I decided to give this recipe a try because I wanted something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I love steak, but sometimes I don’t have time to cook a whole steak dinner. That’s when I discovered these garlic butter steak bites, which are incredibly easy to make and full of delicious flavor.

The combination of juicy, seared steak with buttery garlic sauce makes it a dish I keep coming back to. I’m sharing this recipe because it’s simple, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality taste in just a few steps.

I really love how versatile and customizable this dish is. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well-done, you can easily adjust the cooking time to get the perfect texture. The garlic butter sauce coats every bite beautifully, adding a rich, savory taste. Plus, you can add fresh herbs, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness. No matter how you prepare it, these steak bites always turn out tender and flavorful.

I did my best to make this recipe as simple and straightforward as possible. I use sirloin steak because it’s lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly. However, you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for an even more tender bite. The key is to sear the steak in a hot pan to create a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. After that, the butter, garlic, and shallots create a rich and aromatic sauce that coats the steak perfectly.

What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp kosher salt (or 1½ tsp fine sea salt); 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola); 2 sticks unsalted butter; 16 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large shallots, finely minced; 6 large green onions, minced; ½ cup fresh parsley, minced; Salt u0026 pepper to taste

Garlic butter steak bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are seared until golden brown and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. They are an easy and flavorful alternative to cooking a full steak. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes only about 15-20 minutes to make. Plus, the butter and garlic combination enhances the steak’s natural flavors, making it irresistible.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

Cast iron or stainless steel pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Tongs
Paper towels
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl

Ingredients:

4 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp kosher salt (or 1½ tsp fine sea salt)
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola)
2 sticks unsalted butter
16 cloves garlic, minced
2 large shallots, finely minced
6 large green onions, minced
½ cup fresh parsley, minced
Salt & pepper to taste

How to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1:

Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes, pat them dry with a paper towel, and season with salt.

Step 2:

Heat a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and place the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3:

Reduce the heat to low, remove most of the oil from the pan using a paper towel, then add butter and shallots, cooking for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4:

Turn the heat to medium, return the steak bites to the pan, and toss for 2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then mix in green onions and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Choose the right cut of steak. – Sirloin is a great choice because it’s lean and flavorful, but you can also use ribeye for extra tenderness or tenderloin for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid tough cuts like chuck unless marinating first.

Cut the steak into even pieces. – Make sure each cube is about 1 inch in size. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture in every bite. Uneven pieces can result in some being overcooked while others remain undercooked.

Pat the steak dry before cooking. – Removing excess moisture from the steak before seasoning allows for a better sear. Moisture can cause the steak to steam instead of forming a crispy crust, which is key to great steak bites.

Season the steak properly. – Salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the beef. You can also add black pepper, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne for extra depth. Let the steak sit for about 10 minutes after seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Preheat the pan well before adding the steak. – A properly heated pan ensures a good sear. Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan, as these retain heat well. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the steak will release moisture and become chewy instead of crispy.

Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. – If you add too much steak at once, the pan temperature will drop, and the meat will steam instead of searing. Work in small batches, making sure each piece has space to caramelize properly.

What to Eat with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

I like to pair these steak bites with simple but flavorful side dishes. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce perfectly. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, also make a great pairing.

Another great option is rice or quinoa. These grains absorb the sauce, making every bite extra tasty. If you prefer something low-carb, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak.

For a fun appetizer or snack, serve these steak bites with toothpicks and a dipping sauce. Garlic aioli, chimichurri, or a creamy horseradish sauce adds extra flavor. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or a party, they always impress!

What can I use instead of butter?

If you don’t want to use butter, you can replace it with ghee (clarified butter) for a richer flavor, or use olive oil for a dairy-free version. However, butter provides the best taste and texture.

How to Store Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the steak cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from making the steak soggy.

To reheat, warm the steak bites in a pan over low heat with a little extra butter to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak chewy. If using an oven, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

While sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness, you can also use ribeye for more marbling, filet mignon for tenderness, or strip steak for a firmer bite. Avoid tougher cuts like flank or chuck unless marinated first.

How do I get the perfect sear on the steak bites?

Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the steak. Also, avoid moving the steak around too much—let each piece cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust.

Should I marinate the steak before cooking?

It’s not necessary since the garlic butter adds so much flavor, but you can marinate the steak in a mix of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.

How do I know when my steak bites are cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer:

Medium-rare: 130°F
Medium: 140°F
Medium-well: 150°F
If you don’t have a thermometer, press the steak with your finger—medium-rare will feel soft, while well-done will feel firm.

Can I cook these steak bites in the oven or air fryer?

To cook in the oven, broil the steak bites on high for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the air fryer, cook at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once. However, pan-searing gives the best crust and flavor.

Can I add mushrooms or onions to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in the garlic butter before adding the steak back in. This adds a delicious, steakhouse-style flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

This garlic butter steak bites recipe is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, these juicy steak bites will always be a hit. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak at home in just minutes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: Main, AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Juicy, tender sirloin steak bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!

Ingredients

4 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp kosher salt (or 1½ tsp fine sea salt)
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola)
2 sticks unsalted butter
16 cloves garlic, minced
2 large shallots, finely minced
6 large green onions, minced
½ cup fresh parsley, minced
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes, pat them dry with a paper towel, and season with salt.
Heat a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and place the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Reduce the heat to low, remove most of the oil from the pan using a paper towel, then add butter and shallots, cooking for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add red pepper flakes if using.
Turn the heat to medium, return the steak bites to the pan, and toss for 2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then mix in green onions and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!