If there’s one dish that can instantly win over a crowd or make a random Tuesday night feel like a special occasion, it’s Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Think juicy, golden-seared bites of beef coated in silky garlic butter, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This recipe delivers maximum flavor in minimal time and effort, making it a serious weeknight wonder. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, these steak bites are bite-sized proof that simple ingredients really can steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Steak Bites starts with just a handful of basic staples. Each ingredient pulls its own weight, building layers of flavor and turning humble steak into something truly irresistible. Grab these essentials, because every last one counts!
- Top sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or strip steak: Choose your favorite cut; each brings its own blend of tenderness and beefy flavor for perfect steak bites.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is everything; a generous sprinkle enhances the natural savoriness of the beef.
- Unsalted butter: This is your flavor base; butter not only adds richness but also makes the pan sauce delightfully silky.
- Chopped garlic: The star of the show; fresh garlic transforms the butter into a fragrant, savory coating for every morsel.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green brings brightness and color, a finishing touch you’ll love.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Cut and Season the Steak
Start by cutting your chosen steak into hearty, 1 1/2-inch pieces—think generous, juicy bites. Pat them dry (this is key for a good sear) and sprinkle salt and pepper liberally over all sides. Don’t skimp here; those simple seasonings set the foundation for everything to come.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Place a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet on medium heat and give it about 3 minutes to get nice and hot. Add a tablespoon of butter; as soon as it starts sizzling and browning, lay the steak pieces in a single layer, spacing them out so they have room to sear (if your pan’s smaller, work in batches). Don’t move them for about 3 minutes—let the heat do its magic and build that crave-worthy crust.
Step 3: Flip and Finish the Steak
Flip the steak bites with tongs or a spatula, then let them sear for 2 to 3 more minutes. Aim for a medium doneness, around 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. As soon as they’re perfectly browned, move them to a dish to rest briefly while you make the garlic butter.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently, stirring and scraping up any flavorful golden bits from the bottom of the pan. The garlic should go from sharp and raw to soft and mellow, but avoid letting it brown—just a couple of minutes will do the trick.
Step 5: Coat the Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the steak bites back in, tossing them until every piece is glossy and glistening with that savory garlic butter. Transfer to a serving dish, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve immediately for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
Parsley is classic—its fresh, slightly peppery notes cut the richness of the butter and brighten the whole plate. For extra flair, try a dusting of flaky sea salt or a little more cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites play well with everything from fluffy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted vegetables or a cool, tangy salad. For a cozy vibe, spoon steak bites (and all that lovely sauce) over white rice, or tuck them into warm, buttered bread for the ultimate mini steak sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Garlic Butter Steak Bites into party-ready appetizers by skewering them with small picks or serving atop crostini. For a full meal, pile steak bites into a bowl with rice or salad greens and a drizzle of pan sauce—gorgeous, unfussy, and seriously delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll hold onto their juiciness and flavor, making them great for next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak bites (without the parsley garnish) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; keep in mind the texture is best when freshly cooked, but they’ll still be tasty!
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra butter if needed to keep things moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the beef—stovetop really is best for reviving that luscious sear and buttery sauce.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Top sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or strip steak all work beautifully. If you want supreme tenderness, ribeye is the way to go, but sirloin is especially flavorful and budget-friendly.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?
Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat, or toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary along with the garlic to give your Garlic Butter Steak Bites extra complexity.
How do I prevent the steak bites from getting tough?
The key is high heat and minimal cooking time. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and only sear each side until browned—overcooking is the main culprit for chewiness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
If you need a dairy-free version, use a rich-tasting plant-based butter; the final flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that irresistible garlicky finish.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Lower the heat before adding garlic, stir constantly, and keep a close eye; you want the garlic softened and fragrant, but golden at most—not browned or burnt.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—everything you need to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites that’ll wow your table, no matter the occasion. Trust me, once you take that first juicy, buttery, garlicky bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your weeknight rotation!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Perfectly seared steak bites in a garlic butter sauce, ready in just minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1 1/4 pounds top sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or strip steak
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
Instructions:
- Cut and season the steak: Cut the steak into pieces, pat dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat the skillet, add butter, then add steak: Heat skillet, add butter, then sear steak bites.
- Sear the steak: Sear steak until browned and cooked to medium doneness.
- Add the remaining butter and garlic: Sauté garlic until cooked through, then add back the steak.
- Transfer the steak bites to a serving dish: Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak bites.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 477
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: Estimate based on ingredients
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: Estimate based on ingredients
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: Estimate based on ingredients
