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If you’re craving a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Garlic Butter Steak Bites are your answer. Tender steak is seared in a hot skillet, then tossed in rich garlic butter—all ready in just 15 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to when time is short but dinner still needs to impress.
Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Smells amazing as you are cooking this. Tastes soooooo good! Steak wasn’t dry at all and the flavor was excellent!”
—Lauren
why you’ll love this Garlic Steak Bite Recipe
We love a good grilled ribeye around here, but when time is tight, these steak bites are the kind of recipe I rely on to get dinner on the table fast. They’ve been a regular in our weeknight rotation for nearly 20 years, and for good reason—flavor-packed, quick to cook, and picky-eater approved.
This is the kind of meal that comes from real-life kitchen experience, tested and tweaked over time to make sure it works every single time. It’s simple enough for busy nights, but tasty enough to make you feel like you really cooked.
What makes these crave-worthy?
❥ Bold Garlic Butter Flavor: Rich, savory, and made with ingredients you already have on hand.
❥ Perfect Sear: That golden crust makes all the difference and locks in every bit of flavor.
❥ Fast but Impressive: Dinner on the table in 15 minutes without sacrificing taste or texture.
NikkiEasy Garlic Steak Bites Ingredients
- Steak: Stick with tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and sear beautifully. If using a tougher cut, plan to marinate first for the best texture.
- Salt: Kosher salt is best—it seasons evenly and helps draw out surface moisture for a better sear.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a stronger, more noticeable bite than pre-ground.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter. You can use regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand.
- Olive Oil: Use a high smoke-point oil like light olive oil or avocado oil. These are better suited for searing at high heat.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives you more control over the salt level. If using salted butter, just scale back a bit on added salt.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here. Skip the pre-minced stuff—real cloves give a bolder, cleaner flavor.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end. Chopped chives or thyme can work too, or you can skip it altogether if needed.
Tips for Choosing the Best Steak
The best steak for garlic butter steak bites is a tender cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy. Here are the top options:
- Sirloin: A lean, flavorful, and budget-friendly choice.
- Ribeye: Rich and marbled with fat, ribeye is more indulgent and stays juicy when seared.
- Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): The most tender cut with a soft texture and mild flavor. Ideal for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- New York Strip: Well-marbled and flavorful, it’s slightly firmer than ribeye but still tender.
How To Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1. Season the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2. Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until it’s nice and hot.
Step 3. Sear the Steak
Add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let them cook for 1-3 minutes per side, until a nice golden sear forms. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once seared, remove the steak bites and set them aside.
Step 4. Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5. Toss and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet, along with any juices. Then, toss them in the garlic butter and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Step 6. Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick
- Roasted Garlic Twist: If you’re a garlic lover, roast whole garlic cloves in the butter instead of just minced garlic. It’ll give a rich, mellow garlic flavor.
- Herb Swap: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can replace parsley for an aromatic twist.
- Saucy Addition: Deglaze the pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar after cooking the steak bites for an extra layer of flavor.
- Butter Alternatives: Swap out the butter for ghee or herb-infused olive oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Citrus Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a touch of zest right before serving adds brightness and balance
- Protein Substitutes: Want to switch it up? Try this recipe with chicken thighs, shrimp, or pork tenderloin cut into similar bite-sized pieces.
Easy Garlic Steak Bites Recipe Tips
- Pat the Steak Dry: Moisture prevents browning. Use paper towels to dry the steak cubes before seasoning.
- Get the Pan Hot: A hot pan is key for that perfect sear. You want to hear a good sizzle when the steak hits the skillet.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the steak space to sear properly. If needed, work in batches to keep the pan hot and avoid steaming the meat.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast! Add it after you reduce the heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Rest the Steak: After searing, a quick minute to rest the steak bites will help lock in all those flavorful juices.
- Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can take these steak bites up a notch.
- Work Quickly: The steak cooks fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the rich, buttery steak bites.
- Roast Potatoes: Crispy and golden roast potatoes are a perfect complement to the juicy steak bites.
- Rice: Serve over white rice, rice pilaf, or wild rice for a hearty base.
- Crusty Bread: Use to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Sautéed Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well.
- Salads: A fresh Caesar salad or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette adds balance.
Recipe FAQs
The best pan for cooking steak bites is hands down a cast iron skillet. It holds heat like a champ and gives you that perfect sear you’re looking for. Stainless steel or carbon steel pans are also great choices because they heat evenly and help you get that golden crust. I’d steer clear of nonstick or thin aluminum pans—they just don’t get hot enough to do the job right.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Steak bites should be seared quickly over high heat to stay tender. Avoid stirring or flipping them too frequently; let them cook undisturbed for 1-3 minutes per side to develop a nice crust.
To get a good sear on your steak, make sure your pan is really hot before the steak goes in. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust. And don’t overcrowd the pan! If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that golden-brown perfection. Work in batches if you need to—trust me, it’s worth it for those tender, flavorful bites.
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used as a shortcut.
These steak bites pair well with just about anything! Try them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, or French onion rice for a hearty meal. They’re also great with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even tossed into pasta for something a little different.
Let the steak bites rest for about 2–3 minutes after cooking. It’s just enough time to help the juices settle and keep the meat tender. You don’t need a long rest like you would with a whole steak.
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Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds steak - sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- fresh parsley - chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.1 1/2 pounds steak, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get hot.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-3 minutes on each side until a nice sear forms. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 5 cloves garlic
- Return the steak cubes to the skillet along with any juices and toss them in the garlic butter. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to heat through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
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Smells amazing as you are cooking this. Tastes soooooo good! Steak was t dry at all and the flavor was excellent! Paired really well with Garlic Parmesan couscous!
Don’t they smell so good! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed them!
Does “1-3 minutes on each side” mean 2 sides (top and bottom, or 6 sides of the cube?
You only flip 1 time. Unless, you would like to cook longer to desired temperature! Enjoy!