If you love steak and crave bold, buttery flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. These tender, juicy cubes of steak seared to perfection and bathed in a garlicky butter sauce create such a mouthwatering combination that every bite feels like a special occasion. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe balances simplicity and indulgence beautifully, making it an absolute must-try for any steak lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that pack serious flavor. Each one plays a vital role in giving you that gorgeous sear, rich butter sauce, and a touch of freshness.
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye): Choose a tender cut and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural beefy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear without burning the meat.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic: Freshly minced for that signature punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley: Offers a bright, herbaceous lift to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers subtle umami depth, elevating the garlic butter.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For a little kick if you like your steak bites with some heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Steak
Start by slicing your chosen cut of steak into roughly 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect—big enough to stay juicy but small enough to cook quickly and evenly. The right cut sets the foundation for tender, flavorful bites every time.
Step 2: Season the Cubes
Generously season the steak pieces with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this seasoning is essential to enhance the meat’s natural taste and create a nice crust when searing.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet and Oil
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You want the pan to be hot enough that the steak sizzles immediately when it hits the surface, locking in juices and building a caramelized crust.
Step 4: Sear the Steak Bites
Working in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, add the steak cubes to the skillet. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked to your liking. Medium-rare is ideal for tenderness, but cook to your preference.
Step 5: Set Steak Aside
Once the steak bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. This gives you space to create the luscious garlic butter sauce in the same pan, capturing all that meaty goodness.
Step 6: Melt the Butter
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter into the skillet. Watch it melt slowly to a luscious golden liquid without browning—this will be the flavor base for your sauce.
Step 7: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic cloves to the melted butter, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. This step infuses the butter with that iconic garlic aroma that everyone loves.
Step 8: Stir in Seasonings
Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. The Worcestershire sauce adds savory complexity, parsley brightens the flavor, and the red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Step 9: Toss Steak in the Sauce
Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Make sure each piece is coated so every bite is bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from heat and plate the steak bites. Garnish with extra parsley if you like, then dig in while everything is warm and irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the garlic butter. For a bit of crunch and texture contrast, you might consider crispy fried garlic chips or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair beautifully with simple sides such as creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also cuts through the richness perfectly, creating a balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these bites on skewers as a fun appetizer or pile them atop garlic butter toasted bread for an indulgent open-faced sandwich. They also make a fantastic topping for pasta or loaded baked potatoes when you want to get creative beyond just steak and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunch or dinner reheats without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak bites, but for best texture and taste, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak bites slowly in a skillet over low heat. Adding a little butter will help bring back moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the steak tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are popular for their tenderness and flavor, you can use flank or hanger steak as well—just be careful not to overcook these leaner cuts.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
The ideal doneness depends on your personal preference, but medium-rare (about 130°F or 54°C) ensures juicy bites. Use a meat thermometer or look for a nice brown crust with a slightly pink center.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Always check the label to be sure.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, dried parsley works fine, just use about half the amount. You can also try fresh cilantro or chives for a different herbal twist.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Adding red pepper flakes during cooking adds a gentle heat, or you can serve with a spicy dipping sauce to kick things up even further.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite but comes together in a flash. With straightforward ingredients and a foolproof method, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your regular rotation for quick dinners or special occasions. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy steak!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, seared sirloin or ribeye steak cubes tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with hints of Worcestershire and fresh parsley. Perfect as an appetizer or main, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality steak bites in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the Steak: Cut 1 lb of sirloin or ribeye steak into approximately 1-inch bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Season: Generously season the steak cubes with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance the natural beef flavor.
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook the Steak: Add the steak cubes in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare at 130°F/54°C recommended).
- Remove Steak: Transfer the cooked steak bites onto a plate and set aside to rest briefly.
- Melt Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to melt.
- Add Garlic: Once the butter is melted, stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if using, to build layers of flavor.
- Return Steak to Skillet: Toss the cooked steak bites back into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat immediately and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired for brightness.
Notes
- Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for the best sear on the steak bites.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning instead of steaming.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Resting the cooked steak briefly off the heat helps retain juiciness.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
