If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, look no further than garlic butter steak bites. These tender, bite-sized steak pieces are perfectly seared and drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce.. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is bound to be a hit. What’s even better is that it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through each step, give you some tips to perfect the dish, and share a few variations to suit different tastes. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a steakhouse? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Garlic Butter Steak
Before we get into the cooking process, gather all the ingredients to ensure the preparation goes smoothly.
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ – 2 pounds of steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are great choices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended for added flavor)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, but adds an earthy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a zesty kick)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Selecting the Perfect Steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Before cooking, it’s important to select the right cut of steak. While you can use a variety of steak cuts for steak bites, some work better than others due to their tenderness and flavor.
Recommended Steak Cuts:
- Sirloin Steak: This is the most commonly used cut for steak bites because it strikes a balance between tenderness and flavor. It’s also relatively affordable compared to premium cuts.
- Ribeye Steak: Ribeye offers a rich, marbled texture, making it one of the most flavorful cuts. It’s perfect if you’re looking for steak bites that have extra juiciness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): The most tender cut, tenderloin steak bites are incredibly soft and luxurious. However, tenderloin tends to be pricier, so it’s best reserved for special occasions.
Preparing the Steak
1. Trim and Cut the Steak
Start by trimming off any excess fat from your steak to ensure that the bites cook evenly. Then, cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. Try to make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook at the same rate.
2. Season the Steak
Season your steak bites generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor to the steak bites, but you can skip it if you prefer a more basic seasoning. Massage the seasonings into the steak cubes to ensure they’re fully coated.
3. Let the Steak Rest
Once seasoned, let the steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate and ensures even cooking. Bringing the meat closer to room temperature also prevents it from becoming tough when seared at high heat.
Cooking the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
1. Heat the Pan
Choose a large skillet or cast-iron pan for cooking the steak bites. Cast-iron pans are ideal because they retain heat well, ensuring a perfect sear on the steak. Place the pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot until it’s shimmering, but not smoking.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the steak bites to the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan because it can lead to steaming rather than searing the steak. You want the steak bites to develop a deep, caramelized crust, so sear them in batches if necessary.
- Tip: Resist the urge to move the steak around too much. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping. This will give the steak a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Flip the steak bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare steak bites, cook for a total of 4-5 minutes. For medium or well-done bites, cook for 6-7 minutes.
Once the steak is done, transfer the bites to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce The residual heat from cooking the steak will help the butter melt without burning.
- Melt the Butter
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.. Allow the butter to melt completely and begin to foam. - Add Garlic and Herbs
Once the butter is melted, add your minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. Sauté the garlic for 30-60 seconds until it’s fragrant and lightly golden.
Next, add the fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using). These fresh herbs give the sauce a vibrant, aromatic quality. Stir everything together until the herbs are well incorporated into the butter.
- Add Lemon Juice
To brighten up the garlic butter, add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon will cut through the richness of the butter and balance out the dish. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste if needed.
Combining the Steak Bites and Garlic Butter
Now that your garlic butter sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Return the Steak Bites to the Pan
Add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the bites in the sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated with the rich, buttery goodness. - Let the Steak Bites Rest
Remove the skillet from heat and let the steak bites rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the meat to absorb the garlic butter sauce and ensures it stays juicy.
Serving Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Your garlic butter steak bites are now ready to serve! You can enjoy these flavorful bites in several ways:
As a Main Dish: Serve the steak bites alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
As a Party Appetizer: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these steak bites make an excellent appetizer. Stick toothpicks in each bite and serve them on a platter with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
With Pasta or Rice: For a hearty meal, serve the steak bites over a bed of pasta or rice. The garlic butter sauce will seep into the noodles or grains, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Pat the Steak Dry: For the best sear, pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture on the surface of the steak can prevent it from developing a crust.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Make sure you sauté it over medium heat and keep stirring to avoid scorching.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even basil to personalize the flavor of your garlic butter sauce.
Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the steak, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or beef broth to add more depth to the sauce.
Variations of Garlic Butter Steak Bites
While the classic garlic butter steak bites recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms
Add some sautéed mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the steak bites. The mushrooms will absorb the garlic butter sauce, adding an earthy, umami flavor to the dish. - Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter, or drizzle in some hot sauce. You can also add jalapeño slices for an extra kick. - Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus
For a complete one-pan meal, add asparagus to the skillet after cooking the steak. Sauté the asparagus in the garlic butter sauce until tender, and serve it alongside the steak bites. - Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites
Take it up a notch by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the steak bites right before serving. The Parmesan will melt slightly, adding a salty, nutty flavor that complements the Garlic Butter Steak.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Steak Bites
If there are any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.. When reheating, avoid microwaving the steak bites, as it can make them tough. Instead, reheat them in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites are a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them as an appetizer