Introduction

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender steak cubes are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. For more skillet dinners, try the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe or the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

These juicy, tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together with simple ingredients that create an incredibly flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion.

• 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	8 minutes
Total Time	18 minutes

Context: This quick preparation for Garlic Butter Steak Bites is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Steak

Pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Cut the steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches works well for even cooking.

Step 2 — Season Generously

Place the steak bites in a bowl and drizzle with a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil. Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tossing to coat every piece evenly.

Step 3 — Preheat Your Pan

Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. You can test this by sprinkling a few drops of water—if they sizzle and evaporate instantly, the pan is ready.

Step 4 — Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them to develop a deep brown crust.

Flip the pieces and cook for another 1–2 minutes for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F.

Step 5 — Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and push the steak bites to one side of the skillet. Add a generous amount of butter, minced fresh garlic, and optional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the empty side.

Let the butter melt and the garlic become fragrant, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 6 — Combine and Baste

Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Spoon the sauce over the bites continuously for 30–60 seconds to infuse them with maximum flavor.

Step 7 — Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. For an extra flavor boost, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites hot, straight from the pan, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	380
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fat	28g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	450mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Leaner Protein — Swap sirloin for leaner cuts like tenderloin or flank steak to reduce fat content while maintaining beefy flavor.
• Chicken Breast — Use cubed chicken breast for a lighter protein option that still absorbs the garlic butter marinade beautifully.
• Portobello Mushrooms — Replace steak with thick-sliced portobello caps for a satisfying vegetarian and lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Substitute regular butter with plant-based butter or olive oil to create dairy-free Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
• Coconut Aminos — Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and lower-sodium flavor base.
• Avocado Oil — Replace some butter with avocado oil for higher smoke point cooking and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Turkey Tenders — Try cubed turkey tenderloin as another lean protein option that pairs well with garlic butter seasoning.
• Reduced-Sodium Broth — Use low-sodium beef or vegetable broth when deglazing to control salt content in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Garlic Butter Steak Bites over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious pan sauce.
• For a low-carb option, pair them with zucchini noodles or a crisp side salad.
• These steak bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive, easy appetizer for parties.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and a final drizzle of the garlic butter from the pan.
• Create a steakhouse experience at home by serving with roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms.
• For a fun twist, skewer the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with cherry tomatoes and serve as finger food.

No matter how you serve them, these juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a cold pan. Fix: Preheat your skillet until it’s properly hot to get a good sear and prevent steaming.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure each steak bite browns properly instead of boiling in its own juices.
• Mistake: Cutting steak bites too small. Fix: Aim for 1-inch pieces so they stay juicy and don’t overcook too quickly.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early. Fix: Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
• Mistake: Using the wrong cut of steak. Fix: Choose a tender, well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting step. Fix: Let the Garlic Butter Steak Bites rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Adding cold butter. Fix: Use room-temperature or softened butter so it melts evenly into a silky sauce.
• Mistake: Not patting the steak dry. Fix: Dry the steak pieces thoroughly with a paper towel before searing for a superior crust.
• Mistake: Constantly moving the steak in the pan. Fix: Let the steak bites sear undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a flavorful crust.
• Mistake: Overcooking the steak. Fix: Cook to medium-rare or medium for tender bites, as they continue to cook slightly off the heat.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Ensure they cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking for food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm Garlic Butter Steak Bites in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Always use a food thermometer to confirm safe reheating temperatures, especially when preparing leftovers.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dinner or impressive appetizer, they’re sure to become a regular favorite. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below!

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FAQs

What is the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Use a tender, quick-cooking cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts become juicy and flavorful when seared for Garlic Butter Steak Bites.

How do I prevent my steak bites from becoming tough?

Cut the steak into uniform pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them in a single layer over high heat for a short time to get a good sear without overcooking.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead, but cook the steak bites just before serving. This ensures they remain tender and the garlic butter flavor is fresh.