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These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor, ready in just 15 minutes! Perfectly seared steak cubes tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce make for an easy dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or over a hearty salad—they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Bold, buttery, and garlicky—everything you want in a steak bite. The smoked paprika adds just the right touch of depth without overpowering.
- Texture: Tender, juicy steak with that beautiful seared crust. Perfectly cooked bites every time.
- Ease: Quick and fuss-free. You’re looking at 15 minutes from start to finish, and no complicated steps.
- Pros: It’s fast, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it works with almost any steak cut you’ve got on hand.
- Considerations: You have to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, keep a close eye on the garlic—it can go from golden to burned real quickly.
- Recipe Repeatability: 10/10. It’s a weeknight winner and fancy enough to impress guests. Definitely going into the regular rotation!
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate combination of quick, easy, and delicious. Juicy cubes of steak are seared to perfection in a hot skillet, creating that irresistible golden crust, then tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. The best part? This all comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something impressive without the hassle.
Serve these steak bites as a satisfying main dish alongside mashed potatoes or rice, as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even over a fresh, hearty salad for a lighter option. No matter how you serve them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast—everyone loves that tender steak coated in garlicky goodness!
Ingredients Needed for Tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Steak: Go for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip. They’re flavorful, cook quickly, and stay tender. Avoid tougher cuts unless you’re up for marinating first.
- Salt: Kosher salt works best here—it’s easy to sprinkle evenly and helps with that perfect sear.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a bolder kick than pre-ground.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter. Regular paprika works, too, but you’ll miss that bit of smokiness.
- Olive Oil: Use a high smoke-point olive oil for searing. Avocado oil also works well if you want an alternative.
- Unsalted Butter: It lets you control the salt level. If you only have salted butter, just cut back a bit on the added salt.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here—skip the pre-minced stuff in a jar. For a milder garlic flavor, you could use roasted garlic instead.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have it, skip it or try a sprinkle of chives for a slightly different vibe.
Tips for Choosing the Best Steak
The best steak for garlic butter steak bites is a tender cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy. Here are the top options:
- Sirloin: A lean, flavorful, and budget-friendly choice.
- Ribeye: Rich and marbled with fat, ribeye is more indulgent and stays juicy when seared.
- Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): The most tender cut with a soft texture and mild flavor. Ideal for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- New York Strip: Well-marbled and flavorful, it’s slightly firmer than ribeye but still tender.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick
- Roasted Garlic Twist: If you’re a garlic lover, roast whole garlic cloves in the butter instead of just minced garlic. It’ll give a rich, mellow garlic flavor.
- Herb Swap: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can replace parsley for an aromatic twist.
- Saucy Addition: Deglaze the pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar after cooking the steak bites for an extra layer of flavor.
- Butter Alternatives: Swap out the butter for ghee or herb-infused olive oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Citrus Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a touch of zest right before serving adds brightness and balance
- Protein Substitutes: Want to switch it up? Try this recipe with chicken thighs, shrimp, or pork tenderloin cut into similar bite-sized pieces.
How To Make The Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1. Season the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2. Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until it’s nice and hot.
Step 3. Sear the Steak
Add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let them cook for 1-3 minutes per side, until a nice golden sear forms. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once seared, remove the steak bites and set them aside.
Step 4. Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5. Toss and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet, along with any juices. Then, toss them in the garlic butter and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Step 6. Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Recipe Tips
- Pat the Steak Dry: Moisture prevents browning. Use paper towels to dry the steak cubes before seasoning.
- Get the Pan Hot: A hot pan is key for that perfect sear. You want to hear a good sizzle when the steak hits the skillet.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the steak space to sear properly. If needed, work in batches to keep the pan hot and avoid steaming the meat.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast! Add it after you reduce the heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Rest the Steak: After searing, a quick minute to rest the steak bites will help lock in all those flavorful juices.
- Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can take these steak bites up a notch.
- Work Quickly: The steak cooks fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
Recipe FAQs
The best pan for cooking steak bites is hands down a cast iron skillet. It holds heat like a champ and gives you that perfect sear you’re looking for. Stainless steel or carbon steel pans are also great choices because they heat evenly and help you get that golden crust. I’d steer clear of nonstick or thin aluminum pans—they just don’t get hot enough to do the job right.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Steak bites should be seared quickly over high heat to stay tender. Avoid stirring or flipping them too frequently; let them cook undisturbed for 1-3 minutes per side to develop a nice crust.
To get a good sear on your steak, make sure your pan is really hot before the steak goes in. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust. And don’t overcrowd the pan! If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that golden-brown perfection. Work in batches if you need to—trust me, it’s worth it for those tender, flavorful bites.
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used as a shortcut.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the rich, buttery steak bites.
- Roast Potatoes: Crispy and golden roast potatoes are a perfect complement to the juicy steak bites.
- Rice: Serve over white rice, rice pilaf, or wild rice for a hearty base.
- Crusty Bread: Use to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Sautéed Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well.
- Salads: A fresh Caesar salad or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette adds balance.
Storage
Storage: While the steak bites are best enjoyed as soon as they are made, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwaving the steak bites, as they will become dry and rubbery.
To Freeze: The steak tips can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds steak, sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.1 1/2 pounds steak, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get hot.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-3 minutes on each side until a nice sear forms. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 5 cloves garlic
- Return the steak cubes to the skillet along with any juices and toss them in the garlic butter. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to heat through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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Does “1-3 minutes on each side” mean 2 sides (top and bottom, or 6 sides of the cube?
You only flip 1 time. Unless, you would like to cook longer to desired temperature! Enjoy!