Our quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites are seared to a perfect crust and make an ideal weeknight dinner. Bite-sized pieces of your favorite beef cook quickly and finish in a rich, garlicky butter sauce for juicy, tender results the whole family will enjoy.
The Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites
When outdoor grilling is less practical, this skillet method delivers steak with beautiful sear and exceptional flavor. These garlic butter steak bites are straightforward to prepare and come together in about 30 minutes. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, rice, or sautéed zucchini for a complete meal. They’re a dependable option for busy weeknights and special dinners alike.
Looking for More Ways to Cook Steak?
If you enjoy steak, try other cooking methods like sous vide for consistent doneness or a peppery steak au poivre for a more refined dinner. Different techniques highlight various textures and flavors in beef.
What You Will Need
- Ribeye steak – we recommend ribeye for its flavor and marbling, but top sirloin, NY strip, or similar cuts will also work well.
- Kosher salt & black pepper – simple, essential seasonings to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil – a small amount to help achieve a hot sear in the pan.
- Butter – adds richness and helps create a golden crust on the steak bites.
- Fresh garlic – minced garlic melts into the butter and gives the sauce a fragrant punch.
- Fresh parsley – roughly chopped for a bright finishing garnish.
How To Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Start by assembling your ingredients and preparing a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife. Cut the beef into roughly 1-inch pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Place the steak pieces in a large bowl, pat them dry with paper towels if needed, and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add just enough olive oil to coat the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add a single layer of steak pieces and sear until browned on each side—about 30 seconds to 1–2 minutes per side depending on thickness. Avoid crowding the pan; sear in batches if necessary to ensure each piece develops a good crust.
After searing, transfer the steak bites to a plate while you finish the pan sauce. Reduce the heat slightly, add the butter, and stir in the minced garlic until fragrant and sizzling. The butter will pick up any browned bits from the pan, creating a deeply flavored base.
Return the steak to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate. Toss the pieces in the garlic butter until they reach your preferred doneness. For a consistent result, a quick-read thermometer can be used: aim for about 130–135°F for medium-rare. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness.
Best Ways To Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are versatile. Serve over fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables—such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or sautéed zucchini—for balance. For a touch of brightness, sprinkle parsley and, if you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Pre-cut stew meat can save time and still yield tasty bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind stew meat may come from tougher cuts, so portion size and searing time can vary.
Butter enriches the pan sauce and helps form a golden crust on the steak. It also carries and melds flavors—especially garlic and herbs—resulting in a richer, more savory bite.
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please consider leaving a star rating or a short review describing any adjustments you made. Reader feedback helps others customize the recipe to their taste.
Follow recipe creators and food accounts on social platforms for more tips, behind-the-scenes content, and step-by-step videos that can help with technique and timing.
Other Steak Recipes You Might Like
- Cast Iron Flank Steak
- Reverse Sear or Smoked Steak
- Steak Tacos
- Steak Fajita Bowl
- Easy Steak Salad
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (trim excess fat)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
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Prep Beef: Cut 1 pound ribeye into 1-inch pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
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Sear Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil and swirl to coat. When the pan is hot, sear the steak pieces briefly on both sides—about 30–60 seconds per side—until browned. Work in batches so the pan isn’t crowded, removing seared pieces to a plate.
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Finish in Garlic & Butter: Lower the heat slightly, add 2–3 tablespoons butter and 2–3 teaspoons minced garlic to the skillet. Let the butter melt and the garlic become fragrant. Return the steak bites and any accumulated juices to the pan and toss in the garlic butter until pieces reach desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130–135°F internal temperature.
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Serve: Plate the steak bites over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Steak: High-quality cuts such as ribeye provide the best flavor, but strip or sirloin are good alternatives.
- Paleo/Whole30: Swap butter for ghee to make the dish compatible with paleo or Whole30 guidelines.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve tenderness.