These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with rich, buttery garlic flavor! Perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or meal prep, these steak bites are seared to perfection in a hot skillet and tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Serve them with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for an easy and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Coat the Steak in Garlic Butter: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for 1 minute.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 420mg
Why Garlic Butter Steak Bites Are So Popular
Garlic Butter Steak Bites have gained immense popularity due to their simplicity, quick preparation, and incredible flavor. Unlike traditional steak recipes that require precise timing and attention to doneness, steak bites cook in just a few minutes and are nearly foolproof. Additionally, the combination of garlic and butter creates a savory, aromatic experience that enhances the natural flavors of the steak. The ease of cooking them in a single skillet also makes cleanup minimal, which is a major plus for busy home cooks.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
The key to tender and juicy steak bites lies in selecting the right cut of beef. While many cuts can be used, some are better suited for quick searing than others. Sirloin steak is the most recommended option due to its balance of tenderness, flavor, and affordability. Other excellent choices include ribeye, strip steak, and tenderloin, all of which offer a rich beefy taste and tender texture. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round steak, as they require longer cooking times to become tender.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
To achieve the best possible texture and flavor, follow these essential cooking tips:
- Pat the steak dry: Moisture on the steak surface prevents proper searing. Use paper towels to pat the cubes dry before seasoning.
- Use high heat: A hot skillet ensures a nice crust and deep caramelization on the steak bites, enhancing their flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and results in steaming rather than searing.
- Sear, don’t stir: Let the steak cubes cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes per side before flipping to get a good crust.
- Rest the steak bites: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices and maximize tenderness.
The Magic of Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic butter is a classic pairing with steak, adding a rich and aromatic dimension to every bite. The process of making garlic butter sauce is simple yet transformative. By melting butter in the same skillet used for searing the steak, you pick up all the delicious browned bits that add depth to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is briefly sautéed to release its fragrance without burning, infusing the butter with its savory notes. Optionally, red pepper flakes can be added for a mild kick, while fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. The final step of tossing the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce ensures that every piece is coated in flavorful goodness.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some of the best pairings include:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the richness of the steak bites.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus bring color and nutrition to the plate.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain side helps soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: For those who love extra garlic goodness, serving steak bites with crusty garlic bread is a great option.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how easily they can be customized to suit different flavor preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Steak Bites: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier kick.
- Herbed Steak Bites: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the garlic butter for an earthy aroma.
- Asian-Inspired Steak Bites: Substitute the butter with sesame oil and soy sauce for an umami-packed variation.
- Cheesy Steak Bites: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the steak bites before serving for a cheesy, salty touch.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts to keep it low-carb.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating steak bites properly is essential to maintain their tenderness and flavor. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Store steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small amount of butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak rubbery.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a fantastic dish for any occasion, offering a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Their versatility allows them to be served as a main course, appetizer, or even meal prep option. With the perfect balance of juicy steak, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, this dish is sure to become a favorite in any household. By following the cooking tips and pairing ideas mentioned, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them on their own or alongside a delicious side, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress with every bite.