Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pound sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

There’s something irresistible about juicy, perfectly seared steak pieces drenched in rich, garlicky butter – that’s exactly what makes this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe such a winner. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a straightforward dish packed with bold flavor and that comforting sizzle of garlic and butter melding together.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with many small, browned cubes of cooked meat, sprinkled with green herbs and tiny bits of garlic. A woman's hand with dark polished nails holds a shiny silver fork, picking up a piece of the meat in the center of the pan. The meat looks juicy and nicely seared with a mix of brown and golden colors, and the herbs add a fresh green touch scattered evenly across all the pieces. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some blurry green leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly think this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is one of those trouble-free dishes that feels indulgent but doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve when guests come over.

Speedy and Simple: It comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it ideal when you want a quick protein fix without sacrificing taste.
Bold Flavors: The combination of seared steak with garlic-infused butter and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a delicious punch.
Versatility: Whether you use sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin, this recipe adapts beautifully to your favorite cut.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as an appetizer, dinner, or part of a party spread, these steak bites always steal the show.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe plays a starring role, blending together beautifully. When picking your steak, look for cuts with a nice balance of tenderness and flavor. Fresh garlic is a must since it transforms the butter sauce with its punchy, savory aroma.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a few fresh sprigs of bright green parsley, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, and a neatly arranged pile of raw sirloin steak pieces with rich red color and marbling, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Provides a high-heat cooking base that helps achieve that coveted golden sear without smoking too much.
Sirloin steak (or ribeye, tenderloin, strip steak): Tender bites cook fast and stay juicy, perfect for this quick sauté method.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the beef’s natural flavor—don’t be shy with salt!
Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and serves as the base for the garlic sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh minced garlic delivers the essential flavor boost and aroma that makes this dish memorable.
Red pepper flakes: Just a dash adds gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the steak.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe exactly as written, but I’ve found it’s super fun to tweak here and there to match what’s in your pantry or your mood. A little imagination goes a long way!

Variation: One time, I added a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the butter for an extra umami kick; it was a game changer! You could also swap red pepper flakes for smoked paprika if you prefer smoky over spicy.
Dietary Swap: If you want to lighten it up, try using a mix of olive oil and a little ghee instead of butter for a lactose-free option that still feels decadent.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

The image shows a dish of small, browned meat cubes, cooked to have a slight crispy texture on the edges, scattered inside a white bowl with blue and black decorative lines and dots around the inside. The meat pieces are mixed with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, giving a fresh look, and the bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth visible nearby. The meat looks juicy with a glistening surface, and the bowl is filled almost to the top with the savory chunks of meat photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat Your Pan and Oil Just Right

First things first, get your skillet nice and hot over high heat before adding the olive oil. It’s tempting to rush this, but patience here ensures a perfect sear. When the oil is shimmering and just about to smoke, it’s showtime.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites Without Crowding

Add the steak pieces in a single layer and season generously with salt and pepper. Resist the urge to stir too soon — letting them sit undisturbed for at least 2 minutes builds that beautiful golden crust. If your pan is small, work in batches so the bites don’t steam and lose their crispness.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once your steak is browned, set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt while you scrape up those delicious browned bits. Then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Be watchful — garlic burns quickly and you want to avoid that bitter taste.

Step 4: Toss Steak Bites in Garlic Butter and Serve

Pour the fragrant garlic butter over your steak bites and toss everything together so each piece is coated generously. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then dive right in or serve straight away.

Top Tip

From many times making these steak bites, I’ve gathered some key tips to make sure you get restaurant-quality results every time.

Room Temperature Steak: Let your steak pieces come close to room temp before cooking. I learned the hard way that cold meat won’t sear well and ends up steaming instead.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature. If you notice the steak releasing too much liquid and not browning, it’s a sign to cook in batches.
Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns within seconds once it starts browning. Stir constantly and remove from heat right when you smell that nutty aroma.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: The parsley isn’t just for looks — it refreshes the palate and balances the richness from the butter beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley because its bright green pop and herbaceous notes perfectly complement the rich garlic butter. If I’m feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds lovely brightness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted asparagus — they soak up all that buttery goodness. But these bites shine with pretty much anything mild, like a simple green salad or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I love skewering the steak bites with toothpicks and serving them on a platter with dipping sauce on the side. Another time, I layered them over toasted baguette slices for quick garlic butter steak crostinis — a total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce tightens up as it cools but reheats beautifully without losing flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I find the texture slightly suffers after thawing; however, for meal prep, it’s convenient. Just freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating

To keep that seared crust, I reheat leftovers gently in a hot skillet with a little bit of butter or olive oil, tossing briefly to warm through without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sirloin is great because it’s tender and affordable, but ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak all work wonderfully. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and cook the same way.

How do I get a good sear on the steak bites?

Make sure your skillet and oil are very hot before adding the meat, and don’t stir immediately after adding the steak. Resist flipping for at least 2 minutes to allow a crust to form. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cut the steak into pieces and even mince the garlic ahead, but I recommend cooking the steak bites fresh for the best texture. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated easily though.

What can I serve with garlic butter steak bites?

They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or even a fresh crisp salad. You can also serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces or on crostinis for a party.

Final Thoughts

I know I’ll keep coming back to this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe because it hits that perfect comfort-food note while still feeling fresh and straightforward. It’s one of those little kitchen wins that feels fancy but is really just good, honest food you can whip up without fuss. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how many ways you can make it your own!