Oh, I just adore this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe! It’s one of those quick, flavorful dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together in no time. Whenever I need a hearty meal that still feels a bit fancy, this recipe is my go-to — it’s perfect for weeknights after work or when friends drop by last minute.
You’ll find that the combination of juicy steak pieces coated in garlicky butter with a hint of fresh parsley makes every bite irresistible. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, so even if you’re not a steak pro, you’ll nail it easily and impress everyone around your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Bomb: Garlic butter creates an irresistible, rich coating on every steak bite.
- Easy to Customize: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick or swap herbs to your liking.
- Family Favorite: My family races to get to the plate every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are simple yet come together beautifully to make those steak bites tender and flavorful. I always suggest fresh garlic to elevate the taste, and a quality steak makes all the difference.
- Avocado oil: It’s great for high-heat cooking without burning.
- Steak: I love using sirloin or ribeye for tender, juicy bites.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a necessary gentle heat and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a subtle spicy kick.
- Butter or ghee: This is the star that creates the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to give that unmistakable garlic punch.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Green onion: Perfect as a garnish to add a mild oniony bite.
Variations
I like to play around with this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe sometimes — that’s part of the fun! You can easily customize it to match your mood or what you have in the fridge, and it always turns out great.
- Spicy variation: I add a pinch more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce — my husband loves that extra heat.
- Herb twist: Sometimes I swap parsley for cilantro or add fresh thyme when I want a different flavor profile.
- Keto-friendly: This recipe fits perfectly into a low-carb diet — just serve with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
- Mushroom addition: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy boost that pairs beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Steak Bites
Start by tossing your steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. I usually do this directly in a bowl or zip-top bag to ensure everything’s evenly coated. This seasoning step really helps build that incredible flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Searing the Steak Bites
Heat your skillet on medium-high and add the avocado oil — it’s great because it can handle the heat without smoking. Spread the steak in a single layer so they sear nicely rather than steam. I usually cook them about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they get a lovely brown crust. If your pan is small, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding; trust me, it makes all the difference.
Step 3: Making Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the steak bites have cooked, remove them and wipe out any water released during cooking from the pan. Then add butter or ghee straight to the pan. When melted, toss in minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it!
Step 4: Combining and Finishing
Return the steak bites to the pan and stir them in the garlic butter sauce for another 1-2 minutes to soak up all the deliciousness. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. I love how the parsley brightens the richness of the butter and garlic. Then garnish with some chopped green onions right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Steak: I learned that letting steak sit out for 20 minutes before cooking makes the bites cook evenly and brown beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches helps you get a better sear and avoids steaming the meat.
- Watch That Garlic Closely: Garlic burns fast! I always sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute.
- Rest Briefly After Cooking: Let the steak bites rest a couple of minutes off the heat before serving to keep them juicy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish my Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and chopped parsley — it adds freshness and a little crunch. Sometimes, I add a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, especially if I’m serving this in the summer.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or even a simple crisp salad. When I’m in a hurry, I whip up some steamed broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil — quick and healthy!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I sometimes serve these steak bites on skewers as appetizers, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like horseradish cream or chimichurri. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting on the platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge — they keep well for up to 3 days. When I’ve reheated, they’re still juicy and flavorful, which is great for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times successfully. Just cool completely, pack in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw, I recommend overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or oil to refresh the garlicky coating. Microwaving works too but be careful not to overcook and dry out the steak bites.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of steak for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness and flavor, you can use flank steak, strip steak, or even tenderloin. Just cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
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How do I keep the steak bites tender and juicy?
Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear, and cook the steak bites quickly over medium-high heat. Letting the meat rest a couple of minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices and keeps them tender.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free butter or ghee and double-check that any added seasonings contain no gluten.
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Can I add vegetables to the pan?
You can definitely add quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms after searing the steak. Just sauté them briefly in the garlic butter before mixing everything together for a complete dish.
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Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
Freshly minced garlic really makes a difference; it’s more fragrant and flavorful. However, pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch—just use a bit less and add it carefully since it cooks faster and can burn easily.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe comes together: simple, fast, and packed with flavor. It’s become one of my favorite recipes to reach for when I want something both comforting and a little indulgent without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try next time you want to impress at dinner or just treat yourself — I promise, you’ll be hooked the first time you take that buttery, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and delicious dish featuring tender, perfectly seared steak pieces tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, they make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 pounds of steak, cut into small bite size pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak: In a mixing bowl, combine the steak bites with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to evenly coat all pieces with the seasoning.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil once the pan is hot, then arrange the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides. If your skillet is small, cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove any excess water or residue from the skillet to ensure the butter browns nicely. Add the butter or ghee and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the pan with the garlic butter. Stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the steak thoroughly in the sauce and allow flavors to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a high-quality steak such as sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the steak to get a good sear and avoid steaming the meat.
- You can substitute ghee for butter if you prefer a dairy-free fat.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
- Serve these steak bites over rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
