Introduction

Craving a restaurant-quality steak dinner in minutes? This is the best garlic butter steak bites recipe, delivering juicy, tender cubes of beef seared to perfection and coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate fast and flavorful meal. For another quick steak favorite, try this Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Caprese Twist Recipe.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to create incredibly juicy, tender steak bites bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s ready in minutes.

• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Context: This quick garlic butter steak bites recipe is ready in about 20 minutes, making it roughly 25% faster than many similar recipes that require longer marinating or resting times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Steak

Pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2 — Heat the Pan

Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil and let it get very hot, about 1-2 minutes. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.

Step 3 — Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Work in batches if needed. Sear without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare.

Tip: For well-done bites, cook an additional minute per side. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Step 4 — Remove and Rest

Transfer the seared steak bites to a plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them tender.

Step 5 — Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add a generous amount of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 6 — Add Aromatics & Deglaze

Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For extra flavor, pour in a splash of beef broth or red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the steak.

Step 7 — Combine and Finish

Return the rested steak bites and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss everything in the garlic butter sauce until the steak is well-coated and heated through, about 1 minute.

Step 8 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	3 g
Fat	30 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	480 mg

Note: Estimates are for one serving of this garlic butter steak bites recipe and are based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This garlic butter steak bites recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Chicken or Shrimp — For a leaner option, use boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into chunks, or large peeled shrimp. Cook just until done to keep them tender and juicy.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles — Instead of serving over pasta or rice, toss the finished garlic butter steak bites with spiralized zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) for a fresh, low-carb meal.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Replace regular butter with a high-quality plant-based butter or olive oil to make these steak bites dairy-free while still achieving a rich, savory sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce for the marinade or seasoning.
• Lower-Sodium Version — Reduce sodium by using a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, and season primarily with fresh herbs, black pepper, and extra garlic.
• Leaner Cut: Sirloin or Flank Steak — While ribeye is luxurious, using a well-trimmed sirloin or flank steak can lower the fat content. Just be careful not to overcook, as these cuts are leaner.
• Boost Veggies: Add Bell Peppers & Mushrooms — Sauté colorful bell peppers and sliced mushrooms with the steak to add volume, fiber, and nutrients, making the dish more filling.
• Herb-Infused Oil — For an intense flavor boost without extra salt or butter, finish the dish with a drizzle of rosemary or thyme-infused olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these garlic butter steak bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the incredible pan sauce.
• For a low-carb option, pair them with roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles, or a crisp Caesar salad.
• Transform them into an impressive appetizer by skewering the bites with toothpicks alongside a dipping sauce like creamy horseradish or chimichurri.
• Perfect for game day or parties, serve them straight from the skillet with crusty bread for dipping into the garlic butter.
• Elevate your steak dinner by pairing these bites with a classic Béarnaise sauce and crispy roasted potatoes.
• For a quick and satisfying meal, toss the cooked steak bites and garlic butter sauce with cooked pasta or egg noodles.

This versatile garlic butter steak bites recipe is perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to entertaining guests. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong cut of steak, like a lean filet, which can become tough and chewy when cut into small pieces. Fix: Opt for well-marbled, tender cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak for juicy, flavorful bites.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan, which steams the meat instead of searing it, preventing a good crust. Fix: Cook in batches in a very hot pan to ensure each piece gets a proper sear and caramelization.
• Mistake: Not patting the steak dry before cooking, leaving surface moisture that hinders browning. Fix: Thoroughly pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels for maximum Maillard reaction.
• Mistake: Moving the steak bites constantly in the pan, which prevents them from developing a proper sear. Fix: Let them sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes per side to form a delicious crust before tossing.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter in the hot pan. Fix: Add minced garlic to the butter only in the last minute of cooking, just to fragrantly wilt.
• Mistake: Overcooking the steak, resulting in tough, dry bites instead of tender morsels. Fix: Remember they cook quickly; aim for medium-rare to medium (130–145°F internal) for the best texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the rest after cooking, letting all the precious juices run out immediately. Fix: Let the finished garlic butter steak bites rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge, which can seize up and not emulsify into a sauce. Fix: Use room-temperature butter to create a smooth, velvety garlic butter sauce that clings to the steak.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your garlic butter steak bites completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for 2-3 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use an air fryer for a crispier finish. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always use shallow containers for refrigeration to promote rapid, even cooling, which is key for keeping your garlic butter steak bites recipe safe and delicious.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a quick, flavor-packed meal perfect for any night. For another delicious dinner with a similar savory butter sauce, try our Epic Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggie Medley & Rice Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

What is the best cut of steak for this recipe?

We recommend using sirloin or ribeye for these GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES RECIPE. These cuts are tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in the skillet. Avoid very lean cuts like filet mignon, which can dry out.

Can I make these steak bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the steak and seasoning ahead, but for the best texture, cook them just before serving. Reheating can make the steak bites tough. The garlic butter sauce is best made fresh.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan, and cook the bites in batches if needed. Most importantly, avoid overcooking; the GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES RECIPE is best served medium-rare to medium.