Garlic butter steak bites are the fast, flavorful dinner that tastes like a steakhouse meal but takes only 15 minutes. Juicy cubes of steak are seared in a hot skillet until deeply golden, then tossed in melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs for an irresistible finish.
This easy garlic butter steak bites recipe works with sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip, and the key is a very hot pan and a little patience. A short sear locks in the juices, and the garlic butter coats every bite in rich, savory flavor.
Serve the steak bites over mashed potatoes, with roasted vegetables, or on toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They disappear fast, so consider making a double batch.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Category: Dinner / Appetizer
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
- Juicy, seared steak coated in garlic herb butter
- Works as a dinner or a party appetizer
- Only one skillet and a handful of ingredients
- Low carb and naturally gluten free
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon high-heat oil, such as avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley and flaky salt, for finishing
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Pat the steak cubes very dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Add half of the steak in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes without moving, then flip and sear for another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, garlic, and herbs to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then return all of the steak to the pan.
- Toss the steak in the garlic butter for 1 minute to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and flaky salt and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Pat the steak completely dry and cook in batches. Wet meat or a crowded pan steams instead of searing, which means no golden crust.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron that holds high heat, and don’t move the steak until it releases easily.
- Add the garlic only after the heat is lowered so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
- Pull the steak a touch early for medium-rare, since it continues to cook in the butter.
Variations to Try
- Add halved baby potatoes, cooked first, for a skillet steak and potato dinner
- Toss in sliced mushrooms and sauté them in the butter
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Use a splash of soy sauce and honey for a sweet-savory twist
- Serve on toothpicks with a dipping sauce as an appetizer
How to Store It
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid overcooking them.
They are best fresh, but leftovers are great tossed into salads, tacos, or an omelet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of steak for garlic butter steak bites?
Sirloin is budget friendly and tender, while ribeye and New York strip add richer marbling and flavor.
How do you keep steak bites from getting tough?
Sear them quickly over high heat for only a couple of minutes per side and avoid overcooking.
Can I make garlic butter steak bites in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry the seasoned cubes at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, then toss them in the garlic butter.
How long do you cook steak bites for medium-rare?
About 3 to 4 minutes total, searing in a single layer, then a brief toss in the butter.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Sear the steak in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Tip: Don't crowd the pan, or it will steam.
- Lower the heat and add the butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Stir in the Worcestershire and return the steak to the pan.
- Toss for 1 minute and serve with parsley and flaky salt.
Notes
Serve right away for the juiciest bites.