If you are craving something quick, indulgent, and packed with savory goodness, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, tender chunks of steak, perfectly seared to lock in flavor, then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce bursting with fragrant herbs and a hint of spice, come together in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that feels both luxurious and simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious. Trust me, once you try these steak bites, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create an explosion of flavor and irresistible texture. Each item is key—whether it’s the fatty richness of butter, the robust punch of fresh garlic, or the peppery bite of a good steak—to make sure every bite delights your senses.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that perfect sear on the steak pieces.
- Sirloin steak (or strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye), 1 ½ pounds: Choose a tender cut to ensure juicy, flavorful bites that melt in your mouth.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon (or to taste): Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the steak and seasoning the dish overall.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon (or to taste): Adds a little kick and depth, complementing the garlic and butter beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Brings richness and carries the garlic flavor perfectly without overpowering the steak.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: The heart of the recipe, providing that irresistible aromatic and savory punch.
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overwhelming the dish.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over high heat to get it smoking hot—that’s what gives the steak its amazing crust. While the oil heats, pat your steak bites dry with paper towels; this step is crucial to ensure a beautiful sear and prevents steaming. Season the steak pieces with salt and black pepper to taste. Place the bites into the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, allowing the browning magic to happen. Then stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until every piece turns golden and caramelized. Remember to cook in batches if needed; overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once your steak bites are perfectly seared, transfer them to a plate and lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and watch it melt into a luscious pool. As soon as the butter is sizzling lightly, toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick step releases the garlic’s full flavor and infuses the butter with a subtle spicy warmth.
Step 3: Combine Steak with Garlic Butter
Return the steak bites back to the skillet and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Toss everything together gently so every morsel gets luxuriously coated in that garlicky goodness. This finishing touch pulls all the flavors together, creating a dish that’s rich, tender, and utterly crave-worthy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only brings a delightful burst of color but also adds a subtle fresh note that balances the richness of the butter. If you want an extra zing, a light squeeze of lemon juice can be luxurious. Some cracked black pepper on top just before serving amps up the aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are incredibly versatile alongside a range of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up every bit of the garlic butter sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or sautéed garlic spinach. Roasted vegetables or buttery garlic bread are also fantastic companions that turn this meal into a complete feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an informal gathering, pile the steak bites on a nice wooden board, scattering parsley and chili flakes on top for a rustic feel. If you want to impress at a dinner party, serve these bite-sized delights skewered on cocktail picks with a drizzle of extra garlic butter for dipping. Pairing them with a glass of bold red wine elevates the experience even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover steak bites, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Stored properly, they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without sacrificing much flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe freezes nicely. Lay the cooked steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking. Adding a small pat of butter during reheating will help restore some of the original richness and keep them juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a popular choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye. Just be sure to cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it necessary to pat the steak dry before searing?
Yes, patting the steak bite dry removes excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a good sear. Wet steak will steam instead of brown, resulting in less flavorful bites.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the richness of the butter and garlic without overwhelming the dish. You can always reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended for this recipe because of its vibrant aroma and flavor. However, if you only have garlic powder, you can use about ½ teaspoon but add it earlier in the cooking process to bloom the flavor.
How do I prevent the steak bites from becoming tough?
Keeping the steak pieces uniform in size and cooking them over high heat just until browned ensures they stay tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking and overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like biting into a mouthful of tender steak, drenched in a heavenly garlic butter sauce that you can whip up in just minutes. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, grab your skillet, and get ready to fall in love with steak all over again!
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
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender and juicy sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection in a skillet, then tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black 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
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper. Add the steak bites to the hot skillet and cook for 2 minutes without stirring to allow them to sear and develop a golden brown crust. Then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until fully browned. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures an even sear.
- Make Garlic Butter: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites in the plate and toss them gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the steak bites immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure steak bites are dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Work in batches if your skillet is small to prevent overcrowding and steaming.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up extra garlic butter sauce.
- Use fresh parsley to maximize freshness and color; dried parsley can be used but will be less vibrant.
