Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are a perfect dish for those who love the rich, savory flavor of steak but want a meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish features tender bites of steak seared to perfection and drenched in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, a quick appetizer, or a special meal, steak bites are versatile and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Quick and Easy: Steak bites take only minutes to cook, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce elevates the steak, creating a rich, indulgent flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and pair the steak bites with various sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad.
- Appetizer or Main Dish: Steak bites can be served as an appetizer for gatherings or as the main star of your meal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet: Cast iron works best to give the steak bites a perfect sear.
- Tongs or wooden spoon: For turning the steak bites.
- Sharp knife: To cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board: For prepping the steak and garlic.
- Measuring spoons: To measure out the spices.
- Serving plate: To present the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Cut the Steak: Start by cutting the sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and makes the steak easier to eat.
- Season the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the steak evenly with the seasoning.
- Let It Rest: Allow the seasoned steak to rest for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, reduce the heat slightly.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and fresh thyme leaves, allowing them to infuse the butter with flavor. Remove the garlic butter from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it get hot. You want the pan to be very hot so that the steak bites get a nice sear.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Once the skillet is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to work in batches to ensure the steak gets a good sear.
- Cook the Steak: Sear the steak bites for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- Rest the Steak: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes while you finish the garlic butter.
Step 4: Combine Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Pour the Garlic Butter: Once the steak bites have rested, drizzle the garlic butter over them. Toss the steak bites in the butter so that each piece is coated.
- Optional Lemon Juice: For a bit of brightness, you can drizzle a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the steak bites. This balances the richness of the butter with a zesty finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives or additional parsley over the steak bites for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve the steak bites immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
- Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin is a great option for steak bites because it’s tender, flavorful, and not too fatty. You can also use ribeye or New York strip for an extra indulgent dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the skillet will cause the steak bites to steam rather than sear. Work in batches if needed to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use High Heat: Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the steak bites. This helps achieve a good sear and locks in the juices.
- Garlic Butter Timing: Be careful not to burn the garlic while making the butter. Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s fragrant.
- Rest the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more crushed red pepper for heat or a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Variations of Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Steak Bites with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the steak bites. Sauté them in the remaining steak juices, then mix them with the garlic butter for an extra savory dish.
- Spicy Steak Bites: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Steak Bites: Add extra fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of citrus flavor that brightens the dish.
- Steak Bites with Asparagus: Serve the steak bites with sautéed asparagus or green beans for a complete meal. You can cook the vegetables in the same skillet to infuse them with steak flavor.
- Steak Bites with Creamy Sauce: For a richer version, you can make a creamy garlic sauce using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle it over the steak bites for an indulgent dish.
Serving Suggestions
Steak bites are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your garlic butter steak bites:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with steak, and they soak up the garlic butter beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve steak bites with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf complements the rich flavors of the steak bites.
- Crispy French Fries: Steak and fries are a match made in heaven. Serve the steak bites with crispy French fries for a casual, yet satisfying meal.
- Garlic Bread: Mop up the extra garlic butter with warm, crusty garlic bread.
Conclusion
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter is an easy and incredibly flavorful dish that brings steakhouse-quality flavors to your kitchen in just minutes. The combination of tender steak bites, rich garlic butter, and fresh herbs makes this recipe a standout, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress. Give this recipe a try for your next dinner, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of garlic butter steak bites!
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are a perfect dish for those who love the rich, savory flavor of steak but want a meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish features tender bites of steak seared to perfection and drenched in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, a quick appetizer, or a special meal, steak bites are versatile and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps achieve a better sear).
Season the steak pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). - Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. - Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). - Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the seared steak bites back to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until well coated.
Cook for an additional 1 minute to warm the steak bites through. - Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Remove the steak bites from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.