If you’re craving a dish that combines the rich, savory flavor of perfectly seared steak with the luscious taste of garlic butter, then you are going to fall in love with this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. These tender, juicy little morsels are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in just minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something decadent, these steak bites deliver a spectacularly satisfying experience every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is how it uses a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in delivering taste, texture, and that irresistible aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak bites while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or strip steak, tenderloin, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces: The star ingredient providing tenderness and rich beefy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Brings a mild heat and depth, complementing the garlic butter wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the silky, decadent sauce coating the steak bites.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic pungency that makes the garlic butter truly irresistible.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick of spice to elevate the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a splash of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, ensuring the pan is hot enough to give the steak a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Pat your steak bites dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is key for a good sear. Season with salt and pepper, then add the steak bites to the skillet. Resist the urge to stir immediately; let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to form that tasty crust. Afterward, stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the pieces are fully browned. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding, which ensures each piece crisps up perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once your steak bites are seared, transfer them to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt until it starts to shimmer. Immediately add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This quick sauté releases intense flavor that will coat the steak pieces beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites in the skillet or toss them in a bowl with the sauce. Make sure each bite is luxuriously coated, allowing the butter and garlic to cling to every juicy piece. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor and appealing color. Serve immediately to enjoy the full vibrancy of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that livens up the plate visually and adds a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter. For an extra pop, you can also add a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over right before eating, adding a bright citrus note.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair beautifully with a range of sides—from creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that garlic butter sauce to roasted vegetables that add texture and earthiness. A crisp side salad or buttery garlic bread also complements the dish, making the meal feel both complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the steak bites in a rustic wooden bowl with toothpicks for easy grabbing. To elevate the presentation for a dinner party, place the steak bites on a platter garnished with parsley and arrange the sides artistically around them. You could even serve over a bed of garlic butter sautéed mushrooms or creamy polenta for a luxurious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might not last long!), store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a quick, flavorful protein addition to meals throughout the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so if you want to preserve the steak bites for longer than a few days. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat to preserve tenderness and re-melt the garlic butter sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the steak tougher. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating helps refresh the flavors and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use strip steak, ribeye, or tenderloin. Just make sure to cut the steak into similar-sized bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Can I use garlic powder?
Fresh garlic is ideal because it provides that vibrant aroma and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add it with the butter to infuse the oily sauce, though it won’t be quite as fragrant.
Is this dish spicy from the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth and depth, not overwhelming heat. If you prefer to skip the spice, you can easily leave them out or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients free of gluten. Just double-check that any additional sides or garnishes you pair with the dish are gluten-free as well.
How do I achieve the best sear on the steak bites?
Patting the steak dry and ensuring your skillet and oil are hot before adding the meat are the two most important tips. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so the meat steams less and browns beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together without hassle. The combination of tender steak, luscious garlic butter, and just a hint of spice will quickly make it a favorite in your meal rotation. I can promise you once you try it, it’ll be one you come back to time and time again, sharing it with family and friends who will thank you for introducing them to such a delicious, easy-to-make indulgence.
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 delivers tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak seared to perfection and tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these steak bites are garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
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
- Heat and season: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Pat steak bites dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper to ensure a good sear and enhanced flavor.
- Sear the steak bites: Add steak bites to the hot skillet and cook for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice crust. Then stir and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown. If needed, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding which can steam the meat instead of searing.
- Remove steak bites: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss and garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss to evenly coat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the steak bites are dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic sauce.
- Cook steak in batches if your skillet is small to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the steak bites hot and juicy.
