There are few things in the culinary world more satisfying than a perfectly seared piece of steak—juicy, golden brown, and full of flavor. But not every occasion calls for a full steak dinner. Sometimes you need something quicker, easier to share, and just as indulgent. That’s where Steak Bites with Garlic Butter come in.
These bite-sized morsels of steak are the perfect solution when you want maximum flavor in minimum time. Crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, they’re ideal as an appetizer, a weeknight main, or even served as part of a low-carb meal.
In this recipe, sirloin steak is cut into cubes, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder, then seared to perfection. The real star is the garlic butter—a silky, aromatic sauce made from fresh garlic, butter, and parsley. The steak bites are tossed in this golden mixture just before serving, resulting in a dish that is bursting with richness and simplicity.
This article covers everything you need to make these irresistible steak bites at home. From ingredient breakdowns and expert tips to serving ideas, flavor variations, and storage instructions, you’ll find all you need to turn a few ingredients into a memorable meal.
Why Steak Bites Are the Perfect Recipe
Let’s face it—steak isn’t usually the first thing people think of when they need a fast recipe. Traditional steak requires resting time, a precise level of doneness, and often a longer cooking process. Steak bites, however, give you all the satisfaction of steak without the wait or worry.
Cut into small cubes, steak bites cook in minutes, and because they’re coated in garlic butter, even slightly overcooked pieces remain juicy and flavorful. They’re also perfect for parties or family-style meals—guests can simply pick up a few with a toothpick, no knives required.
Even better, steak bites are naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. Pair them with veggies, serve over rice or potatoes, or pile them into a sandwich for a delicious twist.
Ingredients Breakdown
To get steak bites right, it helps to understand what each ingredient brings to the table. Here’s a closer look at the components of this simple yet flavor-packed dish.
Sirloin Steak (1 lb)
Sirloin is a fantastic cut for steak bites. It’s flavorful, lean, and cooks quickly without becoming chewy. You can also substitute with ribeye, New York strip, or even filet mignon for an extra-tender option.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
Used to sear the steak, olive oil handles high heat well and adds a subtle richness. It also helps achieve that golden crust that makes steak bites so irresistible.
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper seasoning. Salt enhances the meat’s natural umami flavor, while pepper adds a mild bite. For best results, season just before cooking.
Garlic Powder (optional, 1 tsp)
While fresh garlic will be used in the butter, garlic powder adds a layer of flavor to the meat itself. It’s optional, but adds depth.
Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp)
Butter is the base of the sauce. It adds richness and creates a silky texture that clings beautifully to each steak bite. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the dish’s saltiness.
Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic is essential here. It infuses the butter with intense flavor, and when cooked just right, it becomes sweet and aromatic.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped)
Parsley adds color and freshness, helping to balance the richness of the butter. You can also use dried parsley in a pinch.
Lemon Juice (optional)
A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you’re serving with starches or heavier sides.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need any special gear to make steak bites, but having the right tools makes things smoother.
- Sharp chef’s knife for cutting steak
- Cutting board
- Large skillet (cast iron is ideal for searing)
- Tongs or a wooden spoon for stirring
- Small bowl for butter mixture
- Instant-read thermometer (optional for perfect doneness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Begin by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
Place the cubes in a bowl and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss to coat all pieces.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Working in batches (if needed), place the steak cubes in a single layer in the pan. Let them sear without moving them for about 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes.
You’re aiming for a deep golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches about 130°F (54°C).
Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden and fragrant.
Stir in the parsley and lemon juice (if using), and remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Let them warm through for about a minute, then transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try experimenting with these creative twists:
Spicy Steak Bites
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick of heat.
Asian-Inspired
Substitute parsley with chopped green onions and add a splash of soy sauce to the butter. Serve with steamed rice and sesame seeds.
Herb Lovers
Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for more herbaceous flavor.
Garlic Parmesan
Toss the cooked steak bites in garlic butter and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Bourbon Butter Glaze
Deglaze the skillet with 2 tablespoons of bourbon before adding the butter. Let the alcohol cook off for a rich, smoky undertone.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious pairings to consider:
With Vegetables:
Serve over sautéed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus.
Over Starch:
Pair with mashed potatoes, garlic rice, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles.
In a Bowl:
Build a steak bowl with quinoa or brown rice, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra garlic butter.
As an Appetizer:
Serve on a platter with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like chimichurri or blue cheese dressing.
In a Wrap:
Stuff into a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch for an easy steak wrap.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat on Stove:
Place steak bites in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes until warm. You can add a bit more butter or olive oil if needed.
Microwave:
Reheat gently in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
Freezer Friendly:
Freeze cooled steak bites in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
Note: Values vary based on cut of meat and butter quantity used.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Steak bites need space to brown. Crowding the skillet causes steaming instead of searing.
- Use high heat. A hot pan ensures a crusty exterior without overcooking the inside.
- Let the steak rest. After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a minute before tossing back into the butter. This helps retain juices.
- Choose quality meat. Sirloin is great, but any tender cut will work well if trimmed and cut properly.
- Avoid burning the garlic. Lower the heat before adding garlic to the butter. Burnt garlic can make the entire dish bitter.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of items or complicated steps to make a meal that’s full of flavor and satisfying in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a hungry family, or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is fast, flexible, and endlessly flavorful. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.
And the best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes—proof that great food doesn’t always have to take hours.