This is my foolproof recipe for steak bites with garlic butter, guaranteeing incredibly juicy, flavor-packed results in just 15 minutes using a hot skillet and a few simple secrets I’ve perfected over the years.
It’s a simple yet elegant dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special. I’m telling you, the sizzling sound and the aroma of garlic and butter hitting the pan is pure magic, and the taste is even better!
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Key Takeaways
- Ready in a Flash: This entire meal comes together in about 15 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Simple, Powerful Flavors: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that feels totally gourmet.
- A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, who can resist tender steak bites? They’re amazing as a main course or served as a party appetizer alongside the best dill pickle dip.
- Customizable & Forgiving: It’s easy to adapt! Use your favorite cut of steak or toss in some mushrooms or onions.
Why You’ll Love This Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Okay, let’s talk about why this recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen. I have a feeling you’re going to love it as much as my family does.
- That Golden-Brown Sear: You’ll love the deeply browned, crispy crust on the outside of each cube. It’s pure texture heaven!
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: We use a few key tricks (more on that below!) to make sure every single bite is juicy and never tough.
- The Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce: This sauce is everything. It’s savory, rich, and perfect for drizzling over everything on your plate. It’s just as addictive as the sauce in my garlic butter shrimp scampi!
- Feels Fancy, But It’s So Easy: This is one of those meals that looks and tastes impressive, but honestly? It’s one of the easiest things you’ll ever make.
- Packed with Protein: Steak is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied long after dinner is over.
A Weeknight Savior
I still remember the first time I made these garlic butter steak bites. It was one of those crazy Tuesdays—you know the kind. Everyone was hungry, I was short on time, and I needed a dinner win. I had a beautiful sirloin steak in the fridge and remembered seeing a similar idea somewhere. I decided to just go for it, cubing up the steak and searing it in a screaming hot pan with a whole lot of butter and garlic.
The entire kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma, and everyone came running. In less than 20 minutes, dinner was on the table, and it was completely devoured. It was a huge hit! Since then, it’s become one of our family’s most-requested meals, right up there with my hearty slow cooker beef stew. It just proves you don’t need hours or a complicated recipe to make something truly special.
Ingredients for Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
You just need a few simple things for this recipe. Here’s the breakdown:
| Ingredient | Notes & Possible Substitutions |
| Sirloin Steak | Top sirloin is my go-to for its balance of flavor and tenderness. New York strip or ribeye are fantastic, more decadent options. |
| Olive Oil | Used for searing at high heat. Avocado oil is a great substitute. |
| Butter | Use unsalted so you can control the salt level. For a dairy-free option, a good quality vegan butter works well. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic is a must! The stuff in a jar just doesn’t have the same punch. |
| Salt & Pepper | Coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are best. |
| Fresh Parsley | Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. It’s so versatile and also brightens up dishes like my creamy shrimp pasta. |
Equipment Needed
- A Large Skillet: A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is my absolute favorite for getting the best possible sear. A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or non-stick pan will also work.
- Sharp Knife: For cubing the steak neatly.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy one that won’t slip.
- Tongs: For turning the steak bites without piercing them.
How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Step-by-Step
Ready? This goes fast, so have everything prepped and next to the stove!
- Prep the Steak: Cut the sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to a great crust! Season generously all over with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Place your skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get shimmering hot; you want to hear a loud sizzle the second the steak hits the pan.
- Sear in Batches: Carefully place the steak cubes in the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it! Let them sear without moving for about 2 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare. The sizzle is just as satisfying as when I make my easy garlic butter meatballs!
- Cook the Second Batch: Remove the first batch of steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining meat if needed.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the pan. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Combine and Serve: Return all the steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 1 minute to coat the meat in that glorious sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these from good to absolutely amazing.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: I know I said it before, but it’s worth repeating! Patting the steak dry is the most important step for getting that beautiful, crusty sear. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
- Hot Pan, Cold Oil: A classic kitchen rule. Let your pan get screaming hot before you add the oil and steak. This prevents sticking and ensures an instant sear.
- Work in Batches: Trust me on this one. If you overcrowd the pan, the steak will steam instead of sear, and you’ll end up with gray, chewy meat. Give those cubes some space!
- Watch the Garlic: Fresh garlic can go from fragrant to burnt and bitter in seconds. The moment you can smell it, it’s ready. Keep it moving in the pan!
What to Serve With Steak Bites
These are so versatile! You can serve them as a main dish or an appetizer. Our favorite pairings are:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted vegetables, like this delicious easy baked zucchini or some simple asparagus.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
- Crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the garlic butter sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover steak bites are amazing on a salad the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them tough.
Nutrition Facts
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories 525 | |
| Total Fat 41g | 53% |
| Saturated Fat 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium 450mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
| Protein 38g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 30mg | 2% |
| Iron 4.5mg | 25% |
| Potassium 550mg | 12% |
| Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods. | |
| (Source: Calculated using USDA FoodData Central) |
FAQs About Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
What kind of steak is best for garlic butter steak bites?
For the best garlic butter steak bites, I recommend using a tender, flavorful cut like top sirloin. It’s affordable and gets wonderfully tender. New York strip or even ribeye are also fantastic choices if you want to splurge a little!
Does garlic butter go with steak?
Absolutely! Garlic butter and steak are a classic, match-made-in-heaven combination. The rich, savory butter melts into the seared steak, creating a delicious sauce that enhances the beefy flavor perfectly. It’s a restaurant-quality taste you can easily make at home.
Should you marinate steak bites?
You don’t need to marinate these steak bites! The high-heat sear locks in the natural juices, and the garlic butter sauce provides all the flavor you need. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper right before cooking is perfect for this recipe.
How do you make steak bites less chewy?
To avoid chewy steak bites, use a quality cut of meat, don’t overcook them, and be sure to cut against the grain. Searing them quickly over very high heat creates a tender inside and a crusty outside, which is the perfect texture.
Why are my steak bites tough?
Tough steak bites are usually caused by two things: using the wrong cut of meat (like a stew meat) or overcooking. Cook them quickly over high heat just until they’re browned on the outside and pink in the middle for the most tender results.
How to tenderize steak bites with baking soda?
While you can tenderize beef with a baking soda solution (a short soak in baking soda and water), it’s not necessary for this recipe if you use a good cut like sirloin. A proper high-heat searing technique will keep these steak bites naturally tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give these garlic butter steak bites a try. They are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something unbelievably delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table and leaves them smiling.
When you make them, I’d love to see! Tag me on social media or drop a comment and star rating below. Happy cooking!
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Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Sear, Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
My foolproof recipe for steak bites with garlic butter, guaranteeing incredibly juicy, flavor-packed results in just 15 minutes! Using a hot skillet and a few simple secrets, these tender sirloin steak bites are tossed in an irresistible garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
Prep the Steak: Cut the sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to a great crust! Season generously all over with salt and pepper.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get shimmering hot; you want to hear a loud sizzle the second the steak hits the pan.
Sear in Batches: Carefully place the steak cubes in the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it! Let them sear without moving for about 2 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare.
Make the Sauce: Remove the steak to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Combine and Serve: Return all the steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 1 minute to coat the meat in that glorious sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the steak cubes completely dry with a paper towel is the most important step for getting a beautiful, crusty sear.
Use a Hot Pan: Let your skillet get screaming hot before adding the steak. This ensures an instant sear and prevents the meat from steaming.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the steak tough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter, sirloin steak, quick dinner, easy recipe, keto