Garlic Butter Steak Bites How to Make in 15 Min

Have you ever found yourself staring at the clock, stomach growling, wondering how to make a restaurant-quality meal in less time than it takes to order takeout? What if you could whip up juicy, flavor-packed steak bites swimming in rich garlic butter sauce in just 15 minutes? Yes, really – 15 minutes!

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero. They’re quick, they’re simple, and they pack so much flavor you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.

Overview: What Makes Garlic Butter Steak Bites Special?

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are small pieces of steak cooked to perfection in a sizzling garlic butter sauce that creates a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This recipe is special because:

• Time: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
• Difficulty: Super easy! Perfect for beginners
• Flavor: Incredible taste with minimal ingredients
• Versatility: Works with different cuts of steak and side dishes
• Wow-factor: Looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant meal

This is one of those rare recipes that’s simple enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy for complex cooking.

Essential Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing Garlic Butter Steak Bites. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just a few basic ingredients:

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 pound steak (ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

Why These Ingredients Matter:

• Steak: The star of the show! Choose a good quality cut with nice marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. Sirloin is a great all-around choice that’s flavorful and won’t break the bank.
• Butter: Creates that rich, velvety sauce that coats each bite of steak. Real butter works best here – no substitutes!
• Garlic: Brings that punch of flavor that makes these bites so addictive. Fresh garlic is much better than garlic powder for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Has a higher smoke point than butter, which helps get a nice sear on the steak without burning the butter.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Steak: If you’re on a budget, chuck steak can work but may be slightly tougher. For a splurge, use filet mignon for super tender bites.
• Butter: Dairy-free? Try a good quality vegan butter. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? Try fresh thyme or rosemary. Dried herbs work in a pinch – just use 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon.
• Add-ins: Love mushrooms? Throw some in! Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites in just 15 minutes:

Prep Work (5 minutes):

1. Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels (this helps get a better sear). Cut out any large fat parts and cut into 1-inch cubes. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Prep the garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves. The finer you mince, the more flavor will release into the butter sauce.
3. Chop the parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley and set aside for later.

Cooking Process (10 minutes):

1. Heat the pan: Place a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get nice and hot – about 1-2 minutes.
2. Sear the steak: Add the steak bites to the hot pan in a single layer. Instead of filling the pan, proceed in batches as needed. Let them cook undisturbed for 45-60 seconds to develop a nice brown crust.
3. Flip and continue cooking: Stir or flip the steak bites and cook for another 30-45 seconds for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more done.
4. Remove steak: Transfer the steak bites to a clean plate and set aside. If cooking in batches, repeat until all steak is cooked.
5. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same hot pan, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and chopped garlic once it has melted. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, but don’t let the garlic burn!
6. Return steak to pan: Add the steak bites back to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add soy sauce if using. Cook for another 30 seconds.
7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, give everything a final toss, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites:

• Don’t overcook the steak: These small bites cook very quickly. For medium-rare, they need just 1-2 minutes total cooking time.
• Hot pan is key: Make sure your pan is really hot before adding the steak to get that perfect sear.
• Dry meat = better sear: Those paper towels are your friend! Blotting excess moisture helps develop that tasty brown crust.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Too many steak pieces at once will lower the pan temperature and steam the meat instead of searing it.
• Watch the garlic: Garlic burns easily and gets bitter. Keep an eye on it and reduce heat if needed.
• Rest the meat: Even these small bites benefit from a brief rest before returning to the sauce, which helps keep them juicy.

Assembly and Presentation

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are so versatile when it comes to how you serve them. Here are some delicious ways to present your sizzling steak creation:

Serving Ideas:

1. Classic Dinner: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
2. Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
3. Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks at your next gathering. Place a small bowl of extra garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping.
4. Loaded Bites: Top with crumbled blue cheese or grated parmesan for an extra flavor kick.
5. Steak and Eggs: For an amazing breakfast or brunch, serve with fried or poached eggs.

Presentation Tips:

• Serving Dish: A warm cast iron skillet makes for a rustic, impressive presentation. Just remember to use a hot pad!
• Garnish: A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a few lemon wedges adds color and brightness.
• Sauce Drizzle: Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the top right before serving for that “wow” factor.
• Color Contrast: Add a pop of color with cherry tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While Garlic Butter Steak Bites are best enjoyed fresh off the stove, life happens! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Keep chilled leftovers for up to three days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: These can be frozen, but the texture won’t be as good when thawed. If you need to freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating:

• Stovetop Method (Recommended): Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the steak bites and warm through for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to overcook them.
• Microwave Method: Place steak bites in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 20-second bursts until just warmed through. Although it won’t have the same feel, it will do in an emergency!

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep ingredients: Cut the steak, mince the garlic, and chop the herbs up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator.
• Partial cooking: This recipe is so quick, it’s best cooked just before serving. However, you can sear the steak bites ahead of time and make the garlic butter sauce fresh just before serving.
• Compound butter: Make garlic herb butter in advance by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Refrigerate until needed, then use this to make an instant sauce.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how easy they are to customize! Here are some delicious twists on the classic recipe:

Flavor Variations:

1. Steakhouse Style: Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese.
2. Asian-Inspired: Use 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add sliced green onions at the end.
3. Herb Lover’s: Mix in 2 tablespoons of mixed fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
4. Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño to the garlic butter sauce.
5. Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the butter and returning the steak to the pan.

Protein Swaps:

• Chicken Bites: Use boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks instead of steak (cook a bit longer until chicken reaches 165°F).
• Shrimp Scampi Style: Substitute large shrimp for the steak (cook just until pink and opaque).
• Mixed Grill: Use a combination of steak, chicken, and shrimp for a surf-and-turf experience.

Dietary Adaptations:

• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of butter.
• Paleo/Whole30: Use ghee instead of butter and skip the soy sauce (or use coconut aminos).
• Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb! Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

There you have it – Garlic Butter Steak Bites that are ready in just 15 minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen! This recipe proves that delicious, impressive meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, preparing a romantic dinner, or looking for an easy way to impress guests, these steak bites have got you covered. The combination of tender, juicy steak and rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce is simply unbeatable.

Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your own needs! Experiment with different herbs, spices, or side dishes until you find your perfect combination. And remember – the key to amazing Garlic Butter Steak Bites is high heat, quick cooking, and quality ingredients.

So the next time you’re short on time but big on hunger, give these Garlic Butter Steak Bites a try. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

FAQ :

What cut of steak works best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Sirloin, ribeye, and strip steak work best because they have good marbling and stay tender when cooked quickly. Sirloin is usually the most budget-friendly of these options while still being flavorful and tender.

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak. Frozen steak won’t sear properly and will release too much moisture, preventing that beautiful brown crust from forming. If using frozen steak, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

How can I tell when my bites of steak are done?

For medium-rare steak bites, they’ll be browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. When pressed, they ought to feel somewhat solid yet still yield. If you prefer them more done, cook for an additional 30-60 seconds.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

While best served immediately, you can cook the steak bites until they’re just underdone, then reheat them with the garlic butter sauce just before serving. This works well for parties where you want to minimize last-minute cooking.

Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites healthy?

In moderation, yes! Steak provides high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The butter adds richness but can be reduced if you’re watching fat intake. For a healthier version, use less butter and serve with plenty of vegetables.

What side dishes pair well with these steak bites?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully with these steak bites. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Is it possible to use garlic powder for fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic. It will still be wonderful, but the flavor won’t be as strong.

My garlic burned and tastes bitter. What went wrong?

Garlic burns quickly! If your pan is too hot when you add the garlic, it can burn in seconds. To prevent this, make sure to reduce the heat to medium before adding the butter and garlic, and don’t let the garlic cook for more than 1 minute before adding the steak back in.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine or red wine after cooking the garlic but before returning the steak to the pan. Let it reduce for about 30 seconds before proceeding with the recipe. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor!

How can I make the steak more tender?

For extra tender steak bites, you can marinate the cubed steak in a mixture of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon baking soda for 20-30 minutes before cooking. The baking soda helps tenderize the meat. Just be sure to pat the steak dry before cooking for the best sear.