Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect choice. Juicy, tender pieces of steak seared to perfection and tossed in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect as a main course, appetizer, or even a snack. Pair these steak bites with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations!

What are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are seared in a hot pan to create a golden-brown crust, then finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. The steak is usually seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, allowing the natural beefy flavor to shine. This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a main dish, with sides, or even as an appetizer for a special occasion.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

To make these delicious garlic butter steak bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Substitutions and Variations

This garlic butter steak bites recipe is simple and versatile. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to suit your taste:

• Steak options: You can use any tender cut of steak you prefer, such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip. Sirloin is great for its balance of tenderness and affordability.
• Herbs: Feel free to switch up the herbs. If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, you can use fresh parsley, oregano, or basil instead.
• Garlic butter variation: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also stir in a bit of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Side options: Pair the steak bites with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or sautéed vegetables. They’re also great served over a salad or in a sandwich for a quick meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels (this helps achieve a better sear) and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until it’s shimmering.
3. Sear the Steak: Add the steak bites to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is about 125°F). Remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Toss the Steak in Garlic Butter: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the steak is heated through and fully coated in the buttery goodness.
6. Serve: Remove the steak bites from the skillet and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites until browned.
• Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce by melting butter and sautéing garlic and herbs.
• Step 4: Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
• Step 5: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Don’t crowd the steak bites in the pan, as this will cause them to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed to ensure the steak gets a nice crust.
• Cooking the steak too long: Steak bites cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer them more done, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast, so be careful not to burn it when making the garlic butter sauce. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat and keep stirring.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These garlic butter steak bites are delicious on their own, but you can make them even better with thoughtful presentation and sides. Here’s how you can serve them:

• Main course: Serve the steak bites over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a comforting meal. You can also pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced plate.
• Appetizer: For an impressive appetizer, serve the steak bites on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of garlic butter sauce for dipping. Add lemon wedges and garnish with parsley for a pop of color.
• Steak bowl: Create a steak bowl by serving the steak bites over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice, topped with avocado slices, salsa, and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a fresh, zesty twist.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Individual plates: Serve the steak bites on individual plates with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice, and drizzle extra garlic butter over the top.
• Family-style: Serve the steak bites in a large dish or cast-iron skillet, garnished with fresh herbs. Let everyone help themselves, and place lemon wedges on the side for added flavor.
• Over pasta: Toss the steak bites with cooked pasta and a little more melted butter for an indulgent steak and pasta dish.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Cast-iron skillet: Serve the steak bites straight from the cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
• Wooden board: For a fun, casual dinner, serve the steak bites on a wooden cutting board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces, like garlic butter or chimichurri.
• Garnished with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips

• Use a hot skillet: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak bites to get a nice, caramelized sear. A hot pan helps develop a flavorful crust on the outside of the steak.
• Rest the steak bites: Let the steak bites rest for a minute or two after cooking so the juices redistribute, keeping them tender and juicy.
• Add lemon for brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the best cut of steak to use for steak bites?
A: Sirloin is a great option because it’s tender and relatively affordable, but you can also use more premium cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip. Just be sure to trim off excess fat and cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.

Q: Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use fresh steak, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps the steak sear properly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.

Q: How do I store leftover steak bites?
A: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter if needed.

Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re out, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even as a party appetizer. With tender steak bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter steak bites!

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