There is something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly seared piece of beef. But let’s be honest: cooking a whole steak to perfection can be intimidating, especially on a busy weeknight. That is exactly why I fell in love with Garlic Butter Steak Bites. They offer all the rich, savory satisfaction of a high-end steakhouse dinner but are ready in about 10 minutes.
Whether you are looking for a high-protein dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these steak bites are a total game-changer. They are tender, juicy, and coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve cooked a lot of meat in my time, but this recipe remains a personal favorite for three reasons:
- Speed: You get an incredible crust and a tender interior in just minutes.
- Versatility: You can serve these over mashed potatoes, with a side of roasted veggies, or even as a decadent “party pick” appetizer alongside my Baked Kosher Salami.
- Flavor Punch: The combination of garlic, butter, and paprika creates a flavor profile that tastes much more complex than the simple ingredients suggest.
Ingredients
To get that perfect sear, quality matters. Here is what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ lb Sirloin Steak (or Ribeye): Cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is lean and tender, while ribeye offers more marbling.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Used for the high-heat sear.
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter: The base of our rich sauce.
- 4 Gousses d’ail (Garlic Cloves): Freshly minced is a must!
- 1 tsp Paprika: Adds color and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of savory depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
Swaps and Notes
- The Meat: If you can’t find sirloin, New York Strip is an excellent alternative. Avoid “stew meat,” as it usually requires long braising times and will turn out tough if pan-seared.
- The Fat: You can use ghee (clarified butter) instead of the oil/butter combo if you want a higher smoke point with that buttery flavor.
- Spices: Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Heat
Before you touch the stove, pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels. This is the secret to a good crust! If the meat is wet, it will steam instead of sear. Once dry, season the cubes generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is best!) over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot.
2. The Perfect Sear
Add the olive oil to the pan. Place the steak cubes in a single layer. If your pan isn’t big enough, work in batches—crowding the pan drops the temperature and ruins the sear. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they have a beautiful brown crust. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Infuse the Garlic Butter
Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, scraping up those flavorful brown bits (fond) from the bottom. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. The Finish
Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter until every piece is coated and glossy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Meat: Take your steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to help it cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Steak bites cook fast! Aim for a medium-rare to medium finish to keep them tender.
- High Heat: Your pan needs to be hot. If it doesn’t sizzle loudly when the meat hits the pan, it’s not ready.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. For a full “pub-style” spread, I love serving these alongside these Totchos for a fun twist on meat and potatoes.
If you’re hosting a game day, they pair perfectly with a hearty Crockpot Nacho Dip or even a bowl of Beer Cheese Dip. For a more traditional dinner, serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a quick Instant Pot Lasagnafor a multi-course feast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To avoid rubbery steak, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or a little extra butter. Avoid the microwave if possible!
- Leftover Idea: These make incredible steak-and-egg breakfast tacos the next morning.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this quick and savory dish, check out these other favorites:
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Garlic Butter Steak Bites a try! They are proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to produce a meal that feels special. If you make this, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more easy, delicious recipes.
Happy Cooking! — Jason Griffith
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