If you’re craving a quick, juicy, and flavor-packed meal, you absolutely have to try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. I love this recipe because it transforms simple steak pieces into little bursts of garlicky, buttery heaven in just minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, these steak bites come together fast and taste like you spent hours fussing over them. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce brings rich, savory notes that everyone raves about.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap steak cuts or tweak the spice level easily.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I’m sure yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance of flavors in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Make sure to grab a good-quality steak for the best results!

- Olive oil: Helps get that gorgeous sear and keeps the steak juicy.
- Sirloin steak (or other steak cuts): I love sirloin because it’s flavorful and tender enough when cut into bite-size pieces.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak—season generously!
- Pepper: Adds just enough heat and depth to the meat.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky coating without overpowering the steak.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for that irresistible aroma and taste.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a nice little kick to wake up the flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal touch.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to tweak it to fit your mood, the season, or what’s in your pantry. I’ve tried a few fun variations that you might like, too!
- Add mushrooms: I once tossed in sliced cremini mushrooms to soak up that garlicky butter sauce — the earthiness was incredible.
- Spice it up: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
- Use different herbs: Try thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a woodsy twist.
- Make it keto-friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted veggies to keep it low-carb.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Heat Your Pan
First things first: pat your steak pieces dry with paper towels—this little step makes a huge difference in getting a good crust. Then, heat a large skillet over high heat and add your olive oil. It’s important that the oil is smoking hot before the steak hits the pan; that means the sear will be perfect and juicy. I like to use cast iron for this, but any heavy skillet will do.
Step 2: Sear Your Steak Bites
Place the steak pieces in the pan in a single layer (don’t overcrowd — if needed, cook in batches). Season them with salt and pepper as they start to sizzle. Resist the urge to stir right away! Let them cook untouched for about 2 minutes to develop that caramelized crust, then toss and cook for another 2 minutes until browned. You’ll find that this timing is key to juicy, flavorful bites.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the steak is perfectly seared, transfer it to a plate and lower your heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t clean it out — all those browned bits are pure flavor), add the butter. When it melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—this is when everything comes together.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour that luscious garlic butter sauce right over your steak bites and give everything a good toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. I love serving it immediately while everyone’s eager to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Moisture on steak creates steam, which prevents crust formation. Always dry your meat well!
- Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let the steak develop a golden brown crust before moving it around for max flavor and texture.
- Use the Same Pan: Leaving the browned bits in the skillet when adding the garlic butter sauce adds unbeatable depth.
- Cook in Batches: Overcrowding lowers pan temperature and results in steaming, not searing. Patience here makes all the difference.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things even more—these small touches really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a light arugula salad. For a low-carb twist, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans are great options. Trust me, you’ll find the combo that fits your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, I’ve served garlic butter steak bites skewered on toothpicks as a fancy appetizer—they’re always a hit! Another idea is plating the steak bites over creamy polenta for an elegant, comforting meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool them completely before popping into the fridge to keep things fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen steak bites before, but results are best with fresh-cooked. If you want to freeze, portion them out and wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. When thawed, texture may soften slightly, so reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming leftovers in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through—this helps keep the crust from getting soggy. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that lovely texture.
FAQs
-
What cut of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Sirloin is my go-to because it’s flavorful and tender, but you can also use strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak, or rib eye. Just cut your steak into evenly sized bite pieces for even cooking.
-
Can I make this recipe without red pepper flakes?
Absolutely! Red pepper flakes add a nice little kick, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor. The garlic butter sauce is delicious on its own.
-
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Add the garlic after removing the steak and lowering the heat. Cook it just until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly at high heat, so watch it carefully!
-
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak for even cooking and better searing. Frozen steak tends to release water, which can steam instead of sear your bites.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to meals because it checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. I love how restaurant-quality these bites taste, without the fuss or fancy equipment. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, give it a try—you and your family are going to love it just as much as mine does!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender pieces of sirloin steak seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, this recipe is simple yet packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pound sirloin steak (cut into bite size pieces, or strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak or rib eye)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over high heat until hot to ensure a good sear on the steak bites.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Add the steak pieces to the hot skillet and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for at least 2 minutes to develop a golden brown crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic and lightly browned.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better crust by removing moisture.
- Use a hot pan and avoid stirring too soon to allow proper searing.
- Add garlic only after the steak is cooked to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook steak bites in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a pleasant subtle heat to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g cooked steak bites with sauce)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg


