Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea
I just whipped up a batch of these steak bites with garlic butter recipe and—wow—what a treat they turned out to be! I was craving something hearty but quick, and this recipe delivered exactly that. The moment I cut into those perfectly seared cubes of steak and coated them in that melted garlic-butter sauce—pure bliss.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests. I’m excited to share how you can make your own, or if you’re in the mood for something slow-cooked and rich, you can also enjoy this short rib ragu recipe.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs (about 570 g) sirloin steak, cut into small cubes — Sirloin is tender yet affordable; avoid stew meat, which tends to be tougher.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — Helps achieve a rich flavour and gives the steak a good sear without burning the butter.
- 2 tablespoons butter — Adds that luscious, garlicky coating the steak bites get tossed in.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic — Fresh garlic gives the best punch; avoid jarred garlic for maximum flavour.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — Simple seasoning lets the steak and garlic butter shine.
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley — Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of colour.
Note: Serves several people depending on portion size.
Variations
You can tailor this recipe to match your preferences or dietary needs:
- Dairy-free: Replace butter with vegan butter or ghee to keep the richness without dairy.
- Lower sodium: Use a light sprinkle of salt or a salt substitute.
- Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
- Herb-enhanced: Mix in rosemary or thyme with parsley for a deeper flavour profile.
- Saucy twist: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or beef broth before adding the garlic butter.
If you enjoy comforting, herby meals, you’ll also love the lemon herb pot roast chicken recipe for another cozy dinner idea.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large heavy skillet (ideally cast iron): To achieve that perfect sear on each steak cube.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For cubing the steak evenly so everything cooks uniformly.
- Tongs or spatula: To turn the steak pieces and coat them in the garlic butter.
- Measuring spoons: To portion out oil, butter, and garlic accurately.
How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter?
Let’s go step-by-step so you can recreate this buttery, tender delight at home.
Prepare the Steak
Start by cutting the sirloin into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re as even as possible so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Drying helps get that beautiful sear later.
Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in your skillet over high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Cook the cubes for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on at least one side, stirring occasionally for even colour. Work in batches if necessary.
Add Garlic Butter and Finish
Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir quickly to coat all the steak pieces in the hot garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant, not brown. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away for the best flavour.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some helpful tricks to make it even better:
- I let my steak rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for a more even sear.
- I make sure the pan is super hot before adding the meat; that high heat gives the steak its golden crust.
- I cut my cubes as evenly as possible—smaller pieces tend to overcook quickly.
- After searing, I tilt the pan and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak for extra flavour.
- I always serve immediately; the texture and juiciness are best when the steak bites are freshly cooked.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Garlic Butter?
These steak bites are incredibly versatile and look beautiful on any table. I love arranging them on a warm platter and drizzling the leftover garlic butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or chives for colour.
For a complete meal, pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad. If serving as an appetizer, place toothpicks in each bite and serve them on a platter with the butter sauce pooled in the centre for dipping. A final grind of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes adds a great finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: ~272 kcal
- Protein: ~31 g
- Carbohydrates: ~1-2 g
- Fat: ~15 g
These values may vary slightly depending on the cut of steak and the amount of butter used.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
Once cooled, store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and are perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze steak bites, but the texture changes slightly after thawing. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bites gently in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the meat. Add a touch of butter while reheating to restore some of that original juiciness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why I’m obsessed with this recipe and why you might be too:
- Quick and easy: You can go from prep to plate in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
- Incredible flavour: The seared steak coated in buttery garlic sauce tastes like restaurant quality at home.
- Versatile dish: Serve as a main, appetizer, or party snack—this recipe fits any occasion.
- Customizable: You can tweak herbs, spices, or even the type of steak to your taste.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to make something truly mouth-watering.
Steak bites with garlic butter are one of those recipes that prove simple really can be spectacular. Every bite bursts with flavour, and the whole dish comes together in minutes. If you’re looking for a fast, crowd-pleasing recipe that never fails, this one’s a keeper. Serve it hot, savour the buttery aroma, and enjoy the moment—just like I did!
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting the sirloin into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re as even as possible so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Drying helps get that beautiful sear later.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Cook the cubes for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on at least one side, stirring occasionally for even colour. Work in batches if necessary.
- Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir quickly to coat all the steak pieces in the hot garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant, not brown. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away for the best flavour.
Notes
- I let my steak rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for a more even sear.
- I make sure the pan is super hot before adding the meat; that high heat gives the steak its golden crust.
- I cut my cubes as evenly as possible—smaller pieces tend to overcook quickly.
- After searing, I tilt the pan and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak for extra flavour.
- I always serve immediately; the texture and juiciness are best when the steak bites are freshly cooked.