If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy yet is unbelievably simple to whip up, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is just what you need. These tender, juicy cubes of sirloin steak coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Imagine each bite bursting with rich buttery goodness, the warm notes of garlic lifting the steak’s natural savoriness, all accented by a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This recipe is not only perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also impresses effortlessly when friends pop over. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, combining to deliver a balance of flavor, texture, and color that’s simply irresistible.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the dish, sirloin is tender yet affordable, perfect for steak bites.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light crust on the steak to lock in juices and add texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning that enhances the natural meat flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky depth and a beautiful warm color.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base of the rich garlic butter sauce that makes these steak bites melt in your mouth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential—it provides that punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of green.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing steak cubes to a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Optional – 1/4 cup dry sherry or beef broth: Adds a little extra depth when deglazing the pan, boosting flavor complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Pat and Season the Steak
Start by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a beautiful sear. Then whisk together the flour and all the spices in a large bowl. Toss the steak pieces until they’re evenly coated in this flavorful seasoned flour mix. Setting them aside for a moment allows the seasoning to stick and creates that crispy layer you want once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While you get ready to cook the steaks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Add the fresh minced garlic and gently cook it until you smell that amazing aroma—just 1 or 2 minutes, no more. Remove from the heat and stir in fresh parsley to keep the sauce bright and vibrant, and keep it warm for when the steak bites are ready.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then toss the steak cubes in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, so each piece gets a perfect crispy crust. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous brown exterior—this is where all the flavor builds.
Step 4: Deglaze and Combine
Remove the steak bites and set them aside briefly. If you want to add extra richness, pour in dry sherry or beef broth to the hot skillet and scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then return your steak bites to the skillet. Pour the warm garlic butter over everything and toss gently. Let it all cook together for a few more minutes until your desired doneness is reached—medium-rare steak bites come out fantastic around 130-135°F.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
The final step is the most satisfying: plating and digging in. Serve those glossy, garlicky steak bites hot for maximum flavor. They taste wonderful fresh out of the pan, with every bite buttery, juicy, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, fragrant note. A dash of flaky sea salt just before serving adds a crunchy finish that pairs beautifully with the rich butter. For a little brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can balance richness and brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing these steak bites with the right sides makes the meal memorable. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a nice crunch and color contrast. For a lighter option, a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve the steak bites on a wooden board alongside dipping sauces like horseradish cream or tangy mustard. Skewer them on toothpicks for a fun appetizer at a party. Or pile them on top of warm buttered toast or garlic bread for a casual but irresistible open-face steak bite sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some steak bites left over? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing, to keep the garlic butter sauce fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, freeze the steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Label your container so you remember this tasty treasure is waiting in your freezer!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness and bring back the buttery garlic flavor. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the best texture; slow warming on the stovetop helps maintain juiciness and prevents the butter sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and affordability, you can use ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak—just be mindful of cooking times since each cut varies in thickness and fat content.
Is it necessary to coat the steak in flour?
Coating the steak bites in the seasoned flour adds a slight crust and helps thicken the buttery sauce in the pan, giving you that lovely texture and extra flavor. You can omit it if you prefer a lighter bite, but you might miss that subtle crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch. This keeps the coating crispy without gluten.
What’s the best way to tell if the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Using an instant-read meat thermometer is your best bet. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare steak bites. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a nicely browned crust and slightly firm center when you cut into one.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Certainly! Garlic butter steak bites are versatile. Feel free to add fresh rosemary or thyme to the butter sauce, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Adjust to your taste and enjoy experimenting.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a true gem for any steak lover looking for a simple, flavorful meal that feels like a special occasion. The combination of perfectly seared steak cubes drenched in a meltingly good garlic butter sauce is hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. You’re going to love it!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy cubes of sirloin steak seared to perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer that your guests will love.
Ingredients
Steak and Coating
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry sherry or beef broth
Instructions
- Pat Steak Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the sirloin steak cubes dry, ensuring better searing and browning.
- Prepare Coating Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat Steak Cubes: Add the steak cubes to the flour mixture and toss until they are evenly coated; set aside for later cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully, watching to avoid burning it.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Finish Butter Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, then keep the garlic butter sauce warm.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the steak bites.
- Sear Steak Bites: In batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak cubes for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and seared.
- Remove Steak: Transfer the seared steak bites from the skillet to a plate and set aside temporarily.
- Deglaze Pan (Optional): Add dry sherry or beef broth to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up the flavorful browned bits; simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the steak bites to the skillet and pour the warm garlic butter sauce over them, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the steak reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F using a meat thermometer.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the garlic butter steak bites hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before coating ensures a better sear and crust on each bite.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain a high heat for proper browning.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use beef broth instead of dry sherry for deglazing.
- The garlic butter sauce can burn quickly—watch carefully during cooking to avoid bitterness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely and avoid overcooking.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and color but can be omitted or substituted with other fresh herbs if desired.
