There’s something deeply satisfying about a good steak—juicy, perfectly seared, and full of bold flavor. But sometimes, the idea of cooking a whole steak can feel like too much for a busy night. That’s where these steak bites with garlic butter come in. They give you everything you love about a great steak—seared edges, tender meat, and rich, buttery goodness—but in bite-sized form, making them quicker to cook and easier to enjoy.
The best part? They’re ready in about 15 minutes. Seriously. No marinating, no long prep—just a hot pan, some well-seasoned steak, and a generous amount of garlic butter to bring it all together.
If you’re looking for something to serve with these, they pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even just a simple salad. But honestly, they’re so good that sometimes we eat them straight from the pan. (No shame in that.)
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and simple, but every element plays an important role in making these steak bites incredibly flavorful.
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak work best)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key here—don’t skimp!)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a touch of umami)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but adds freshness)
How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
1. Prep the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each. You want them similar in size so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them get that perfect sear.
Now, season them well with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. The paprika isn’t overpowering, but it adds a subtle smoky depth that makes a difference.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. (source: Ineskohl.info)
Now, add the steak pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if you pile them on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of sear. If needed, cook in batches.
Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop that beautiful crust, then flip them and cook for another 2 minutes. If you like them more well-done, give them another minute or so. Once they’re seared on all sides, transfer them to a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same pan. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce—it adds a hint of rich, savory depth.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter. Let them cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just enough to coat them in all that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites
✅ Choose the Right Steak: Ribeye is the most flavorful, but sirloin is a great leaner option. Strip steak works too. Avoid tougher cuts like stew meat—they won’t have the right texture.
✅ Get Your Pan Hot: A hot skillet is key for a good sear. If your steak bites aren’t sizzling the moment they hit the pan, your skillet isn’t hot enough.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents that perfect sear.
✅ Use Fresh Garlic: Powdered garlic won’t give you the same depth of flavor. Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference.
✅ Let the Steak Rest Before Serving: Giving the steak a couple of minutes to rest helps it stay juicy.
What to Serve with Steak Bites
These steak bites are incredibly versatile! Here are a few great pairings:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture balances the rich, garlicky steak.
- Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans make a great side.
- Rice or Quinoa: Soaks up the extra garlic butter beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up all that flavorful sauce.
Or, if you’re keeping things simple, just grab a fork and dig in.
Final Thoughts
If you love steak but want something quicker and easier, these steak bites with garlic butter are a game-changer. They deliver all the bold, juicy flavor of a great steak dinner but in a fraction of the time. Plus, they’re perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even meal prep.
Give them a try, and let us know how they turn out! Do you have a favorite way to serve steak bites? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. Happy cooking!
