Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. This recipe is all about simple ingredients, a hot skillet, and that unbeatable combination of perfectly seared beef and rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in about 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights
• Only a handful of simple ingredients needed
• Restaurant-quality flavor at home
• Works as a main dish or party appetizer
• Juicy, tender, and packed with savory goodness

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 to 1¼ pounds sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or strip steak (cut into ½-inch pieces)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 to 6 fresh garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish—optional)

Why These Ingredients Work

A good cut of steak gives you tender, flavorful bites that sear beautifully. Cutting the meat into small pieces creates more surface area for that gorgeous golden crust.

Fresh garlic releases sweet, aromatic flavor when it hits warm butter. Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning and creates a silky sauce.

Patting the steak dry before cooking is key to getting a restaurant-quality sear instead of steaming. That little step makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Cut your steak into roughly ½-inch pieces, keeping them as uniform as possible. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place your skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. A properly heated pan is essential for getting that perfect golden-brown sear.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot pan. Once it starts sizzling and turning golden, add your steak bites in a single layer with space between each piece.

Let them sear for 3 minutes without touching or moving them.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Use tongs to flip each piece over. Cook another 2–3 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked to your liking.

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 140–145°F. Once done, transfer the steak bites to a clean plate.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet.

Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until it’s fragrant and softened but not browned. Use your spatula to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Take the pan off the heat. Return your rested steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together until each piece is coated in that golden garlic butter.

Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve right away while it’s hot and glossy.

You Must Know

The number one rule for perfect steak bites is to leave them alone while they sear. Moving them too early prevents that gorgeous caramelized crust from forming.

Garlic burns easily, so always reduce your heat before adding it to the pan. It should smell amazing and turn pale golden, never brown or black.

Personal Secret: I always mince my garlic fresh right before cooking. The flavor is so much brighter and sweeter than the jarred stuff, and since garlic is a star here, it really matters.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Let your steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
• Dry the meat thoroughly with paper towels for the best sear
• Don’t skip the instant-read thermometer—it takes the guesswork out
• Work in batches rather than overcrowding your pan
• Save leftover garlic butter and drizzle it over vegetables or bread

Flavor Variations & Suggestions

Want to shake things up? Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic for an herby twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick that plays beautifully with the butter.

For brightness, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also swap the parsley for chopped chives or green onions.

If you prefer chicken or pork, cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook the same way—just adjust your timing as needed.

Make-Ahead Options

You can cut and season your steak up to 4 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before cooking.

Since the actual cooking only takes 10 minutes, making these fresh is honestly the easiest route. They’re at their absolute best straight from the pan.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter rather than using the microwave.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add color and balance.

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For parties, set out toothpicks and watch them disappear as an appetizer.

Don’t forget crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of garlic butter.

Allergy Information

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and uses beef as the main protein. For dairy-free needs, try using ghee or a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free. If you avoid red meat, you can use this same method with chicken breast or pork tenderloin.

Always use fresh ingredients and check all seasonings for hidden allergens.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter.

Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the meat tough and chewy. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has solidified.

These truly taste best when served fresh and hot from the pan.

Questions I Get Asked A Lot

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, strip steak, tri-tip, or even tenderloin all work beautifully. Just make sure you cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

What if I only have salted butter?

You can use it, but reduce the added salt significantly. Taste as you go to avoid over-salting your dish.

Why are my steak bites tough?

This usually means they were overcooked or the pan was too crowded. Try working in batches and checking doneness earlier next time.

Can I make these with chicken instead?

Yes! Cut boneless chicken breast or thighs into similar-sized pieces. Just adjust your cooking time slightly and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

My garlic turned bitter, what happened?

The heat was too high or it cooked too long. Always reduce to medium-low before adding garlic, and cook just until fragrant—about 2 minutes max.

💬 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below and tell me what you served with your Garlic Butter Steak Bites!