Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this! If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes — rich, garlicky, buttery, and packed with juicy steak flavor — then this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is calling your name. I’ve made this dish countless times when I want a quick, impressive meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so your steak bites come out perfect every time.

💚

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity Meets Flavor: Just a few quality ingredients combine to create an unforgettable taste.
  • Quick Cooking Time: Perfect for busy nights when you want something fast but gourmet.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Great on its own or dressed up with your favorite sides and garnishes.
  • Expert Tips Included: I’ll share exactly how to get those beautiful seared edges and buttery garlic goodness in every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe plays a starring role, working together to create a balance of savory, spicy, and buttery flavors. Plus, I’ve thrown in some practical shopping tips to help you get the best out of each one.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites, garlic butter steak, steak bites recipe, easy steak appetizer, juicy steak bites - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden avocado oil, a pile of fresh raw steak bites with rich red marbling, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with coarse sea salt crystals, a tiny white bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with vibrant red pepper flakes, a slab of pale yellow butter, a small white bowl heaped with peeled garlic cloves, a bunch of bright green parsley sprigs, and fresh green onions with crisp stalks, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Avocado Oil: I choose avocado oil for its high smoke point, which means you can get a beautiful sear on the steak without worrying about burnt oil flavors.
  • Steak: Go for a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye – they hold up nicely to quick cooking and stay juicy.
  • Salt: Simple seasoning, but essential to bring out the steak’s natural flavor.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but trust me, a pinch adds a lovely, warming kick I can’t get enough of.
  • Butter or Ghee: Butter gives richness and helps the garlic flavors bloom; ghee is a great alternative if you want a nutty, clarified butter taste with less milk solids.
  • Garlic Cloves: The star of the sauce – freshly minced garlic is key for that bold punch.
  • Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and color right at the end to brighten the dish.
  • Green Onion: A simple garnish that adds a mild onion crunch and lovely pop of green.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe can be easily tweaked to fit your mood or dietary needs. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or with a twist, there’s so much room to make it your own.

  • Variation: Sometimes I toss in a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish—totally lifts the whole dish in a fresh way.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to dial up or down the heat, or swap them for smoked paprika for a smoky vibe.
  • Dietary Modifications: Use ghee instead of butter if you’re dairy-sensitive—it still gives that buttery richness without the dairy punch.
  • Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the skillet halfway through cooking for a heartier meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season Like You Mean It

Start by placing your bite-sized steak pieces in a bowl and tossing them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using). Make sure every piece is well-coated — this simple step brings out the steak’s deep flavor. I usually do this ahead of time to let the seasoning meld for a few minutes.

Step 2: Get That Sear Sizzling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat — patience here pays off. Add your avocado oil, then spread the steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you do, the bites will steam, not sear, and you’ll miss out on that gorgeous crust. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. You might need to do this in batches, but it’s worth it. When done, remove the steak and set aside.

Step 3: Garlic Butter Magic

Wipe out any excess water from the skillet — this helps the butter brown rather than steam. Add butter or ghee, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just about a minute until fragrant — don’t wander off! Overcooked garlic turns bitter, and that’s the last thing you want.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the steak bites to the pan, stirring to coat each piece in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes — just enough for the flavors to marry without overcooking the meat. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: I learned the hard way that overcrowding leads to soggy steak bites — keep them spaced out for that irresistible crust.
  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A cast iron skillet works wonders for even heat and a fantastic sear.
  • Fresh Garlic Is Non-Negotiable: Pre-minced garlic just can’t compete—you want that punchy, aromatic flavor released from fresh cloves.
  • Rest briefly before serving: Letting the bites rest a minute after cooking keeps them juicy and tender.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites, garlic butter steak, steak bites recipe, easy steak appetizer, juicy steak bites - A round plate full of small, browned meat pieces seasoned with chopped green herbs and garlic bits, scattered with thinly sliced light green onion rings on top. The plate is resting on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves and a fork nearby, and a small white bowl with more green onions is partly visible above the plate. The meat pieces have a textured, slightly glossy look from the seasoning. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh green onion on top — it adds a subtle crunch and that mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic. Sometimes I add a dash of flaky sea salt at the end for a little extra pop. Fresh parsley not only brightens the plate visually but also balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish goes beautifully with roasted or mashed potatoes, garlic butter asparagus, or even a crisp green salad. If you want to keep things light, steamed broccoli or a medley of sautéed mushrooms is a delicious match. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles soak up the buttery sauce like champs.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinners where I want to impress, I serve the steak bites on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It’s such a conversation starter! Another favorite is skewering the steak bites with roasted cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for a vibrant, party-ready appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic butter steak bites are surprisingly good! I gently cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually keep well up to 3 days, but I recommend eating them sooner rather than later to enjoy that buttery freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked steak bites a couple of times with decent results. To freeze, flash cool them, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Keep in mind that texture softens a bit after freezing, so it’s best for meal prep rather than prime-time serving.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat steak bites is in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little butter or oil if needed. This keeps the outside crisp and prevents the garlic butter from drying out. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make the meat a bit rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great choices because of their tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank or skirt steak if you slice it thinly and cook quickly. Just make sure to cut against the grain for tender bites.

  2. Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?

    For the best flavor, fresh minced garlic is definitely preferred. Pre-minced garlic tends to be less vibrant and can turn bitter if overcooked. If you’re in a pinch, add pre-minced garlic towards the end of cooking and keep a close eye.

  3. How do I avoid the steak bites becoming tough?

    Quick, high-heat cooking is key. Don’t overcook; stop when browned on the outside and just cooked through inside. Also, cutting steak into uniform bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly.

  4. Can I add other herbs or spices?

    Definitely! Thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika all work beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you love.

  5. What’s the best way to cook steak bites if I don’t have a skillet?

    A heavy-bottomed frying pan or even a grill pan can give good results. If all else fails, broiling the pieces on a sheet pan works, but you lose some of that signature pan-seared crust.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s straightforward, quick, and turns humble steak into something truly special with that garlicky buttery sauce. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become your go-to for easy dinners or even wow-worthy appetizers. So go ahead, grab your skillet, and let’s make magic happen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender steak pieces seared to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and green onions. Perfect for a satisfying meal or appetizer.


Ingredients

Steak Bites

  • 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 pounds steak, cut into small bite size pieces
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 6 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Green onion, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Season the steak bites: Season the steak pieces evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated.
  2. Cook the steak bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Place the steak bites in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. If your skillet is small, cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Remove excess water from the skillet, then add butter or ghee. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Combine and finish cooking: Return the browned steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat.
  5. Add parsley and garnish: Stir in the chopped parsley and garnish the dish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use avocado oil for high-heat cooking, but other oils like canola or grapeseed can be used as substitutes.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Butter can be substituted with ghee for a lactose-free option.
  • Allow the steak to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for juicier bites.
  • Serve these steak bites over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star