Steak Bites with Garlic Butter – Juicy, Savory, and Ready in Minutes!
If you’re looking for a quick, restaurant-style steak dinner you can make at home in under 20 minutes, these Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are your answer. Seared to perfection in a hot skillet and finished with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, these tender, juicy bites are packed with flavor and perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies.
This easy skillet recipe is great for weeknight meals, date night, or as an impressive appetizer. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—it’s a total win for steak lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
- Optional Garnishes:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra parsley for freshness
- Grated Parmesan for a savory finish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels (removes moisture for better searing).
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat. Add olive oil.
- Once hot, add steak bites in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, turning only once for a beautiful crust.
- Remove steak bites and set aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice if using, and stir in fresh parsley.
- Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter.
- Cook for another minute just to coat and warm through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Notes
Variations
1. Spicy Garlic Steak Bites
Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter.
2. Steak & Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms to the pan after searing the steak. Sauté before making the garlic butter.
3. Keto-Friendly Steak Bowl
Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
4. Asian-Inspired Twist
Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sesame oil to the butter sauce. Top with green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter.
Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the steak.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cut of steak is best for steak bites?
Sirloin is affordable and tender, but ribeye or tenderloin work great too. 2. Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to get a good sear. 3. Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
It’s recommended for the best crust, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work. 4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter or a combo of olive oil and garlic. 5. What sides go well with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes
Garlic butter rice
Steamed veggies
Crusty bread
6. How do I keep the steak juicy?
Don’t overcook—medium-rare to medium gives the best texture and flavor. 7. Can I prep ahead?
Yes! Cut and season the steak up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. 8. Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus. 9. How do I avoid overcrowding the pan?
Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding causes steaming, not searing. 10. Can I grill steak bites instead?
Yes! Thread onto skewers and grill over high heat for 2–3 mins per side.
1. Spicy Garlic Steak Bites
Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter.
2. Steak & Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms to the pan after searing the steak. Sauté before making the garlic butter.
3. Keto-Friendly Steak Bowl
Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
4. Asian-Inspired Twist
Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sesame oil to the butter sauce. Top with green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter.
Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the steak.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cut of steak is best for steak bites?
Sirloin is affordable and tender, but ribeye or tenderloin work great too. 2. Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to get a good sear. 3. Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
It’s recommended for the best crust, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work. 4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter or a combo of olive oil and garlic. 5. What sides go well with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes
Garlic butter rice
Steamed veggies
Crusty bread
6. How do I keep the steak juicy?
Don’t overcook—medium-rare to medium gives the best texture and flavor. 7. Can I prep ahead?
Yes! Cut and season the steak up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. 8. Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus. 9. How do I avoid overcrowding the pan?
Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding causes steaming, not searing. 10. Can I grill steak bites instead?
Yes! Thread onto skewers and grill over high heat for 2–3 mins per side.