Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender cubes of beef seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce.

This dish is quick, flavourful, and utterly satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even as a party appetizer. With minimal prep and a cooking time of under 20 minutes, these steak bites pack restaurant-quality flavour without the fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet impressive. You get that steakhouse flavor without having to cook a whole steak, and the garlic butter sauce makes it indulgent and crave-worthy. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a main dish with sides, or as a finger-food appetizer for guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Works with different cuts of beef.
• Pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, pasta, or even crusty bread.
• Elegant enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~400–450 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes; ribeye or tenderloin also work)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions & Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (this helps with browning).
2. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

1. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering.
3. Add steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
4. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).

Step 4: Combine & Garnish

1. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter.
2. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, coating each piece.
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Great with garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Additional Tips & Variations:

• Different Cuts: Try ribeye for extra tenderness or New York strip for more bite.
• Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter.
• Herb Upgrade: Use rosemary or thyme in the butter for a steakhouse vibe.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream with the butter for a richer sauce.
• Surf & Turf: Add seared shrimp to the skillet along with the steak.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of butter, or in the microwave in short bursts.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of seared steak can change when frozen and reheated.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet (recommended for best sear)
• Tongs (for turning steak bites easily)
• Sharp knife (for cutting steak into cubes)

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make this with chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Substitute cubed chicken breast or thighs and follow the same method.

Q2: How do I make sure the steak bites are tender?
Don’t overcook—medium-rare or medium is best. Also, let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into cubes if using whole cuts.

Q3: Can I use pre-cut stew meat?
It’s possible, but not ideal—stew meat tends to be tougher. Use sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for best results.

Q4: What’s the best way to avoid overcrowding the pan?
Cook the steak bites in batches to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.

Q5: Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes—cook steak bites, store them separately from sides, and reheat in a skillet for best flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor—tender beef cubes seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, pasta, or as an appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit and earn a spot in your go-to recipe collection.