If you’re craving something incredibly satisfying yet simple, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want a fast, flavorful meal that feels just a little fancy. Tender, juicy steak pieces seared to perfection and drenched in rich, garlicky butter — seriously, it doesn’t get better than this. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make it foolproof and full of flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 15 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic butter creates an irresistible sauce that clings to every tender bite.
- Versatile Cuts: You can use sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin, making this recipe flexible and budget-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this — it’s a sure bet for pleasing even picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe adds a unique touch, and understanding their role helps you get the best result. From the steak’s quality to the balance of seasoning, every detail matters.

- Olive oil: Helps sear the steak beautifully and adds a mild, fruity flavor that complements the beef.
- Sirloin steak (or strip loin, tenderloin, rib eye): I recommend sirloin because of its great balance between tenderness and flavor, but feel free to pick your favorite cut.
- Salt: Enhances the steak’s natural flavor; don’t be shy with it.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough heat and aroma to balance the richness of the butter.
- Unsalted butter: The hero that creates a velvety garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic cloves (minced): The essential ingredient that gives this dish its unforgettable aroma and taste.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but you’ll love the subtle kick they add if you want a little heat.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness.
Variations
I love tweaking this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand — and you should too! Feel free to make it your own by trying these variations.
- Add mushrooms: I once tossed in sliced cremini mushrooms to soak up the garlic butter sauce — so good and earthy.
- Swap beef for chicken: For a lighter version, use bite-sized chicken tender pieces; it cooks just as quickly and tastes amazing with the garlic butter.
- Use fresh herbs: Thyme or rosemary can give a different flavor profile if you want to mix things up.
- Make it spicier: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne if you crave heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Pan and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s just smoking hot — this is key to getting your steak bites nicely seared. Add your seasoned steak pieces in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll end up steaming instead of searing. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. This sear is what locks in the juices and creates that irresistible caramelized crust. After that, give them a quick stir and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown all over. If your pan is small, cook in batches to maintain that perfect sear.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
After you’ve transferred the steak bites to a plate, reduce the heat to medium and add your butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn a lovely golden brown — but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! This quick step adds a ton of flavor without bitterness.
Step 3: Combine and Garnish
Pour the garlic butter sauce over your steak bites in the bowl or back in the pan. Toss everything together until those steak pieces are evenly coated in buttery, garlicky goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness. And voilà — your Garlic Butter Steak Bites are ready to devour!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry Steak: I learned this the hard way; drying your steak pieces before cooking helps get that coveted crust without steaming.
- Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let the steak sit in the hot pan to develop a sear — stirring too early prevents browning.
- Add Garlic After Steak: Putting garlic in the pan before steak often leads to burnt bits; adding it last keeps it perfectly aromatic.
- Cook in Batches If Needed: Resist the urge to crowd the pan — it really makes a difference to cook in smaller batches.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garnishes
I always go with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley — it lightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herby note that cuts through the buttery richness. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors, especially if I’m feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this are crispy roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes because they soak up that garlic butter like champs. Steamed green beans or a fresh Caesar salad make great lighter companions, balancing out the richness of the steak bites perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving the Garlic Butter Steak Bites on a wooden board alongside small bowls of sauces like horseradish cream or chimichurri. It makes for a fun, shareable experience. You can also skewer the bites and serve them as appetizers — my guests always ask for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge — they keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them down before sealing so moisture doesn’t build up and make the steak soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these steak bites a couple of times with good results. Just spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust intact and avoid drying them out. Adding a little extra butter during reheating brings back that fresh, saucy goodness you had the first time around.
FAQs
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What’s the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Sirloin is a favorite due to its flavor and tenderness, but you can also use tenderloin, ribeye, or strip steak. Just make sure to cut the steak into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
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Can I prepare the steak bites in advance?
You can cut and season the steak ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to a day. However, I recommend cooking the steak bites fresh to get the best sear and flavor.
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Why should I avoid overcrowding the pan?
Overcrowding traps moisture and causes the steak to steam rather than sear, leading to less flavorful and less crispy bites. Cooking in batches ensures each piece develops a beautiful crust.
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Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Absolutely! Red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but the recipe is delicious without them if you prefer a milder flavor or are serving kids.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite quick dinners because it’s simple, yet feels special every time I make it. I love how the garlic butter sauce clings to these tender bites, making each mouthful a little celebration. If you want a recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your table, give this one a whirl — I promise you’ll be making it again and again.
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
Savor the rich and savory flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Bites, a quick and easy skillet-cooked recipe featuring tender sirloin pieces seared to perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a hearty meal or sharing as an appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak (cut into bite size pieces, or substitute with 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 skillet: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over high heat. Ensure the oil is very hot so the steak bites get a good sear.
- Sear the steak bites: Add the steak pieces to the hot skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to develop a crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until golden brown. Cook in batches if the skillet is not large enough to avoid overcrowding.
- Prepare garlic butter: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds while stirring until the garlic is aromatic and just beginning to brown.
- Toss and garnish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites and toss well to coat evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a better crust; moisture prevents proper searing.
- Use a hot pan and avoid stirring the steak bites too soon to develop a nice sear.
- Add garlic only after the steak is cooked to prevent burning the garlic.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches if necessary for even searing.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat and flavor complexity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz steak bites with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

