If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in minutes, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is here to wow your taste buds. Tender, juicy chunks of steak are perfectly seared to create a mouthwatering crust before being bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This simple yet decadent recipe blends the savory goodness of steak with the aromatic punch of garlic and fresh parsley, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, it will quickly become one of your kitchen staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll love how easy these pantry and fridge essentials come together to create something spectacular.
- 2 pounds steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes for optimal searing and juiciness.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Season generously to enhance the natural beef flavor and create that irresistible crust.
- 1 tablespoon oil: A high-heat oil such as canola or grapeseed is best for searing the steak evenly without burning.
- 4 tablespoons butter: This adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor right into every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with an amazing aromatic depth—feel free to add more if you love garlic as much as I do.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle brightens the dish and adds a pop of color that makes the steak bites look as good as they taste.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Steak
Start by removing the steak from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking—this little wait helps the meat cook more evenly. Then, unwrap and cut it into even bite-sized cubes. I recommend about 1 to 1.5-inch pieces to ensure a perfect sear while keeping the inside tender. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper and let them rest on a plate at room temperature. This simple trick will elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe like no other.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s screaming hot—using a cast iron pan really helps achieve an unbeatable crust. Add your oil, then carefully place the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so each piece gets a perfect browning. Sear them for about 2 minutes per side, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust but remain juicy inside. You might have to cook the steak in batches depending on your pan size. Once done, set the steak bites aside on a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the empty skillet. Gently cook the garlic in the melting butter for about 2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step is where the magic happens, infusing the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma that brings this dish to life. Immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking the garlic.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter and toss everything together to coat each piece in the flavorful sauce. The warm butter helps marry the taste and adds a luscious shine to the steak. Serve the bites immediately, and if you like, sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes truly elevate this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely vibrancy and just the right hint of herbal brightness. For an extra touch, cracked black pepper or even a dusting of smoked paprika can add depth and a little kick.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair wonderfully with a range of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread soak up the sauce spectacularly. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter. You could also serve them over fluffy white rice or alongside some warm, crusty rolls to mop up every last bit of that garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz up your presentation? Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe skewered as little kabobs for easy sharing at parties. Alternatively, layer them atop crostini with a smear of garlic aioli for impressive appetizers. You can even toss them into a toasted baguette for a killer steak sandwich with a garlic butter kick that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well helps maintain their flavor and moisture, although they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze these garlic butter steak bites if you want to prep ahead or save leftovers long-term. Place cooled steak pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying them out. Adding a little extra butter or a splash of water can help keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the steak tougher and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye works best for tenderness and flavor, you can use flank or skirt steak if sliced properly and cooked quickly. Just make sure the pieces are cut into uniform bite-size cubes for even cooking.
How can I make the steak bites more garlicky?
If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the garlic cloves or add a pinch of garlic powder when seasoning. You could also toss the steak bites in some roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor that complements the butter beautifully.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest before cooking?
Yes, resting at room temperature allows the steak to cook more evenly and helps achieve a beautiful sear. Skipping this step can lead to uneven doneness and less flavor penetration.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a deliciously rich coating for your steak bites.
What’s the best way to cut the steak for this recipe?
Cut against the grain into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Cutting against the grain ensures the steak bites are tender and easy to chew rather than chewy or tough.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simple luxury of garlic butter and perfectly seared steak coming together in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. It’s fast, approachable, and unforgettable in flavor—a combination that makes it an absolute favorite in my kitchen. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider this your invitation to indulge in something both comforting and elegant. I promise, these steak bites will quickly become the go-to recipe you want to share with everyone you know.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender steak cubes seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a fast and satisfying meal, this recipe highlights the perfect crust and juicy interior of the steak with the aromatic boost of garlic and parsley.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 pounds steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt, to taste (season generously)
- Ground black pepper, to taste (season generously)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Unwrap and cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, seasoning them generously with salt and ground black pepper. Let the seasoned steak sit uncovered on a plate on the counter for 30 minutes; this step ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Sear steak: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat until very hot. Add the oil and then the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak bites for about 2 minutes on each side until a nice browned crust forms while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Work in batches if needed. Once seared, transfer the steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium and return the now empty skillet to the stove. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to soften, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove the skillet from heat as soon as the garlic is aromatic.
- Finish: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Allowing steak to rest at room temperature before cooking helps achieve a more even sear and cooks the steak more evenly.
- Cut steak into uniform bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for consistent cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best searing results due to its heat retention properties.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming the steak and to get a proper crust.
