Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, savory, and incredibly flavorful dinner option, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is the perfect choice. These tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s sure to impress. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, main dish, or alongside your favorite sides, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's ready in under 20 minutes! Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and serving ideas.

this Recipe

What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Garlic butter steak bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are quickly seared in a hot pan and then coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The high heat ensures that the steak gets a beautiful crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. This simple recipe brings out the natural flavors of the steak, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you're craving something indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this quick and delicious steak bites recipe:

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 ½ pounds steak (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is versatile and can be customized depending on your preferences. Here are some options:

• Steak choice: Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin are great options because they cook quickly and remain tender. For a more budget-friendly option, you can use flank steak or skirt steak, but keep in mind they may not be as tender.
• Garlic variations: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding roasted garlic instead of fresh, or sprinkle in some garlic powder if you're short on time.
• Herbs: While parsley and thyme are commonly used, you can also try rosemary, basil, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together in just a few simple steps and in under 20 minutes. Let’s get started!

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

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture (this helps them get a nice sear). Season the steak bites generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak to ensure you get a nice sear.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak bites to the hot pan in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 3 minutes per side; for medium, about 4 minutes per side.

Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid flipping the steak too often—let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. You can also add fresh thyme or rosemary at this point for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Toss the Steak Bites in Garlic Butter

Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the steak bites and coat them in the sauce. Be sure to stir well so that each piece is coated in the garlicky butter.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the steak bites are fully coated in the garlic butter sauce, remove them from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve immediately, either on their own or with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: When searing the steak bites, be sure to cook them in a single layer without crowding the pan. Overcrowding causes the steak to steam rather than sear, which prevents that delicious crust from forming.
• Overcooking the steak: Steak bites cook quickly! Keep a close eye on them, and if you prefer your steak more rare or medium-rare, remove them from the heat after just a few minutes per side.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so make sure to stir it frequently and remove it from the heat once it becomes fragrant. Burnt garlic can give the dish a bitter taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These steak bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

• Appetizer: Serve them on toothpicks as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
• Main dish: Pair the steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a green salad for a complete meal.
• Low-carb option: Serve the steak bites over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a low-carb or keto-friendly option.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Family-style: Serve the steak bites in a large skillet or shallow dish, drizzled with extra garlic butter, and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual plates: Plate the steak bites with your favorite side dishes and garnish with fresh herbs for a more elegant presentation.
• Garnish for color: Top the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary for a beautiful, colorful presentation.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips

• Use a cast-iron skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, use it for this recipe. Cast iron retains heat well and helps develop a better sear on the steak.
• Rest the steak: After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a minute before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the steak bites tender and flavorful.
• Batch cooking: If cooking for a crowd, sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can toss all the steak bites in the garlic butter at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin are great options, you can also use flank steak, skirt steak, or even filet mignon for this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different cuts may cook faster or slower.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as steak bites tend to lose their tenderness when reheated. However, you can prep the steak and season it ahead of time, and then cook it just before serving.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little more butter if necessary. Be careful not to overcook when reheating, as the steak can become tough.

4. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic can sometimes have a more muted flavor compared to fresh.

5. What can I serve with garlic butter steak bites?
Garlic butter steak bites pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or even a light green salad. They also make a great appetizer when served with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender steak pieces seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, a quick dinner, or as part of a larger meal, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

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