If you’re craving a meal that’s both quick and bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to the Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that practically melts in your mouth. With minimal ingredients that pack maximum punch, this recipe is the perfect midweek hero for anyone who loves steak but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress both your appetite and your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays an essential role in building the deep, savory flavor and luxurious texture of this dish. From the fresh garlic that adds aromatic depth to the rich butter that creates that irresistible shine, every element is a small treasure that elevates the steak bites to something truly special.
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak (cut into 1 inch cubes): Perfect for quick searing and maintaining juicy tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances and balances the natural beef flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to complement the garlic.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a high-heat sear that locks in juices without burning.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and a silky coating that’s downright addicting.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter with bold, fragrant notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous finish and a touch of color.
How to Make Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by patting your steak cubes dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is key to achieving that perfect golden sear. Next, season the meat evenly with fine sea salt and black pepper, which will penetrate the beef during cooking and bring out its natural umami.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Add Olive Oil
Place a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat and let it get hot before adding the olive oil. The oil will shimmer when ready, indicating the perfect temperature for searing. This step ensures your steak bites get a crisp, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Cubes
Add the steak cubes in a single layer—you might need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming rather than searing. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until your steaks are beautifully browned and caramelized around the edges.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Lower Heat
Once all the steak bites have been seared, return them to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. This gentler heat will prepare the pan for the upcoming garlic butter addition without overcooking your tender steak.
Step 5: Add Butter and Garlic
Stir in the butter and minced garlic, cooking for just 30 to 60 seconds. Keep stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn and the butter evenly coats each succulent piece. The sizzling butter will carry the garlic’s intoxicating aroma right to your kitchen and make your mouth water.
Step 6: Rest the Steak Bites
Remove the skillet from heat and let the steak bites rest for 3 minutes. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping each bite juicy and tender rather than dry.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and a hint of brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their absolute best, dripping with buttery garlic goodness.
How to Serve Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Besides fresh parsley, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with some flaky sea salt just before serving to brighten the flavors and add texture contrast. These little touches transform your steak bites into a restaurant-quality dish.
Side Dishes
Steak bites beg for hearty but simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. If you want to keep dinner light, steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach work beautifully too, soaking up that delicious garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these steak bites over garlic butter noodles or creamy polenta. You could even thread them onto skewers for easy entertaining or arrange them atop crispy crostini as an elegant appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed closely preserves their flavorful coating and juiciness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak bites by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of butter or olive oil to refresh the richness. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is perfect for bite-sized pieces, tender cuts like ribeye or strip steak work wonderfully too. Just be mindful of cooking times, as fattier cuts might require slight adjustments.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works just fine. Cast iron is ideal for heat retention and searing, but any pan that gets very hot will do the trick for searing your steak bites beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or extra olive oil to keep it dairy-free while still maintaining that lovely richness and flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe without garlic?
You can omit garlic if needed, but it’s a key flavor in this Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. If you want a milder taste, consider using roasted garlic or garlic-infused oil instead.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Look for a deep brown crust on the outside with a warm pink center. Since the cubes are small, they cook quickly—usually about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Letting them rest after cooking also helps them finish cooking evenly and stay juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a true kitchen game-changer. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor make it a meal you’ll turn to again and again, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy steak in a flash!
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Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Amazing 20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites features tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection in a hot cast iron skillet, then tossed in luscious garlic butter and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it makes a quick yet impressive meal that’s bursting with rich and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Pat the sirloin steak cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing. Evenly season all sides of the steak cubes with fine sea salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let the oil heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure a good sear.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Add the steak cubes in a single layer without crowding. If needed, cook them in batches. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a deep golden brown crust.
- Reduce Heat and Combine: Lower the heat to medium and return all the seared steak cubes to the skillet if you cooked in batches.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook while stirring constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the steak is well coated in the flavorful butter sauce.
- Rest the Steak Bites: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the steak bites rest in the pan for 3 minutes to retain juices.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the steak bites and serve immediately to enjoy warm, tender, and buttery bites.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry is essential for achieving a perfect sear and nice crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming the meat instead of searing.
- Adjust cooking time slightly for preferred doneness; less time for rare, slightly longer for medium.
- Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan for even heat distribution and best sear.
- Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic in this recipe.
- Resting the steak after cooking helps retain juices for maximum tenderness.
