If you're looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal, Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an absolute must-try! Juicy, tender steak pieces are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Whether you're prepping a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe promises to be a hit. Read on to discover the step-by-step process, tips for perfecting the dish, and variations to suit your preferences.
What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak, typically seared in a hot skillet until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The steak is then coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, which gives it a rich and savory flavor. This dish is a great option for a quick, filling meal or even as an appetizer for a dinner party. Plus, it's versatile enough to be paired with a wide variety of side dishes.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are loved for their simplicity and their bold flavor. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking time, this dish is easy to prepare, yet it offers a restaurant-quality meal experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick to make: Ready in less than 20 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients: Just steak, garlic, butter, and seasonings.
- Full of flavor: The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavor of the steak.
- Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or even over rice.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves about 4 people, but you can easily adjust quantities to meet your needs.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin or ribeye): Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced or finely chopped for maximum flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season the steak.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes: To add a little heat.
- Lemon juice: For a burst of citrusy brightness.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: For added herbal notes.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is already incredibly simple, but if you’re looking to make some changes, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
Steak Substitutes:
- Filet mignon: For an even more tender bite, use filet mignon instead of sirloin or ribeye.
- New York strip: Another great cut for this recipe, offering more flavor than sirloin.
- Chicken: If you’re not in the mood for beef, you can substitute chicken breast or thigh for a similar bite-sized, savory dish.
Butter Alternatives:
- Ghee: If you’re looking for a lactose-free alternative, ghee works just as well as butter.
- Olive oil: You can use olive oil in place of butter, although you’ll lose some of the richness that butter adds.
Garlic Options:
- Garlic powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as bold.
- Roasted garlic: For a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor, try using roasted garlic instead.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the steak bites for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Soy sauce: For a more umami-packed experience, add a splash of soy sauce to the butter sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Garlic Butter Steak Bites is a breeze when you follow these simple steps. With just a few ingredients and a hot skillet, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Begin by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this will help the steak sear properly. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the steak but not so hot that it burns the butter later.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan—cook the steak in batches if necessary. Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the steak and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
After the steak is seared on both sides, lower the heat to medium and pour the garlic butter over the steak bites. Toss the steak to coat it in the sauce, and let it cook for another minute or two, just until the flavors meld together.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the steak: Cut, dry, and season the steak pieces.
- Heat the oil: Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak: Cook the steak bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make the garlic butter: Melt butter and sauté the garlic until golden.
- Combine: Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking steak bites may seem straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Overcrowding the Pan
Overcrowding the skillet causes the steak to steam rather than sear. For that perfect golden crust, make sure the steak bites have plenty of room. If needed, cook them in batches.
2. Using Cold Steak
Always let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. If the steak is too cold, it won’t cook evenly, resulting in overcooked exteriors and undercooked interiors.
3. Overcooking the Steak
Because the steak is cut into small pieces, it cooks very quickly. Overcooking can result in tough, dry steak bites, so be sure to keep an eye on the time and don’t cook the steak for too long.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re going for a casual weeknight meal or a more elegant presentation, here are some tips to elevate your serving game.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- With mashed potatoes: The richness of the garlic butter pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Over rice or quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the steak bites over a bed of rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.
- With vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make great accompaniments.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Skewers: For a fun appetizer or party presentation, thread the steak bites onto skewers and drizzle with garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top of the steak bites for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic yet appealing presentation, serve the steak bites straight from the skillet at the table.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality steak: A good cut of steak makes all the difference in this simple recipe. Opt for sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for the best results.
- Don’t skip the resting time: After searing, let the steak bites rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- Adjust the garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra cloves or even roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are best served fresh, but you can prep the steak ahead by cutting and seasoning it. Sear the steak and make the garlic butter just before serving for the best flavor.
2. What’s the best way to reheat steak bites?
Reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough and rubbery.
3. Can I use frozen steak?
You can use frozen steak, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking to ensure even searing.
4. What sides go well with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad are all excellent choices to serve alongside this dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and quick, easy preparation. With just a few ingredients and a skillet, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or the main course, these steak bites will be a hit at your next meal. Don’t forget to try the variations and tips provided for a customized twist on this classic dish. Enjoy!
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and make this irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe today!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender steak pieces cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, these steak bites are simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. The rich garlic butter enhances the steak’s natural flavors, making it a hit for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into cubes)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak bites until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the garlic is fragrant.
- Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear.
- Adjust the garlic quantity to taste.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 250mg
Leave a Reply