There’s something undeniably satisfying about bite-sized pieces of steak seared to perfection and drenched in rich, garlicky butter. Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect recipe for when you want the indulgent flavors of a steakhouse dinner without the hassle of preparing a full steak. This dish combines tender morsels of beef, seared in a hot skillet to develop a beautiful crust, then tossed with fragrant garlic and melted butter for a luscious finish. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day appetizers, or even an elegant party platter.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can marinate the steak ahead of time for maximum flavor, and the entire cooking process takes less than 15 minutes. Using cuts like sirloin or flank steak ensures the bites are juicy and tender, while a touch of soy sauce in the marinade adds a depth of umami. The finishing touch of fresh parsley and flaky sea salt brightens the dish, creating a harmonious balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors.

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are also incredibly customizable. Want some heat? Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Looking for a tangy twist? A squeeze of lemon juice does the trick. You can serve these bites as a main dish with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, or skewer them with toothpicks for an irresistible appetizer. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a festive gathering, these steak bites are sure to impress. Plus, they require minimal cleanup and deliver maximum flavor — a win-win for any home cook.

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1½ pounds sirloin or flank steak, excess fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Garlic Butter

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated
  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves and tender stems, for garnish
  • Flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil and soy sauce. Add the steak pieces, tossing to coat them evenly. Let the steak marinate on the counter for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. If you have more time, you can refrigerate the marinated steak for 1 hour or even overnight for a more intense flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large, 12-inch cast-iron skillet or heavyweight skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until very hot. The skillet should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Using a slotted spoon, lift the steak pieces out of the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary). Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning the pieces with tongs once they easily release from the pan. You’re aiming for a nice, browned crust on all sides.

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter

If you’ve cooked in batches, return all the steak pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the butter and garlic. Stir the steak bites, coating them in the melted garlic butter, for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the steak bites to a serving plate, drizzling any remaining butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, flaky salt, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately, skewering with toothpicks if desired for an appetizer-style presentation.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: The soy sauce-based marinade infuses the steak with umami richness. For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination yields the most tender and flavorful bites.
  2. Use the Right Cut of Steak: Sirloin and flank steak are excellent choices for this recipe because they’re flavorful and cook quickly. Make sure to trim any excess fat to avoid overly chewy bites.
  3. Get the Skillet Hot: A properly heated skillet ensures a good sear. A cast-iron skillet works best because it retains heat well and helps develop that perfect crust.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the steak bites in a single layer ensures even browning. If necessary, cook the steak in batches to avoid steaming the meat.
  5. Fresh Garlic is Key: For maximum flavor, use freshly minced or grated garlic. Avoid pre-minced garlic, which lacks the punch of freshly prepared garlic.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Let the steak bites rest for a minute after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Spicy Steak Bites: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.
  • Herb-Infused Butter: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for an aromatic twist.
  • Tangy Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steak bites just before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
  • Asian-Inspired Steak Bites: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger and a splash of sesame oil to the marinade. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions

  • Main Dish: Pair these steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Appetizer: Serve the bites on a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Add a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or chimichurri for extra flavor.
  • Steak Bowl: Create a steak bowl with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, and pickled red onions.
  • Tacos: Use the steak bites as a filling for corn tortillas, topped with avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a touch of butter to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked steak bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 350 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sodium: 700mg

Cost Estimation

  • Sirloin Steak (1.5 pounds): $12.00
  • Olive Oil (¼ cup): $0.60
  • Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): $0.50
  • Garlic (2 cloves): $0.20
  • Butter (1 tablespoon): $0.15
  • Parsley: $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $14.95 (about $3.74 per serving)

Check out our Gluten-Free Porcupine Meatballs recipe.

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