20-Minute Garlic Butter Steak Bites That Will Blow Your Mind

You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my garlic butter steak bites save the day! I’ve been making this recipe for years – first learned it working the line at a steakhouse where we needed quick, crowd-pleasing dishes. The magic happens in just 20 minutes flat.

There’s something about the sizzle of steak hitting a hot pan that makes my mouth water every time. When you add that garlicky butter sauce? Oh wow. The smell alone will have everyone hovering around the stove begging for a taste. Perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for date nights too – that’s the beauty of this recipe.

Trust me, once you try these tender, garlicky steak bites, they’ll become your go-to emergency dinner. I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has saved me when unexpected guests show up or when I just can’t face another boring chicken dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Let me count the ways these little flavor bombs will become your new kitchen obsession:

• Faster than takeout: Ready in 20 minutes flat – I timed it while chasing my toddler around the kitchen!
• Minimal ingredients: Just steak, butter, garlic and a few pantry staples – no fancy shopping required
• Flavor explosion: That garlic butter sauce coats every tender bite with restaurant-quality taste
• Endlessly versatile: Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday tacos-turned-steak-night
• Crowd pleaser: My picky nephew who “hates steak” devoured three helpings last week

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes – quick, delicious, and guaranteed to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly steak bites (measurements matter – I learned that the hard way after a too-garlicky disaster!):

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (look for good marbling)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (trust me, you want control over the salt)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh only – no jarred stuff!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff for searing)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (rub between fingers to wake it up)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but oh-so-good)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No sirloin? No problem! Ribeye works beautifully (more fat = more flavor). Out of butter? Ghee or even avocado oil will do in a pinch. For my dairy-free friends, olive oil works but you’ll miss that rich butter taste. And if you’re garlic-obsessed like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two – I won’t tell!

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what I grab from my kitchen before starting – nothing fancy, just the essentials:

• Cast-iron skillet (my trusty 10-inch for perfect searing)
• Tongs (metal ones won’t melt when things get hot)
• Sharp knife & cutting board (for cubing that steak)
• Small bowl (to mix seasonings – I’m messy otherwise)

That’s it! No special gadgets needed for these steak bites.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but here’s exactly how to nail it on your first try:

1. Heat that pan right: Get your skillet screaming hot over medium-high heat – I wait until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
2. Sear like a pro: Pat your steak cubes dry (crucial step!), then toss with salt, pepper and thyme. Add to the pan in a single layer – no crowding! You want that beautiful brown crust, not steamed meat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
3. Butter time! Reduce heat to medium and add butter. When it’s melted and foamy (but not brown yet), toss in the garlic. The smell will hit you – that’s when you know it’s working!
4. Final dance: Stir everything together for just 1-2 minutes – any longer and the garlic burns. You want the steak medium-rare to medium at most.
5. Serve immediately: Plate those beauties while hot, scraping every last bit of garlic butter sauce over the top. Resist eating straight from the pan (I never do).

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are my hard-earned secrets after many (many) test batches:

• Dry steak = better sear: Always pat cubes dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of browning
• Watch the garlic: It burns in seconds! Add it after reducing heat and stir constantly
• Rest before cutting: If starting with a whole steak, let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before cubing
• Butter temperature: Let it foam but not brown before adding garlic – that’s the sweet spot

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Now comes the best part – what to serve with these garlicky little treasures! My absolute favorite is a big pile of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that buttery sauce. But honestly, they’re delicious with just about anything:

• Crusty bread (for swiping up every last drop of garlic butter)
• Roasted asparagus (toss it in the same pan after the steak’s done)
• Simple arugula salad (the peppery greens cut through the richness)
• Buttered noodles (when you need serious comfort food)

Sometimes I even serve them straight from the skillet with toothpicks for easy snacking – no sides needed!

Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Leftovers? (A rare occurrence in my house!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it’ll make the steak tough. Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them juicy. The garlic butter will come back to life beautifully!

Nutritional Information

A quick note about nutrition – these numbers are estimates since butter brands, steak thickness, and other factors vary. But here’s the general breakdown per serving (about half the recipe): Around 350 calories, 30g protein, and plenty of that good garlicky flavor that doesn’t show up on labels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen steak for these garlic butter steak bites?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Frozen steak releases too much water when cooking, making it harder to get that perfect sear. If you must use frozen, thaw completely in the fridge overnight and pat VERY dry with paper towels first.

How do I prevent overcooking the steak bites?
Two secrets: 1) Cut uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly, and 2) Pull them off the heat when they’re just slightly less done than you want – they’ll keep cooking from residual heat. Medium-rare is ideal for tenderness!

Can I make these garlic butter steak bites ahead?
You can prep the ingredients ahead (cube steak, mince garlic), but cook them right before serving. The garlic butter sauce separates if reheated too much. For parties, I keep everything prepped and cook batches fresh as needed – takes just minutes!

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin gives great flavor without breaking the bank, but ribeye is my splurge choice. The marbling makes each bite extra juicy. Avoid super lean cuts like filet – they dry out too fast in this quick-cooking method.

Share Your Experience

Tried these garlic butter steak bites? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave a comment or rating below!

Print