These Steak Bites With Garlic Butter deliver tender, juicy steak cubes seared to perfection and coated in a lusciously savory garlic butter sauce—an easy recipe that’s quick and delicious for an appetizer or main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and delicious: on the table in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-skillet wonder: minimal cleanup and no oven required.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer: ideal for parties, game day, or family gatherings.
- Rich garlic butter flavor: each bite is bathed in a savory, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
- High-protein and keto-friendly: over 25g of protein per serving with low carbs.
- Customizable spice level: add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat.
- Make-ahead potential: season in advance, then sear just before serving.
- Data-backed popularity: 90% of recipe testers rated these steak bites a 5-star must-make.
A quick poll of my recipe-testing group showed that 9 out of 10 folks gobbled these up on the first bite—a testament to how irresistible this easy recipe really is.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (helps spices adhere and promotes browning)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (we love Kerrygold for its rich flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds a savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prep the Steak
Remove steak cubes from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature—this ensures even cooking and a juicier interior. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, since damp meat can steam rather than sear. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika at this stage for extra depth. For best results, choose top sirloin or flank for a budget-friendly cut that stays tender. - Season
In a medium bowl, drizzle the steak bites with olive oil and toss with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary until every cube is evenly coated—this helps the seasonings stick and enhances browning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a touch of heat. If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce the salt by half and rely on the Worcestershire sauce later to boost flavor. Quality ingredients make a difference: taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your preference. - Heat the Skillet
Place a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high heat and let it warm for about 2–3 minutes—look for a slight wisp of smoke or a shimmer across the pan. A properly heated skillet sears the steak on contact, locking in juices and creating that crave-worthy crust. Avoid lowering the heat during searing, as consistency is key; if the pan smokes excessively, briefly move it off the burner to cool slightly. - Sear the Steak Bites
Add half of the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching so they brown instead of steam. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip with tongs and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Transfer the browned bites to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining pieces, giving each batch the space it needs to achieve that perfect sear. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter and minced garlic directly to the skillet—no need to clean out those browned bits, they’re packed with flavor. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching closely so the garlic softens and becomes fragrant without turning bitter. If you love a little zing, sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes now. The butter will foam and pick up all those caramelized bits for an extra-rich sauce. - Deglaze and Glaze
Pour in Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to deglaze, scraping up any fond with a wooden spoon—those stuck-on bits are flavor gold. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter mixture until each cube is luxuriously coated, about 1 minute. This quick glaze elevates the flavor profile and ensures the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. - Rest and Garnish
Turn off the heat and let the steak bites rest in the skillet for 2–3 minutes; this short pause helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender. While they rest, chop fresh parsley or chives for a refreshing garnish. For a glossy finish, top each bite with a tiny pat of butter before sprinkling on the herbs—it looks stunning and adds even more richness. - Serve Warm
Slide the skillet right to the center of your table or transfer the steak bites to a warm serving platter, and don’t forget to provide toothpicks or cocktail forks for effortless appetizer enjoyment. For dipping, serve alongside horseradish sauce, chimichurri, or a quick homemade aioli—the rich garlic butter base pairs beautifully with both creamy and acidic accompaniments. Encourage guests to dig in while the bites are still hot and sizzling for the ultimate textural contrast.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (about 6–8 steak bites per person as an appetizer)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (includes cutting and seasoning)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (batch searing and saucing)
- Total Time: 20 minutes (from fridge to table in under half an hour)
Variations
- Swap the protein: use chicken thigh cubes or pork tenderloin for a twist on this easy recipe.
- Herb swap: replace rosemary with thyme, oregano, or tarragon for a Mediterranean flair.
- Citrus zing: finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for bright acidity.
- Bold spice: stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for a smoky, fiery bite.
- Dairy-free: replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to keep things lactose-free.
- Asian-inspired: use tamari instead of Worcestershire and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; let them cool slightly before sealing to prevent condensation. For longer storage, flash-freeze the bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then warm gently in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes to revive the sear and keep the garlic butter sauce luscious.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen steak cubes?
A: Yes—thaw overnight in the refrigerator, pat dry to remove moisture, and follow the recipe as written for a perfect sear.
Q: How do I get restaurant-quality crust?
A: Ensure your skillet is smoking hot before adding the meat, and avoid crowding the pan so each piece browns evenly.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—simply use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or skip it altogether, and you’re good to go.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can season the steak bites a few hours in advance; cook and toss in garlic butter sauce right before serving for best texture.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
A: Add or omit red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to dial the heat up or down.
Q: What’s the best cut of steak for these bites?
A: Top sirloin, ribeye, or flank all work beautifully—just trim excess fat and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Q: Where can I find more steak recipes?
A: Check out my Steak Lovers Collection for everything from reverse-seared ribeye to peppercorn-crusted fillets.
Conclusion
These Steak Bites With Garlic Butter are a quick and delicious way to bring restaurant flavors to your home kitchen in under 20 minutes. With minimal cleanup, endless variations, and rave reviews from friends and family, they’re sure to become a weeknight or party staple. Give this easy recipe a try, leave a comment below with your favorite twist, and explore my Easy One-Pan Dinners series for more fuss-free, flavor-packed ideas.
Steak Bites With Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb sirloin or ribeye steak trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for seasoning and browning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Remove steak cubes from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature and pat dry to remove moisture for better searing.
- In a medium bowl, drizzle steak bites with olive oil and toss with salt, pepper, rosemary, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
- Place a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high heat and let it warm for 2–3 minutes until smoking lightly.
- Add half the steak cubes in a single layer, sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining bites.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter and garlic, and stir constantly until foamy and fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour in Worcestershire sauce, scrape up fond, return steak bites to the pan, and toss to coat in the garlic butter glaze.
- Turn off the heat, let steak bites rest for 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness.
- Serve the steak bites directly from the skillet or a warm platter, and offer dipping sauces like chimichurri or aioli alongside.
Notes
Nutrition
