These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are seared until golden and tossed in butter with garlic! Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for dinner or appetizers!
QUICK AND EASY STEAK BITES
I love a good steak dinner, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with grilling or cooking big steaks in the oven. That’s where these steak bites come in! You just cut up some sirloin into chunks, sear them in a hot pan, and toss them with garlic butter. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. These are great as a main dish served with potatoes or rice, or you can put out toothpicks and serve them as an appetizer at parties. Either way, they never last long!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What’s the best cut of steak for this?
Sirloin is my favorite because it’s got good flavor and doesn’t cost a fortune. Ribeye or strip steak would also be great if you want something a little fancier. Just avoid really lean cuts like flank steak because they can get tough.
How do I get a good sear on the steak?
Make sure you pat the steak dry with paper towels before cooking. Any moisture on the surface will make it steam instead of sear. Also, get your pan really hot before you add the steak.
Should I cook the garlic with the steak?
No! Garlic burns really easily, so I add it after the steak is done. Just melt the butter, toss in the garlic, cook it for like 30 seconds, then pour it over the steak.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions would all be good. Just cook them separately or after the steak so everything doesn’t get crowded in the pan.
Why can’t I stir the steak right away?
You need to let it sit for a minute or two so it develops that nice golden crust. If you move it around too soon, it won’t sear properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
These are really best when they’re fresh and hot. They only take 15 minutes, so I’d just make them when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Put them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter. The microwave works but they won’t be as good.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- sirloin steak – you want about a pound and a half, cut into bite-sized pieces. Ribeye or strip steak work too.
- olive oil – for searing the steak in the pan.
- salt and pepper – season generously! Steak needs good seasoning.
- butter – unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt.
- garlic – fresh minced garlic is what makes this so good. Use at least 4 cloves.
- red pepper flakes – optional but they add a nice little kick.
- parsley – fresh parsley for garnish. This is optional but it makes it look nice.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES:
Take your steak and cut it into bite-sized chunks, maybe about an inch or so. Pat them really dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear!
Get a large skillet (cast iron works great) and put it over high heat. Add your olive oil and let it get hot. Like really hot. You want that pan smoking.
Season your steak pieces with salt and pepper on all sides. When the pan is hot enough, add the steak in a single layer. Don’t crowd them – if your pan isn’t big enough, work in batches.
Here’s the key part: don’t touch them! Let them sit there for at least 2 minutes so they can get that golden brown crust. Then flip them and cook for another 2 minutes or so until they’re done how you like them.
Take the steak out of the pan and put it on a plate. Turn the heat down to medium and add your butter to the same pan. Once it melts, toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir it around for about 30 seconds – just until the garlic smells amazing but hasn’t turned brown and bitter.
Pour that garlic butter right over your steak bites and toss everything together so the steak is coated. Sprinkle on some chopped parsley if you want.
Serve these right away while they’re hot!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH STEAK BITES:
These are great with mashed potatoes or rice. I also like to serve them with some green beans or a simple salad. If you’re making them as an appetizer, just stick some toothpicks in them and put them on a platter.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cut 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces. Pat them very dry with paper towels.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great) over high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and let it get very hot.
- Season steak pieces generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add steak to the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t stir! Let it cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to get a good sear.
- Flip the steak pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown. If your pan isn’t big enough, work in batches so the steak isn’t crowded.
- Remove steak from the pan and set on a plate.
- Turn heat down to medium. Add 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter to the same pan.
- Once butter is melted, add 4 cloves garlic, minced and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, just until garlic becomes fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.
- Pour the garlic butter over the steak bites and toss to coat.
- Garnish with 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat steak dry before cooking for the best sear.
- Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the steak.
- Don’t stir the steak for the first 2 minutes – let it develop a crust.
- Cook garlic after the steak to prevent burning.
- Don’t crowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
- Strip steak, ribeye, or tenderloin can be used instead of sirloin.
