If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-worthy appetizer or a satisfying main that comes together in just minutes, you’ll fall absolutely head over heels for Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Picture tender, juicy steak cubes seared until golden, then tossed in a bubbling bath of garlicky melted butter and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Every bite is boldly savory, luxuriously rich, and bursting with just the right kick. Whether you’re serving a crowd or indulging solo, this is one recipe that always delivers big, bold flavor with shockingly minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple these ingredients are, yet each one has a crucial role in building the mouthwatering layers of taste and texture. Gather your favorites and get ready for a skillet full of deliciousness that looks as good as it tastes!
- Sirloin steak (1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a tender cut for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites; ribeye or New York strip work wonders, too.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the deep beefy flavors and seasoning the steak all the way through.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly ground is best and adds an earthy zing that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smokiness elevating the entire dish with extra dimension.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): High-heat friendly and helps the steak sear to a gorgeous golden brown crust.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Makes the sauce lusciously rich and carries the garlic flavor in every bite.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show—fresh garlic gives unbeatable aroma and taste.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a bright, herby finish that enlivens the richness of the butter.
- Red pepper flakes (optional pinch): For a little heat and excitement without overpowering the steak.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting a beautifully browned crust. Next, toss them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika so each morsel is coated with a flavor-packed rub. Don’t be afraid to get hands-on here; every little bit of seasoning sticks better this way.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Carefully add the steak cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece so they sear instead of steam. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until the outsides are beautifully browned but the centers remain juicy and pink. Transfer the steak bites to a plate while you make the magic happen in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then generously add unsalted butter to your hot skillet. As soon as it melts, toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The garlic will become fragrant and golden—keep an eye so it doesn’t burn. You’re now officially in flavor heaven!
Step 4: Finish and Toss
Return the steak bites to the skillet, gently tossing them in the garlic butter so each piece is beautifully coated. Let everything mingle for another 1–2 minutes—just enough time for the steak to soak up that buttery garlicky goodness without overcooking. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little kick. Dive in while they’re piping hot!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for gorgeous color and herbaceous freshness. A squeeze of lemon or a few ribbons of parmesan cheese can also take your steak bites to the next level, cutting the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are perfectly at home next to creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or roasted vegetables. If you love texture, serve them over a fluffy bed of rice or pile them onto garlic toast for an ultra-indulgent bite. Even a crisp, leafy salad makes a fantastic partner, balancing the richness with a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or date nights, skewer the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with toothpicks for a fun, shareable appetizer. Serve them in mini cast iron skillets or on a wooden platter with roasted veggies on the side for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look. And for something a little different, pile them onto a baked potato or stuff them into a warm pita for a steak lover’s twist on street food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store your Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get bolder as they mingle, making them a delicious next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these steak bites for later. Let them cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can turn the steak tough, and they’ll taste almost as good as fresh off the pan!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Yes! While sirloin is budget-friendly and tender, cuts like ribeye or New York strip are even more luxurious and flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks at the same rate.
How do I prevent the steak bites from overcooking?
High heat and a quick sear are your friends here. Make sure the skillet is hot, don’t overcrowd the pan, and only cook the bites for a couple of minutes per side. Remove them promptly once they’re seared to your liking so they stay juicy inside.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or olive oil. You’ll still get plenty of savory garlic flavor and delicious results.
What herbs can I use beside parsley?
Parsley offers brightness, but you can mix things up with fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of chives for a different twist. Each herb brings its own unique touch, so feel free to experiment!
Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites spicy?
The heat is totally optional and comes only from the red pepper flakes. If you want a little kick, add a pinch; otherwise, leave them out for pure buttery, garlicky flavor with no spice at all.
Final Thoughts
You just can’t beat the irresistible flavor and simplicity of Garlic Butter Steak Bites. With juicy steak, golden garlicky butter, and endless ways to serve, this dish promises to wow your taste buds every single time. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—your skillet and everyone at your table will thank you!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these tender steak bites are seared to a beautiful brown on the outside while remaining succulent inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Pat and Season: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to sear. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes until coated. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For the juiciest bites, avoid overcrowding the skillet and cook in batches if needed.
- Ribeye or New York strip steak can be used instead of sirloin for extra tenderness.
- These steak bites pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 ounces steak bites
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg