How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
These irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites are seared in a screaming hot skillet until perfectly caramelized on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Tossed in a rich garlic herb butter sauce, they come together in under 15 minutes and are guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Remove the steak cubes from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and allow it to heat for at least 2 to 3 minutes until it is smoking hot. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. The oil should shimmer and just begin to smoke before you add the steak.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Sear without moving for 1 to 2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms on each piece. The steak bites should reach medium-rare to medium doneness internally.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and push the steak bites to the side of the pan. Add the butter to the empty side of the pan and let it melt. Once melted and foamy, add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook the garlic for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, do not let it burn.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Toss all of the steak bites in the garlic herb butter until every piece is evenly coated and glistening. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the top. Serve immediately with toothpicks as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes as a main.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sirloin steak → ribeye or tenderloin for a richer and more buttery flavor
- fresh rosemary → dried rosemary using half the amount in a pinch
- unsalted butter → ghee for a higher smoke point and nutty flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan with too many steak pieces which causes them to steam rather than sear and develop a crust
- Not drying the steak cubes before cooking which produces excess moisture and prevents browning
- Moving the steak pieces too soon before a proper crust has formed, resulting in the meat tearing and losing its juices
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 42g protein, 3g carbs, 33g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →