe bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While freezing may slightly soften the crust, the flavor remains spot on.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat them is in a hot skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes, tossing gently to warm evenly without drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but can make them a little rubbery.
FAQs
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What cut of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Sirloin is my go-to because it balances tenderness and flavor, but you can also use tenderloin, ribeye, strip steak, or strip loin based on your preference. Just make sure the steak is tender enough to cook quickly and remain juicy.
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Can I prepare Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe ahead of time?
While the steak tastes best fresh, you can prep the steak pieces ahead by cutting and seasoning them, then cook just before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be reheated easily.
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How do I prevent garlic from burning in this recipe?
Adding garlic after the steak is cooked and the butter has just melted, then cooking it for only about 30 seconds on medium heat, prevents the garlic from turning bitter and burnt.
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Are red pepper flakes necessary in this recipe?
Not at all! They add a lovely subtle heat which I love, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder dish.
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What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad are always excellent with these steak bites to balance the rich flavors with fresh or hearty sides.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe truly holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it combines indulgence and simplicity in the best way possible. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for the tender bites and that garlicky butter sauce—it’s like magic on a plate. I’m confident you’ll love how quick and delicious this comes together, and it will become a favorite go-to in your kitchen too. So, grab that skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak seared to perfection and tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pound sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces (or strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak, or rib eye)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon 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
- Heat the Skillet and Add Steak: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over high heat. Ensure the olive oil is hot before adding the steak pieces. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Cook the steak bites without stirring for at least 2 minutes to achieve a good sear. Stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until golden brown. If your skillet is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove Steak and Prepare Garlic Butter: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes aromatic and lightly browned.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter and Garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better crust by removing excess moisture.
- Use a hot pan and avoid stirring the meat too soon to allow proper searing.
- Add garlic after removing the steak to prevent it from burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain heat and sear.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant subtle heat to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
