Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
If you’re hunting for a quick, show-stopping dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss, you’re in the right place. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe hits the perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy tenderness, all bathed in a heavenly garlic butter sauce. Trust me, once you try these bites, they’ll become your go-to when you want something fancy but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: A handful of everyday pantry staples come together to create bold, mouthwatering flavors.
- Quick Cooking Time: Steak bites cook fast and finish in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Succulent and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce enhances the steak’s natural richness, making every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Fits perfectly with a variety of sides, from salads to mashed potatoes or even pasta.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a star role in building that iconic Garlic Butter Steak Bites flavor. From the richness of butter to the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, it’s all about balance and enhancing the steak itself. When you shop, fresh garlic and a good cut of steak will make a world of difference.
- Avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking without smoking, plus a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower.
- Steak: I recommend a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, which sear nicely and stay juicy.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the meat’s natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat—skip or add according to your heat preference.
- Butter or ghee: Butter gives that luscious, creamy richness; ghee is a great alternative if you want a higher smoke point.
- Minced garlic: The real magic ingredient that infuses the steak bites with irresistibly savory notes.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh herb that brightens up the dish and adds color.
- Green onion: For garnish—adds crunch and a mild onion flavor to finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is wonderfully forgiving. I love to switch up the herbs or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh zing. You can make it your own by adjusting heat levels or swapping butter for ghee or olive oil depending on your dietary needs.
- Variation: My go-to twist is adding smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor—makes the bites taste like they came from a backyard grill.
- Dietary modification: Use ghee instead of butter if you’re avoiding dairy, and you won’t miss out on that rich mouthfeel.
- Heat level: Play with the red pepper flakes or swap for cayenne for more kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak Bites
Start by tossing those bite-sized steak pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. I usually do this in a bowl and stir well to make sure each piece is evenly coated. This simple step locks in flavors right from the get-go.
Step 2: Sear the Steak in Hot Avocado Oil
Heat a large skillet on medium-high—get it nice and hot before adding a bit of avocado oil. Then, spread the steak bites in a single layer so they get a proper sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches. Let them brown nicely for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to get color on every side. Once browned, remove them to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Discard any excess water that’s collected in the skillet (this helps the sauce stay rich). Add your butter or ghee and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; garlic turns bitter fast if it cooks too long.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the steak back into the skillet and stir it around so every succulent piece gets coated in that glossy garlic butter. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld all the flavors. Finally, remove from heat, toss in the chopped parsley, and give it one last stir—the fresh herb aroma is the perfect finishing touch.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
I love sprinkling green onions on top just before serving for a pop of color and crunch. These bites are best enjoyed hot from the pan so they’re tender and bursting with flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding traps steam, preventing a good sear—cook in batches if needed for that perfect crust.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It makes all the difference over powdered garlic for a bright, natural flavor.
- Rest the Steak Bites: Removing steak to a plate allows juices to redistribute and prevents overcooking during the garlic sauté.
- Wipe the Pan Between Steps: Getting rid of any liquid before adding butter keeps the sauce rich and silky without dilution.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always add fresh green onions sprinkled on top for a fresh bite that contrasts perfectly with the buttery steak. Sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped parsley for color and brightness—plus it just makes the dish look that much more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp simple salad. On busy nights, I love serving it alongside buttery garlic noodles to keep that flavor party going.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m hosting, I like to serve the steak bites on a wooden board with little ramekins of extra garlic butter sauce and some crusty bread for dipping. It feels rustic and special, perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of wine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The steak can release some juices overnight, so I like to drain excess liquid before reheating to maintain that nice texture.
Freezing
While I usually enjoy these fresh, you can freeze cooked steak bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They hold up well for a month or two, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat—this helps restore the crust without overcooking. Add a small pat of butter when warming up to refresh that garlic butter richness.
FAQs
-
What cut of steak works best for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
For the best results, choose a tender, relatively lean cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts sear beautifully and stay juicy when cooked quickly as small bites.
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with ghee or a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative. Ghee is my personal favorite because it still provides that rich, buttery flavor with a higher smoke point.
-
How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches if needed, searing each piece only until it’s nicely browned—usually about 3-4 minutes. Removing the steak to rest while you make the garlic butter sauce also helps prevent overcooking.
-
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak. Cooking frozen pieces tends to release water and results in steaming rather than searing, which can make the steak bites less flavorful and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become such a kitchen favorite for me because it’s quick, simple, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a midweek dinner or impressing friends last-minute, these garlic buttery morsels always get rave reviews. I hope you’ll enjoy making—and eating—this as much as I do. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and get ready for some steak bite magic!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish featuring tender steak pieces sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 pounds steak, cut into small bite size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steak bites: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized steak pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until the steak is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil to the hot skillet and then spread the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned. Depending on your skillet size, cook in batches to avoid crowding. Remove the browned steak from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Remove any excess water from the skillet, then add butter or ghee. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Combine steak with garlic butter: Return the cooked steak bites to the pan and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the steak in the garlic butter sauce and warm through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut steak into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil for better searing of the steak.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat; omit if you prefer no spice.
- Cook steak in batches to avoid overcrowding, which leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Use ghee as an alternative to butter for a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh parsley to add freshness and color to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg