The Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Tender, Juicy, and Ready in Under 20 Minutes
Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these incredibly tender and juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Each succulent piece of steak is generously coated in the most irresistible garlicky butter sauce, delivering a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a hot skillet, you can whip up this sensational meal in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings, quick lunches, or even an impressive appetizer.
It seems my children have inherited my husband’s deep appreciation for classic meat and potatoes dishes. This is especially true for my teenage daughter, an avid athlete who would happily enjoy some variation of red meat and mashed potatoes every single night of the week. Her demanding sports schedule often means I’m packing quick, nutritious dinners to be eaten on the go, between practices. While a full steak dinner might seem challenging to pack for the car, I’ve found the perfect solution that she absolutely adores.
My secret weapon? These incredible garlic butter steak bites! Not only are they outrageously delicious, but they also provide an easy-to-eat, high-protein meal that’s perfect for her active lifestyle. I’ve made these savory bites countless times over the past few months, and they’ve become a staple in our household. I’m thrilled to finally share this fantastic recipe with you. You know I’m all about quick and easy meals that truly deliver on flavor, and this one hits all the right notes!
These versatile steak bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a comforting meal, serve them alongside my Parmesan Baby Potatoes Recipe or creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. The rich garlic butter sauce beautifully complements almost any accompaniment.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Once you try these Garlic Butter Steak Bites, they’re sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Effortlessly Delicious: While these steak bites taste like they came from a fancy restaurant, the recipe is incredibly simple to follow. Your family will be convinced you spent hours in the kitchen, and you can happily let them believe it!
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a flavorful, satisfying dinner without the fuss.
- Perfect for On-the-Go Meals: These delicious steak bites are not just for dinner at home. They pack beautifully for lunch or dinner on the go. I’ve often packed them in a thermos, keeping them warm and tender for a nutritious meal between activities.
- Flexible with Steak Cuts: You can use a variety of steak cuts depending on what you have on hand or what’s on sale. Ribeye, New York strip steaks, sirloin, or filet mignon all work exceptionally well. My personal favorites for tenderness and flavor are filet and New York strip.
- Incredibly Versatile: This is the ultimate easy protein that pairs perfectly with nearly any side dish your family loves. We enjoy them with potatoes, crisp green beans, roasted asparagus, or even rice. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a festive holiday spread or game day feast.
Looking for more quick and delicious weeknight dinner ideas? Be sure to try my popular One-Pan Chicken Orzo Skillet or my flavorful Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how few ingredients you actually need to create such a drool-worthy dinner. Simplicity meets incredible flavor here:
- Steak: You’ll need about 2 pounds of good quality steak. Excellent choices include New York strip steak, filet mignon, or ribeye. Cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out its natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: (Optional, but highly recommended) Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: A high-smoke-point oil is crucial for searing the steak at high temperatures without burning. Avocado oil is a great choice.
- Butter: The star of the sauce, providing richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.
- Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely key for that irresistible aromatic garlic butter sauce. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic delivers superior flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: (Optional, but truly recommended) A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a vibrant color and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that truly takes the dish up a notch.
Table of Contents
ToggleStep by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly seared, juicy steak bites with an incredible garlic butter sauce. The key is to work quickly and not overcrowd your pan for the best results.
Step One: Prepare the Steak. Begin by thoroughly patting the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a beautiful sear and crispy exterior. Once dry, generously season the steak with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step Two: Sear the Steak Bites. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add the avocado oil (or olive oil). Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. If necessary, work in batches to avoid steaming the meat. Remove the seared steak to a plate or cutting board and set aside.
Step Three: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and minced fresh garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be very careful not to let the garlic burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. You want it fragrant and slightly golden.
Step Four: Combine and Garnish. Return the seared steak bites to the pan with the aromatic garlic butter sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the steak pieces are thoroughly coated. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful garnish and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful steak bites every time is easy with a few simple techniques:
- Room Temperature and Dry Steak: Always bring your steak to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This promotes more even cooking. Crucially, do not skip the step of patting the steak pieces very dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface will steam the meat instead of searing it, preventing that desired crispy, browned exterior.
- Use a Very Hot Skillet: High heat is your best friend for achieving a fantastic sear and a delicious crust on your steak. Make sure your cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan is smoking hot and the oil is shimmering before adding the cubed steak. This rapid searing locks in juices and develops deep flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is a common mistake that leads to steamed, grey steak instead of beautifully seared, browned pieces. If you have a lot of steak, work in batches. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece for proper airflow and direct contact with the hot pan.
- Don’t Overcook: Steak bites cook very quickly due to their small size. Sear them for just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and dry. They should be nicely browned on the outside and still tender on the inside.
- Fresh Herbs for a Flourish: While optional, fresh herbs like parsley or even finely chopped green onions truly elevate this dish, especially if you’re serving it for guests. They add a vibrant freshness and a professional touch to both flavor and presentation.
- Adjust Garlic to Taste: Four cloves provide a robust garlic flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, start with 2-3 cloves. For an extra garlic punch, you can add a touch more, but be mindful not to burn it.
Meal Prep and Storage
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are not only fantastic fresh off the skillet but also make excellent meal prep for later in the week:
- Streamline Your Prep Day: To save precious time during busy evenings, consider doing some prep work in advance. Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces and mince your garlic on your meal prep day. Store both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This simple step not only speeds up dinner but also helps keep your kitchen tidy.
- Proper Storage: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They hold their flavor and texture remarkably well.
- Easy Reheating: Reheat leftovers beautifully in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender interior, or gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. This makes them ideal for quick lunches or effortless weeknight meals the next day. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture.
Creative Serving Suggestions
While delicious on their own, these garlic butter steak bites truly shine when paired with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Comfort: Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or even a fluffy bed of white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Vibrant Vegetables: Pair with steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss the steak bites and their sauce with your favorite pasta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a touch more fresh parsley for a quick and satisfying pasta dish.
- Appetizer Extravaganza: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy and elegant appetizer at your next gathering.
- Hearty Salad Topper: Let the steak bites cool slightly and add them to a robust salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing for a protein-packed meal.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic garlic butter steak bites are perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize them with these exciting variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Herb Infusion: Incorporate a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest into the garlic butter sauce, along with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Balsamic Glaze: After cooking, drizzle the steak bites with a reduced balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Parmesan Perfection: Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese with the garlic butter for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before or after the steak bites, then add them back into the garlic butter sauce with the steak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making garlic butter steak bites:
- What kind of steak is best for steak bites? For the best results, choose tender cuts like New York strip, ribeye, or filet mignon. Sirloin can also work well and is a more budget-friendly option. The key is to cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- How do I know when the steak bites are done? Due to their small size, steak bites cook quickly. For medium-rare to medium, sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a nice brown crust. They should still feel slightly tender when pressed. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- Can I use frozen steak? Yes, but ensure the steak is completely thawed and patted very dry before seasoning and cooking. Cooking from frozen will result in a tougher texture and won’t allow for a good sear.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning? The trick is to add the garlic only after removing the steak from the pan and reducing the heat to low. Garlic burns quickly at high temperatures. Sauté it for just about 1 minute until fragrant, then immediately add the steak back to the pan.
- Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time? You can cube the steak and mince the garlic a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, for the best taste and texture, cook the steak bites fresh just before serving.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with steak bites? These are incredibly versatile! Classic choices include mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta. For vegetables, think roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds steak ribeye, NY Strip, or filet mignon cut into bite-sized pieces -I prefer NY strip or filet.
- 1 ½- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper optional
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 T finely chopped fresh parsley optional, but yum
Instructions
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Pat the cubed steak dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
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Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the oil. After the oil starts shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. Then remove the steak bites to a plate or cutting board.
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Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter and garlic to the skillet. Saute for one minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
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Add the steak bites back to the pan and stir with the garlic butter sauce to coat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for garnish. Or you could add the parsley right into the butter, making a delicious herb butter sauce.
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Serve with a salad, over mashed potatoes, a side of rice, or enjoy the bites as a yummy appetizer!
Notes
- Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking, and do not skip the step where you dry the pieces well before cooking. This will make sure you get the crispy finish we are looking for here.
- Use a hot skillet – high temperatures are the secret to a good sear and that nice crust on your cooked steak. Make sure that oil is hot before you add the cubed steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed, so every piece of steak gets browned.
- If you are making this for company, fresh herbs really takes it over the top. I love using parsley, but green onions would also be yum).