These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate quick and flavorful dish! The succulent, juicy steak cubes are perfectly seared and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s an explosion of flavors with every bite, making it hard to resist.
Ideal for a busy weeknight or a simple gathering, this recipe is a breeze to prepare and sure to impress. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these steak bites are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them with the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
About the Dish:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that brings restaurant-quality steak flavor to your home in just 15 minutes. The combination of tender sirloin steak and a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce makes this dish both comforting and elegant. The searing process ensures that the steak bites have a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices and giving you melt-in-your-mouth pieces of meat.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Choose the Right Steak: For tender bites, use cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These have enough marbling to ensure a juicy result but remain easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pat the Steak Dry: Before searing, patting the steak cubes dry with a paper towel helps achieve that beautiful crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the steak cubes in batches to avoid steaming them. You want the pieces to brown properly for that deep, rich flavor.
- Timing Matters: Cook the steak bites quickly on high heat to keep them tender and juicy. Overcooking can make them tough.
- Butter and Herbs Finish: Adding butter, garlic, and herbs after the steak is seared allows the flavors to meld perfectly without burning.
Serving Suggestions:
These steak bites are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce for a party-friendly appetizer.
- Main Dish: Pair them with roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta, and a side of vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Salad Topper: Add these flavorful bites to a fresh salad with some cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a balsamic glaze.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Steak Bites: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a little kick.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter for a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Herb Mix & Seasonings: Try adding other herbs like oregano, parsley, or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the steak juicy, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of butter or oil until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the steak.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: The steak provides a great source of protein to keep you full.
- Fats: The dish contains healthy fats from olive oil and butter. If you want to make it lighter, you can reduce the butter by half.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this is the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs makes every bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: These steak bites are naturally low in carbs, making them perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
The Secret to Perfect Searing:
For the best steak bites, use a heavy skillet like cast iron. It retains heat well and provides even searing, which is crucial to getting that golden-brown crust on the steak pieces.
Why Use Garlic Butter for Steak Bites?
Garlic butter elevates the flavor of the steak by adding both richness and depth. The combination of butter and garlic creates a silky sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the beef. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuses a touch of earthiness and aromatic notes that make every bite feel gourmet. Here’s why this garlic butter sauce is a winning choice:
- Butter Adds Richness: Butter is key for adding a smooth and luxurious texture to the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the steak.
- Garlic’s Bold Flavor: Garlic provides a pungent and slightly sweet aroma that blends perfectly with the savory taste of beef.
- Fresh Herbs for Balance: The rosemary and thyme add layers of complexity and freshness, cutting through the richness of the butter.
Pairing Suggestions:
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside your Garlic Butter Steak Bites, here are some great options:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the juicy steak bites. Pour some of that extra garlic butter sauce over the potatoes for an added flavor boost.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots work well for a balanced meal. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies pair nicely with the seared steak.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the steak bites over cauliflower rice. The mild flavor of cauliflower lets the garlic butter sauce shine through.
- Crusty Bread: If you want to soak up every last drop of the garlic butter sauce, serve the steak bites with slices of warm, crusty bread.
Customizing Your Steak Bites:
Feel free to adapt the steak bites to suit your preferences:
- Butter Alternative: You can swap the butter with ghee for a slightly nuttier flavor, or use olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Garlic Intensity: If you’re a garlic lover, increase the amount of garlic to taste, or roast the garlic before adding it to the skillet for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest at the end can brighten up the dish and cut through the richness of the butter.
The Perfect Steak Bites for Any Occasion:
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are versatile and can be served for various occasions:
- Quick Family Dinner: Their fast preparation time makes them a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.
- Appetizers for Entertaining: These steak bites are perfect for parties. They’re easy to eat with toothpicks, making them an ideal appetizer for mingling and social gatherings.
- Meal Prep: Make a batch of these steak bites and portion them out with some roasted vegetables and rice for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Cooking Tips to Achieve Perfection:
- Use High Heat: The key to perfectly seared steak bites is high heat. Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the meat, which will create a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Give each steak bite enough space to sear properly. If the pan is crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that delicious crust.
- Let the Steak Rest Before Cooking: For the best results, let the steak cubes come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This allows for more even cooking.
Wine Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
Pairing the right wine with this dish can elevate your dining experience:
- Red Wines: A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the steak and garlic butter sauce.
- White Wines: If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with some oak aging can complement the buttery notes of the dish. A Sauvignon Blanc with citrus undertones can also balance the richness with its acidity.
Make It a Surf and Turf:
For an indulgent twist, add shrimp to the skillet and make a garlic butter surf and turf. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, and cook them in the same garlic butter sauce alongside the steak bites. The shrimp’s sweetness and the steak’s savory flavor create a delightful contrast.
Dietary Adaptations:
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, this recipe can be adapted:
- Gluten-Free: The steak bites are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you’re adding soy sauce for additional flavor.
- Paleo-Friendly: To make the dish paleo-friendly, substitute the butter with ghee or coconut oil.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
Making a Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
If you’d like to make the sauce a little richer, you can easily transform it into a creamy garlic butter sauce. After cooking the garlic in the butter, add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, and then return the steak bites to the pan to coat them in the creamy goodness.
Storage & Freezing Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the Steak Bites: You can freeze the cooked steak bites in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to entertaining guests. With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of 15 minutes, they deliver a deliciously rich flavor with every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, paired with sides for a full meal, or adapted to your dietary preferences, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for steak lovers seeking a savory and satisfying dish. Enjoy the simplicity, elegance, and bold flavors of this easy steak recipe!