If there’s one dish that can instantly make a weeknight dinner feel special, it’s Garlic Butter Steak Bites. These juicy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels are seared to golden perfection, then coated in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce—truly a match made in savory heaven! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this recipe delivers pure steakhouse bliss in your own kitchen, all in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse Quality at Home: These Garlic Butter Steak Bites taste just like your favorite restaurant, but without the big bill or reservation needed.
- Ridiculously Fast: The whole dish comes together in 10 minutes of cook time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seared—these bites are universally loved (and usually disappear within minutes!).
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Every ingredient has a purpose, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how few ingredients you need—each one is simple but completely essential for building crave-worthy flavor, the perfect crust, and that signature buttery finish.
- Steak (2 pounds): Choose a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip for juicy bites that sear beautifully without becoming chewy.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Season generously so every bite is flavorful, inside and out—the secret to a steakhouse-level crust!
- Oil (1 tablespoon): A high-temperature oil like avocado or canola ensures the bites develop a gorgeous sear without burning.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): The key to out-of-this-world garlic butter sauce—don’t skimp, you’ll want every drop.
- Fresh Garlic (2 cloves or more): Freshly minced garlic infuses the steak bites with an irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A shower of parsley at the end adds fresh color and a hint of earthy brightness.
Variations
One reason I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites so often is how endlessly customizable they are! Feel free to play around with different flavors, proteins, or herbs to make this recipe truly your own.
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a woodsy, aromatic take that’s fantastic with red wine.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you love a little heat with your steak.
- Different Proteins: Try this method with chicken breast or shrimp for a fun, surf-and-turf variation.
- Sauce It Up: Stir in a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for a whole new flavor dimension.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
The secret to tender, evenly cooked steak bites is starting with meat that’s at room temperature. Remove your steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper so every piece is packed with flavor. This simple step makes all the difference: letting the steak rest at room temp helps ensure those beautiful, juicy centers.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
In a large skillet—cast iron is your steak’s best friend here—heat a bit of oil over high heat until it’s almost shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Sear for about 2 minutes on each side, until a gorgeous, crisp crust forms but the centers stay melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you’re making a big batch, work in batches and keep cooked bites tented with foil so they stay warm and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Once all the steak bites are seared, reduce the heat to medium. Toss butter and minced garlic into the empty skillet. Let it sizzle for about 2 minutes, until the garlic turns soft and fragrant (but not brown)—this makes a luscious sauce, infused with steak drippings and rich garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the steak bites (along with any tasty juices) to the skillet. Give everything a quick toss to coat each morsel in that heavenly garlic butter. Just before serving, scatter a generous handful of chopped parsley on top for a final pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and glistening—resisting the urge to taste-test is the hardest part!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Room Temperature Secret: Letting your steak sit out before cooking leads to a more even sear and tender center—don’t rush this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Give each steak bite space to develop a crisp, caramelized crust—working in batches is totally worth it.
- Use Fresh Garlic, Not Powder: Freshly minced garlic blooms in the butter, giving you that bold, mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
- Rest for Juiciness: Briefly tent the steak with foil after searing—this helps reabsorb precious juices before tossing in garlic butter.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings a pop of green that looks beautiful against the rich, golden steak bites. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving takes this dish to the next level. Even a dollop of horseradish sauce can add a fun, spicy kick!
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are deliciously versatile! For a classic pairing, think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttery rice pilaf. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce, and a crisp green salad brightens up the whole meal. These bites even shine atop pasta or in a warm steak sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites skewered with cocktail picks for easy grabbing. Pile them high on a platter with a side of garlic aioli or chimichurri for dipping. Or, tuck a few into lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb twist that doubles as a hearty appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occasion in my house!), let the steak bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to enjoy again for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
Garlic Butter Steak Bites actually freeze quite well. Arrange the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—great for meal prepping steakhouse flavor ahead of time!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the steak bites gently in a hot skillet with a dab more butter. This keeps them juicy and delicious—just avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the meat. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.
FAQs
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What’s the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Sirloin is my top pick for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin work beautifully. Avoid tougher cuts like round or chuck, as they won’t be as juicy in quick-cooked bites.
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Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is really best here—it brings bold flavor and fragrance you just won’t get from powder. However, if you’re in a pinch, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, but add it at the very end so it doesn’t burn.
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How do I keep the steak from turning tough?
The key is a super-hot pan and not overcooking the steak. Sear quickly so the outsides brown but the insides stay juicy—also, let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking for best results.
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Can I prep Garlic Butter Steak Bites ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can cut and season the steak earlier in the day, then sear and toss in garlic butter just before serving for freshest flavor and texture. They’re fantastic for entertaining!
Final Thoughts
There’s no feeling quite like a platter of hot, garlicky, buttery steak bites hitting the table—especially knowing you made them yourself in mere minutes. If you’re craving a little steakhouse indulgence with minimal effort, give these Garlic Butter Steak Bites a try. I can’t wait to hear how quickly they disappear at your house—enjoy every juicy bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful morsels of steak seared to perfection, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds steak, cut into bites
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prep steak: Remove steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Cut into cubes, season generously with salt and pepper, and let sit on a plate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Sear steak: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for about 2 minutes per side until a crust forms. Work in batches if needed. Set aside.
- Make garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic to the skillet. Heat until fragrant.
- Finish: Add the seared steak to the skillet with garlic butter. Toss to coat. Serve with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust garlic to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
