Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delicious, quick, and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or even as an appetizer. Tender, juicy pieces of steak are seared to perfection and then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Let's dive into this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and serving suggestions.

this Recipe

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What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are small, bite-sized pieces of steak that are quickly seared in a hot skillet and then tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. The steak gets a perfect crust from being cooked at a high temperature, while the garlic butter adds a rich, mouthwatering flavor. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to salads or even over rice or pasta.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this quick and easy steak dish:

• 1 ½ pounds steak (sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the steak)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Steak Cuts: Use your favorite cut of steak—sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip are all great options. For a more budget-friendly option, try using flank or skirt steak, but be sure to cook these cuts quickly to avoid toughness.
• Butter Alternatives: If you want to reduce the amount of butter, you can substitute part of the butter with olive oil or ghee. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or a plant-based spread.
• Herbs: Swap the thyme with rosemary, oregano, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work too.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a little heat.
• Extra Garlic: For garlic lovers, feel free to add more garlic to the butter sauce, or toss in whole, lightly crushed garlic cloves while cooking for extra flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this will help the steak sear and get a nice crust. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. The skillet needs to be hot so the steak bites sear properly.

3. Sear the Steak Bites

Once the skillet is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the steak in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a nice brown crust forms. Flip the steak bites and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned on all sides. For medium-rare, cook for a total of 4-5 minutes. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the thyme and stir to combine.

5. Toss the Steak in the Garlic Butter

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece is coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the steak through and infuse it with the garlic butter flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the steak bites with chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired, and enjoy immediately.

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

Step 1: Cutting the Steak

Cut the steak into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Patting the steak dry helps create a beautiful sear when it hits the hot skillet.

Step 2: Searing the Steak

A hot skillet is key to getting a good crust on the steak bites. Avoid overcrowding the pan—if there are too many steak pieces, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook the steak in batches if necessary to give each piece room to brown.

Step 3: Making the Garlic Butter

Once the steak is seared, making the garlic butter sauce only takes a couple of minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn—garlic cooks quickly, and you want it fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Tossing in the Garlic Butter

After the garlic butter is ready, toss the steak bites back into the skillet to soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness. This step ensures every bite is infused with flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the steak bites. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of getting a nice sear. Work in batches if necessary.
2. Not Patting the Steak Dry: Patting the steak dry with paper towels before cooking helps ensure a good sear. Moisture on the surface of the steak can prevent browning.
3. Overcooking the Steak: Steak bites cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. For medium-rare, cook for about 4-5 minutes total. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for an additional minute or two.
4. Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly, and burnt garlic can taste bitter. Be sure to cook the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before tossing the steak back into the skillet.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve and present them:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• As an Appetizer: Serve the steak bites with toothpicks as an easy, shareable appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Turn these steak bites into a complete meal by serving them over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• With Veggies: Pair the steak bites with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a simple salad for a balanced meal. You can also toss them into a stir-fry for added protein.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve the steak bites with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even rosemary over the steak bites for a burst of color and added flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve the steak bites with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice over the steak right before serving enhances the flavors.
• On a Skewer: For a fun presentation, thread the steak bites onto skewers before serving. This works well for parties or BBQs where finger foods are preferred.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in this recipe, adding bold flavor to the butter sauce. Minced garlic is best, but you can also use a garlic press for convenience.
• Rest the Steak: After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping the steak bites juicy and tender.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to customize the garlic butter sauce by adding red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and cooking it. Cooking frozen steak bites may cause them to release extra moisture and prevent a good sear.

What type of steak is best for steak bites?

Sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and strip steak are all excellent choices for steak bites because they are tender and flavorful. For a more budget-friendly option, flank steak or skirt steak can work, but be sure to cook them quickly to avoid toughness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, or

enjoy them cold in a salad or sandwich.

Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! You can cook steak bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. After cooking, toss the steak bites in melted garlic butter before serving.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as the star of a main course, these tender, juicy steak bites tossed in rich garlic butter are sure to be a hit. With only a handful of ingredients and just 15 minutes of cooking time, it’s the ideal recipe for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. So grab your favorite cut of steak, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this savory, mouthwatering dish!

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