I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect balance between tender steak and rich, garlicky butter. It’s one of those dishes you can whip up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests when you want to impress without the fuss.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so nourishing and delicious. You’ll find that the combination of buttery garlic goodness and juicy steak bites makes this dish incredibly satisfying and irresistible. Once you try it, it quickly becomes a go-to you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for hectic days.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce elevates every bite with rich, savory goodness.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or appetizer for any occasion.
- Family Favorite: I’ve seen picky eaters become steak bite enthusiasts after trying this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, and together they bring out the best in your steak bites while keeping things straightforward. I always recommend choosing quality steak and fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a neutral flavor that lets the steak shine.
- Steak: I prefer cuts like sirloin or ribeye, cut into small, even pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Salt: Enhances the meat’s natural flavor—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives the best bite and aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—I usually add them unless I want it mild.
- Butter or ghee: Creates that luscious garlic butter sauce; ghee is a nice dairy-free alternative.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential here for that punchy, aromatic flavor.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness balancing the richness.
- Green onion: Used as a garnish for a light, crisp contrast.
Variations
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is super adaptable. I’ve had fun tweaking it over time, and you can easily make it your own by playing around with spices or cooking fats. Don’t be shy to experiment—your taste buds will thank you!
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, meaty addition my family adores.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes increase red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne to turn the heat up.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for ghee or a plant-based butter to keep it allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
- Herb Twist: Beyond parsley, fresh thyme or rosemary lend an aromatic lift when stirred in at the end.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Steak Bites
Start by tossing your bite-sized steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a touch of red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is coated evenly—this simple seasoning is the foundation of all the deliciousness to come. I like to do this in a bowl and stir gently so the seasoning adheres to every piece.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot, then add the avocado oil. Place the steak in a single layer—crowding the pan leads to steaming rather than a nice sear. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides. If your skillet is small, cook in batches; I learned this the hard way when my steak turned out soggy instead of crispy. Once browned, transfer the steak bites to a plate.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
After removing the steak, wipe excess moisture from the pan, then melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn, or it’ll get bitter. This step infuses the sauce with vibrant, fresh garlic flavor that makes all the difference.
Step 4: Toss Steak in Garlic Butter and Finish
Add your steak bites back into the skillet and stir for another 1-2 minutes, letting them soak up that buttery garlic goodness. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and give it one final stir. This freshness from parsley really brightens the dish right before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
I like to finish with a handful of chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and mild onion flavor. Serve right away while it’s hot—you’ll want to dig in before that buttery magic starts to cool down.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Steak: Let your steak sit out for 20 minutes before cooking—it sears more evenly and stays juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures a beautiful brown crust on every bite.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Minced fresh garlic tastes so much better than pre-minced—it really brightens the sauce.
- Quick Cleanup Hack: After searing, wipe the pan with a paper towel before making the sauce to avoid burning leftover bits.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these steak bites with freshly chopped green onions—they add just the right fresh crunch and mild onion flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little sea salt or cracked black pepper right before serving to amp up the savory notes even more.
Side Dishes
My go-to side dishes include garlic mashed potatoes to keep the garlic butter theme running, or a simple roasted vegetable medley for a pop of color and earthiness. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brightens up the plate wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual get-together, I’ve served these steak bites on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like blue cheese or horseradish cream—it always impresses guests without extra fuss. Another fun idea is stacking the steak bites atop toasted baguette slices, turning them into easy handheld appetizers that disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to keep that buttery sauce from separating too much. Reheating is best done gently so your steak remains tender.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these steak bites by portioning them into freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly in a skillet with a touch of butter or oil. The texture holds up well if reheated carefully.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer a quick sear in a hot pan with a little butter to freshen up the garlic flavor and crisp the edges again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the steak. If pressed for time, use the microwave but do so in short bursts to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
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What cut of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
I recommend using sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin—anything tender and flavorful that cooks quickly in bite-sized pieces. These cuts give you the best balance of taste and texture for this recipe.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for ghee (which is technically dairy-free) or a plant-based vegan butter substitute. The flavor might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
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How do I get a perfect sear on steak bites?
Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the steak and avoid overcrowding. Cook the steak bites in a single layer and don’t move them too much so a nice crust can form. Cooking in batches if needed makes a big difference!
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Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans sautéed alongside or separately work beautifully. They add color and nutrients while complementing the garlic butter flavor.
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Is it better to use fresh garlic or garlic powder?
Fresh minced garlic is best for this recipe; it delivers a bright, aromatic flavor that garlic powder can’t quite match. It also sautés quickly to release those wonderful flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s reliable, bursting with flavor, and always makes me feel like I treated myself, even on a busy weeknight. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your quick-fix staples when you want something truly satisfying. Give it a try and share it with friends—you might just create some new favorite memories over this simple, delicious meal!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of steak seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then coated in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce finished with fresh parsley and green onion garnish. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 pounds of steak, cut into small bite size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking and Garnish
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Season the steak bites thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir them well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil to the hot skillet and then place the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the steak is browned on all sides. If your skillet is small, cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Remove any excess water or residue from the skillet. Add butter or ghee to the pan and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the browned steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the steak evenly with the buttery garlic sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve immediately to enjoy the steak bites at their best.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality cut of steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or strip loin.
- Make sure the steak pieces are dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- You can substitute avocado oil with another high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed oil.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.