If you have a craving for something tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine perfectly seared pieces of sirloin or ribeye, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to each bite, with a fresh sprinkle of parsley that brings just the right pop of color and zest. This dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer when friends come over. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly addictive—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a sensational experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe right starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, from the steak’s rich texture to the fragrant garlic that infuses every bite with irresistible aroma, and the fresh parsley that adds brightness and color.
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed: Choose well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature punch and aroma.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for that velvety, rich sauce that coats each steak bite.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The foundational seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the steak.
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional): A splash of wine deglazes the pan, adding depth and complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Begin by cutting your choice of sirloin or ribeye steak into bite-sized cubes. This not only makes them the perfect spoonful but ensures each piece cooks evenly and quickly. Generously season the cubes with salt and pepper; this simple seasoning forms the base for all the bold flavors to come, so don’t be shy!
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles gently. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This creates that beautiful, caramelized crust which locks in juices and gives you an irresistible texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Once the steak has a glorious sear, toss in the minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering garlicky scent. It’s key to add garlic at this point to avoid burning and bitterness while maximizing that gorgeous aroma.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
Remove the steak bites from the pan to prevent overcooking. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the optional quarter cup of red wine. This step pulls up all those delicious browned bits from the pan, creating a silky garlic butter sauce packed with flavor and depth.
Step 5: Finish with Parsley and Combine
Return the steak bites to the skillet and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything. Toss well to coat the steak in the buttery, garlicky sauce and let the flavors marry for just a minute or two on the heat. This final toss makes the dish visually stunning and freshens the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve the steak bites right away while they’re hot and the sauce is still glossy. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the top to seal in flavor and add an irresistible shine.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe with a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley for that fresh burst of color and flavor. You can also add a dash of cracked black pepper or a light squeeze of lemon juice if you want to brighten the richness even more. These simple touches elevate the presentation and taste subtly.
Side Dishes
Pair these succulent steak bites with buttery mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for the ultimate comfort meal. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad complement the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully by adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or liven up a casual dinner, serve the steak bites skewered as elegant appetizers or over toasted crusty bread for a delicious open-faced steak bruschetta. You could also layer them on a bed of garlic butter noodles for a decadent twist that never disappoints.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some steak bites left over? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them separate from any fresh garnishes or sides to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
While steak bites taste best fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve their juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking and drying out the steak. Adding a small knob of butter can help revive the sauce and keep the bites tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are favorites for their tenderness and flavor, you can use filet mignon or strip steak as well. Just make sure to cube them into consistent sizes for even cooking.
Is the red wine necessary in this recipe?
The red wine is optional but recommended if you want an extra layer of richness and complexity in your garlic butter sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth or omit it entirely.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
To avoid bitter burnt garlic, add it after the steak is seared and cook it only briefly—about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye and stir constantly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and optional wine are gluten-free. It’s a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best type of butter to use?
Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the salt level precisely. It also creates a cleaner, fresher flavor that highlights the steak and garlic perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary steak dishes. The combination of buttery richness, garlicky aroma, and tender steak bites is pure magic on a plate. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious—perfect for so many occasions. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation, too!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish featuring tender sirloin or ribeye steak cubes seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh parsley and optionally deglazed with red wine, this recipe delivers bold flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cube the steak into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Add the steak cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a browned, caramelized crust.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then remove the steak bites from the pan to prevent overcooking.
- Deglaze the Pan: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the red wine if using, and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits, creating a rich sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet, add the chopped parsley, and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the steak evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites immediately, drizzled with the extra garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor; avoid tougher cuts.
- Red wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to enjoy the sauce fully.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure even browning.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
