Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Craving steak but don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen? Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect solution! This simple, mouthwatering dish features tender, juicy steak pieces seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner that doesn't require a lot of fuss. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you've got a restaurant-quality meal at home!

In this recipe, we'll walk you through how to make these juicy steak bites with just a handful of ingredients, plus tips on choosing the best steak, customizing flavors, and how to serve this dish in style.

What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are exactly what they sound like—bite-sized pieces of steak cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce. The steak is seared in a hot pan to create a golden, crispy exterior while staying tender and juicy inside. The garlic butter sauce adds richness and a burst of flavor that elevates the dish to the next level. It's simple yet indulgent, perfect for when you're craving steak but don't want to prepare a whole cut of meat.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible steak bites:

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steak.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that essential garlicky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Adds a subtle herb flavor.
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary): Another aromatic herb that complements the steak.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the steak before cooking.
• Chopped parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is its simplicity, but here are some variations to make it your own:

• Other cuts of steak: Ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip steak work wonderfully in this recipe. Choose a cut with good marbling for extra flavor.
• Butter substitutes: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. Olive oil alone can also be used.
• Garlic variations: For a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic first or use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
• Herb swaps: Try using oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning in place of rosemary and thyme. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
• Add heat: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Garlic Butter Steak Bites is quick and easy, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the steak: Start by cutting your sirloin (or preferred steak) into 1-inch cubes. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step helps to form a nice crust when searing the steak.
2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be very hot before adding the steak, which will give the steak bites that perfect sear.
3. Sear the steak: Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—this ensures each piece gets a nice crust. You may need to cook the steak in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare or medium works best for juicy steak bites). Remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
5. Coat the steak in garlic butter: Add the cooked steak bites back into the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until they are fully coated. Let the steak warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the steak bites to a serving platter and drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep and season: Cut the steak into cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the steak: In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the steak bites until browned on all sides.
3. Make the garlic butter: Melt butter in the skillet, then add garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Coat the steak in butter: Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce for rich, indulgent flavor.
5. Serve immediately: Garnish with parsley and serve while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the pan with too many steak bites, they’ll steam instead of sear. To get that golden, crispy crust, cook the steak in batches if necessary.
• Not drying the steak: Patting the steak dry before cooking is crucial for getting a good sear. Moisture on the surface will prevent the steak from browning properly.
• Overcooking the steak: For juicy steak bites, avoid overcooking. Medium-rare to medium is ideal for this dish. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly when it’s tossed back into the garlic butter sauce.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so once it’s added to the butter, keep a close eye on it. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and overpower the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

• Serve as a main dish: Pair the steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve as an appetizer: Garlic Butter Steak Bites make a fantastic appetizer or party snack. Skewer the steak bites with toothpicks and serve them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or chimichurri.
• Tacos or wraps: For a fun twist, serve the steak bites in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, or use them in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

You can keep it simple by serving the steak bites with classic sides like roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Or, try pairing the steak bites with pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

For a more elegant presentation, arrange the steak bites on a platter and drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside a crisp green salad for a visually appealing, restaurant-quality dish.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips

• Choose the right steak: Sirloin is a great option because it's tender and flavorful, but you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip for more richness.
• Cook in batches: If you have a lot of steak, cook it in batches so each piece gets a proper sear.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the steak bites hot, right after coating them in the garlic butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! Sirloin is a great choice, but ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip will work just as well. Choose a cut with some marbling for the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak in advance by cutting it into cubes and seasoning it. The cooking process is quick, so it’s best to cook and serve the steak bites immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Serve the steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them with pasta, rice, or even in tacos.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as ghee or plant-based butter, and the recipe will be just as delicious.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate quick and easy dish for steak lovers. With tender, juicy steak pieces coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Serve it with your favorite sides, or as an appetizer for guests, and you're sure to impress. Now it’s time to grab your steak, fire up the skillet, and enjoy this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe!

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