If you’re craving a simple yet insanely flavorful dinner, you have to try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how these tender, juicy steak pieces get seared to perfection and then get bathed in rich garlic butter—a combo that’s pure magic. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, these steak bites come together super fast and always get rave reviews. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have this on the table in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter and red pepper flakes come together for a savory, slightly spicy finish your taste buds will adore.
- Perfectly Seared: With my tips, you’ll get that beautiful crust that locks in all the juice.
- Versatile: Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these steak bites fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. I like using sirloin steak because it’s tender and affordable, but any good-quality steak will do. Fresh garlic and unsalted butter are non-negotiable in giving you that rich, buttery sauce. And don’t skip the parsley—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.

- Olive oil: Use a high-smoke point olive oil to get a great sear without burning.
- Sirloin steak (or similar): Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking; pat dry for an even crust.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously — this brings out the steak’s natural flavor.
- Butter (unsalted): Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor beautifully.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh is best — it infuses the butter with mouthwatering aroma.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but trust me, the subtle heat is fantastic.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, herby finish.
Variations
I love tweaking recipes to keep things fresh, and this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is no exception. You can easily personalize it based on what you have and what your taste buds are craving.
- Spice it up: Sometimes I swap red pepper flakes for smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a smoky twist that my family enjoys.
- Make it herby: Try adding chopped thyme or rosemary with the parsley for a more fragrant herb flavor.
- Swap the steak: Tenderloin gives you a super tender bite, or rib eye if you want something a bit more indulgent and flavorful.
- For a dairy-free option: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead of butter to keep things silky.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites
The secret to jaw-dropping steak bites starts with drying your steak pieces. I always pat mine down with paper towels to remove any moisture; this helps ensure a perfect crust. Heat your olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering hot—this is key for that sear. Add the steak in a single layer and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Don’t stir right away! Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes so a golden crust forms. Then, flip and cook for another 2 minutes until browned all over. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the meat instead of sear it.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the steak bites are cooked, transfer them to a warm plate and lower the heat to medium. Toss in your butter, letting it melt slowly to avoid burning. Then add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for just about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden—don’t walk away or it will burn and get bitter, which we want to avoid. This fragrant garlic butter is the star of the show!
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour that luscious garlic butter right over your steak bites and give everything a good toss to coat every piece. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately—it’s best enjoyed hot straight from the pan with all those buttery garlic juices.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry the Steak: I learned this trick the hard way—any wetness hisses and steams your meat, robbing you of that perfect crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures the steak bites sear instead of stew, giving you delicious caramelization.
- Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns fast, so adding it after cooking the steak perfects the flavor without bitterness.
- Use Medium Heat for Butter: Lowering the heat when melting butter prevents it from burning and turning your sauce grainy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garnishes
For garnish, I stick with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a lovely burst of color and fresh herbal flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a bright, tangy finish that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This steak bites recipe pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that buttery goodness. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad offer a refreshing contrast. On busy nights, I sometimes just throw some crusty bread on the side and call it a meal!
Creative Ways to Present
When we have friends over, I love serving the steak bites as a fancy appetizer on skewers with a drizzle of extra garlic butter. You can even put together a surf-and-turf version by pairing these with garlicky shrimp for an impressive party platter. Personally, plating them over a bed of creamy risotto makes any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, which is perfect if you want a quick meal ready to go. Just be sure to let them cool before sealing the container to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is doable, but I’ve found that the texture of the steak can change a little. If you want to freeze, spread the steak bites out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheating is best done gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the steak tender and re-melt the garlic butter. Avoid microwaving if you can, or the steak might turn chewy. Adding a splash of butter or a little olive oil during reheating helps restore that fresh-cooked flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for its balance of tenderness and price, you can use strip loin, tenderloin, rib eye, or even flank steak. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and adjust your cooking time if using leaner cuts.
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How do I avoid burning the garlic in the sauce?
Great question! I recommend adding the minced garlic after the steak is cooked and the heat is lowered to medium. Stir it continuously and cook for only about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free butter substitute or more olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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What’s the best way to serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Serve them hot with parsley sprinkled on top. They go wonderfully alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even on toasted bread for a hearty snack or appetizer.
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How do I get a good sear without overcrowding the pan?
Cook the steak bites in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding causes moisture buildup and steaming instead of searing, which prevents a caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a winner in my book. It’s one of those dishes that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. Every time I serve it, my family goes crazy over how tender and flavorful the steak is, and I love how easy cleanup is afterward. So next time you want to treat yourself or impress a guest, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak seared to perfection in a hot skillet and coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pound sirloin steak (cut into bite size pieces; alternatively strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak, or rib eye)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over high heat until hot, ensuring the pan is ready for searing.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Add the steak pieces to the hot skillet. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for at least 2 minutes without stirring to develop a good sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the pieces are golden brown. If the skillet is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring until the garlic becomes aromatic and slightly browned.
- Toss and Garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss well to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better crust by eliminating moisture.
- Use a hot pan and avoid stirring too soon to achieve a perfect sear on the steak.
- Add garlic after cooking the steak to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook steak bites in batches if necessary.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant spicy kick to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 5.5 oz steak bites with sauce)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg


