These garlic butter steak bites are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! Simple to make, they cook up quickly and are drizzled in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is juicy and flavorful for steak bites. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider using flank or skirt steak. They are also tender when cooked properly!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use margarine or a plant-based butter instead.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds strong flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder—just use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of each clove. But fresh is always best!
Olive Oil: It can be replaced with any cooking oil such as avocado or vegetable oil. I love olive oil for its flavor and health benefits!
Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a lovely aroma. If unavailable, dried thyme works too—just use half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Steak Bites?
Searing your steak bites perfectly is key to tasty results. It’s all about the right temperature and timing.
- Make sure the steak is dry before seasoning. This helps give a nice crust.
- Heat your oil until it’s really hot before adding the steak. This seals in the juices!
- Cook in batches if needed; overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, or adjust based on your preference.
Trust me, taking these steps will result in deliciously tender steak bites every time!
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious garlic butter steak bites in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by patting the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice crust when cooked. Season the cubes evenly with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the steak cubes quickly.
3. Sear the Steak:
Add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer—do this in batches if necessary, so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes without moving them, until a brown crust forms. Flip the steak bites and cook another 2 minutes on the other side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preference.
4. Set Aside:
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak bites from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and thyme leaves. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
6. Combine Steak with Sauce:
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat everything evenly. Allow them to cook together for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Add Fresh Herbs:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a fresh touch.
8. Serve:
Transfer the garlic butter steak bites to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve immediately and enjoy these tender, garlicky delights as a perfect appetizer or main dish!
Enjoy your homemade garlic butter steak bites with your favorite dipping sauce or as a tasty side dish! 😋
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use cuts like flank, ribeye, or tenderloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut and thickness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. You can also marinate the steak cubes in a little chili powder or Sriracha for added flavor before cooking.
Can I Store Leftover Steak Bites?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of butter to keep them juicy.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
These steak bites pair wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them on skewers as an appetizer for parties!
