Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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Sizzling, juicy, and irresistibly tender — Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate indulgence in bite-sized form. Each seared cube of steak is packed with flavor, drenched in a golden garlic butter sauce, and finished with fresh herbs for that restaurant-quality touch. This dish delivers bold taste and rich aroma in just minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or impressive appetizers.

These steak bites are perfect on their own, but also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder these buttery steak morsels are such a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing a hearty dinner or a shareable snack, this recipe is fast, foolproof, and undeniably satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

• It’s quick — ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Requires minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.
• Packed with flavor thanks to the garlic butter and perfectly seared crust.
• Great for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prepping.
• Adaptable — enjoy it with veggies, grains, or in wraps.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Garlic Butter Steak Bites, start by gathering a few essential kitchen tools:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: This ensures high heat retention for a great sear.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the steak into even, bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board: Preferably one used for meat.
• Tongs or Spatula: To turn and toss the steak bites evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: For seasoning the steak evenly before cooking.

Each of these tools plays a vital role. A cast iron skillet creates that beautiful caramelized crust, a sharp knife gives clean cuts (avoiding tearing the meat), and tongs allow you to handle the steak without piercing it and losing juices.

Preparation Tips

For the juiciest steak bites, bring your steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help achieve a perfect crust. Season generously — don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak to get that rich brown sear without overcooking the inside. Finally, add the garlic butter after removing the skillet from direct heat to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye, New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

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Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by removing the steak from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. This brings the meat to room temperature and helps it cook more evenly. Trim any excess fat and cut the steak into uniform, 1-inch cubes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels — moisture prevents browning.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Place the steak cubes into a bowl and season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat each piece evenly. This seasoning forms the base of the flavor and enhances the steak’s natural richness.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Place a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot — almost to the point of smoking. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. The oil should shimmer immediately; this means it’s ready for the steak.

Step 4: Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed. Let the cubes sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side. This creates a rich, golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat until all sides are browned and the internal temperature hits your preferred doneness (about 130–135°F for medium-rare).

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once all steak bites are browned, reduce heat to low. Add butter directly to the pan. When the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not overcook the garlic — it should be aromatic, not browned.

Step 6: Coat and Finish

Return all steak bites to the pan if you cooked in batches. Toss them in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes until fully coated. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and, if using, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

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Notes

The key to perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites lies in using high heat and not overcrowding the pan. This ensures a caramelized crust without steaming the meat. You can adjust the flavor profile by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra umami. These steak bites can be tailored to any preference — spicy, herby, or even slightly tangy with a squeeze of lemon at the end.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan: This is the most common mistake. It causes the steak to steam instead of sear.
• Skipping the dry pat: Moisture on the steak prevents a proper crust from forming.
• Using cold steak: Cold meat won’t cook evenly and may end up tough.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly — always reduce the heat before adding it.
• Not preheating the skillet: A hot pan is crucial for the Maillard reaction (browning).

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Storage Instructions

Leftover steak bites should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes to avoid drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak rubbery. If freezing, place cooled steak in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 6 oz)
• Calories: ~410 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin work beautifully. Just ensure it’s a tender cut.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Any heavy-bottomed pan will work — the key is that it retains heat well for proper searing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and garlic ahead, but it’s best cooked fresh to maintain tenderness and sear.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto diets.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best, but in a pinch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder can be used.

What sides go well with steak bites?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or even pasta make great pairings.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer: 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, but sear the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The rich garlic butter coating and perfectly seared beef make it an irresistible favorite — and once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

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