If you are on the hunt for a quick yet indulgent dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality treat, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Tender, juicy steak cubes seared to perfection and then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce create a harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, accented by the smokiness of paprika and the freshness of parsley, making this dish an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that will soon become your go-to for steak cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in layering flavor, adding texture, and bringing vibrant color to the plate. From the perfectly seasoned steak to the rich garlic butter sauce, everything combines beautifully with minimal effort.
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose well-marbled cuts for tender, juicy bites that sear up beautifully and stay flavorful.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a delicious smoky warmth that complements the beef perfectly without overpowering it.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory depth with a subtle sweetness, rounding out the steak’s flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Used for searing, it helps develop a rich crust while keeping the meat moist.
- Butter: The star of the sauce, it brings a velvety richness that coats every bite in indulgence.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced fresh for the brightest, most pungent garlic flavor that sings in the butter sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Sprinkled on top to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the steak’s natural flavors.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Delivers a sharp, peppery bite that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Patting your steak pieces dry with a paper towel is key for achieving that irresistible sear. Moisture creates steam and prevents a crust from forming, so don’t skip this step. Once dry, season generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. This straightforward spice mix enhances the steak’s natural flavors without overshadowing the buttery garlic sauce that comes later.
Step 2: Heat Your Pan and Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Adding half the steak cubes in a single layer, give them space to develop a golden-brown crust – resist the urge to stir or move them too soon. After 2-3 minutes per side, the steak will have a beautiful sear; cook to your preferred doneness. Remove these bites and repeat with the remaining steak pieces and olive oil, ensuring each is perfectly browned and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Without cleaning the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low to low. Adding six tablespoons of butter and minced garlic straight into the pan lets the garlic gently infuse the butter. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes, making sure to scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is pure flavor gold. Watch carefully so the garlic softens and flavors the butter without browning or burning.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the steak bites along with any juices that collected back into the pan. Toss them gently in the garlic butter, coating each piece in glossy, flavorful sauce. This is where the robust sear meets the rich, aromatic finish, creating a truly indulgent bite every time.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once everything is well-coated and warm, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of brightness and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the steak bites at their tender, buttery best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple shower of freshly chopped parsley adds just enough herbal brightness to balance the richness of the garlic butter and steak. For a more decadent touch, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or thinly sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and mild sharpness.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted veggies for a comforting plate, or serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crispy bread to soak up every last drop of garlic butter is a no-brainer addition as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the steak bites atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a vibrant quinoa salad sprinkled with roasted nuts. They also make a fantastic protein-packed topping for loaded baked potatoes or even as a decadent addition to pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter steak bites keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain juiciness, be sure to store them with any extra garlic butter sauce if possible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, spread the steak bites out on a baking sheet to flash freeze them for an hour or two before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This prevents clumping. They can be kept frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to warm through without drying out the steak. Adding a small knob of butter can refresh the luscious sauce. Avoid microwaving as it tends to toughen steak pieces and dull the garlic buttery goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are ideal for their balance of tenderness and flavor, you can also use strip steak or even tenderloin. Just be mindful that leaner cuts might cook faster and could dry out, so adjust timing accordingly.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic really makes this recipe stand out because it infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder won’t yield the same depth or freshness, so I highly recommend fresh minced garlic here.
Can I prepare steak bites ahead of time?
You can season the steak bites ahead but for the best sear and flavor, it’s best to cook them just before serving. However, the garlic butter sauce can be made a few minutes before and kept warm.
What don’t I burn the garlic in the sauce?
Keep your heat on medium-low or low and watch the pan carefully while cooking the garlic butter. Stir often and remove from heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant but before it browns. This ensures a mellow, delicious garlic flavor without bitterness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and ingredients are pure and uncontaminated. It’s a great choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels effortlessly luxurious yet comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests without a fuss. Next time steak cravings strike, give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to love the way those tender bites melt in your mouth with every garlicky, buttery, flavorful mouthful!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender pieces of sirloin or ribeye steak seared to perfection and tossed in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main dish, ready in just 15 minutes and ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a savory weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 pounds steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak pieces dry using a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season all sides evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Add half of the steak pieces in a single layer to the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until a dark golden brown crust forms and the meat reaches your desired doneness. Remove the cooked steak bites and set aside. Repeat with the remaining steak pieces using the other tablespoon of olive oil.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low or low without wiping the pan. Add the butter and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate flavor. Be careful not to let the garlic burn or brown.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the cooked steak bites and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce, coating each piece evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the steak bites and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
- Optional: If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a 5-star rating and review to share your experience!
Notes
- Use a high smoke point oil like olive oil to achieve a good sear on the steak.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure even browning.
- Adjust cooking time depending on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic which can burn more easily.
- Serve steak bites immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
