Garlic butter steak bites are the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chunks of steak seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic herb butter sauce—what’s not to love? This simple yet indulgent recipe has quickly become a favorite among home cooks, and for good reason. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about garlic butter steak bites—from choosing the right cut of meat, cooking tips, how to serve them, and answers to the most common questions. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress.
What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Garlic butter steak bites are small, bite-sized pieces of steak that are pan-seared until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re then tossed in a decadent garlic butter sauce made with fresh garlic, butter, and herbs like parsley or thyme. The result is a rich, savory dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
This dish is often served as a main course alongside vegetables, potatoes, or rice, but it’s just as popular as a party appetizer or snack. What makes it so appealing is how quickly it comes together—most versions can be made in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Packed with flavor: Garlic, butter, and herbs elevate the natural flavor of the steak.
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Versatile: Great as a main dish, side dish, or party snack.
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Crowd-pleasing: It’s hard to go wrong with juicy steak and garlic butter.
If you’re searching for a satisfying, protein-rich meal that doesn’t require complicated steps or ingredients, garlic butter steak bites check all the boxes.
Best Cut of Meat for Steak Bites
For the most tender and flavorful results, use a cut of steak that stays juicy when pan-seared. Here are some excellent options:
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Sirloin steak: Affordable and tender, sirloin is a go-to choice.
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Ribeye: Rich and well-marbled, ribeye adds more flavor but is a bit pricier.
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Tenderloin (filet mignon): Extremely tender but also the most expensive.
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New York strip: Another flavorful option that sears beautifully.
Avoid tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak unless you marinate them first, as they can become chewy when cooked quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients:
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Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or your choice)
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Butter
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Garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
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Fresh parsley (or other herbs like thyme or rosemary)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Optional ingredients like red chili flakes or lemon zest can add a pop of heat or brightness, depending on your taste preferences.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Cut the steak: Slice your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.
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Season: Generously season with salt and pepper.
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Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) and sear the steak bites in batches until they’re browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness.
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Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped herbs.
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Combine: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
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Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with more fresh herbs or chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter steak bites pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few favorites:
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Roasted or mashed potatoes
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Steamed or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
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Rice or pasta
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette
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A fresh garden salad or coleslaw
You can also serve them as party food with toothpicks, dipping sauces, or on skewers.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the steak and dry it out.
Tips for Success
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
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Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for even searing.
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Use high heat to get a good sear quickly without overcooking the inside.
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Don’t skip resting the steak before tossing it in the sauce to keep the juices in.
If you’re enjoying this recipe, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest to discover more quick and delicious meals like this one. You can also pin and save the recipe for easy access later.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Steak Bites
1. Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw the steak completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
2. What kind of pan is best for searing steak bites?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains and distributes heat evenly.
3. How long should I cook the steak bites?
About 2–3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the cubes and your preferred doneness.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and garlic butter in advance to save time.
5. What herbs go well with garlic butter steak?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or chives all work well.
6. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a kick.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use plain ingredients without added sauces.
8. Can I use chicken or shrimp instead of steak?
Definitely! The garlic butter works wonderfully with other proteins too.
9. What’s the best way to reheat steak bites?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil for best texture.
10. How do I keep the steak from becoming tough?
Don’t overcook it. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the most tender results.
11. Can I add vegetables to the same skillet?
Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini cook well alongside steak bites.
12. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a vegan or plant-based butter alternative.
13. What can I do with leftover steak bites?
Add them to tacos, wraps, salads, or even stir-fries the next day.
14. Is it necessary to marinate the steak first?
Not required, but a quick marinade with olive oil, garlic, and herbs adds extra flavor if you have time.
15. Can I cook this in an air fryer?
You can cook the steak in an air fryer, but you’ll need to toss it in garlic butter afterward on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites are the ultimate solution for anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal with bold flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe will never fail to impress.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Stir in chopped parsley and any optional flavor enhancers like red pepper flakes or lemon zest.
- Serve hot as a main dish with your favorite side or as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
