Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter in 20 Minutes

You know those nights when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when these steak bites with garlic butter come to the rescue. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when my best friend and I were desperate for a quick, satisfying dinner after a long day—just a few simple ingredients, one skillet, and boom, you’ve got juicy, garlicky steak bites that taste like they came from a fancy steakhouse. The secret? High-quality sirloin and a buttery garlic sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for date night but easy enough for a busy Tuesday. I’ve made these for parties, weeknight dinners, and even as a late-night snack (no shame). Trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep this recipe on speed dial.

Why You’ll Love These Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

These steak bites aren’t just delicious—they’re downright addictive. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to recipe:

• Quick & easy: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes, perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” moments.
• Restaurant-quality flavor: That garlic butter sauce? It’s what dreams are made of—rich, aromatic, and clinging to every juicy bite.
• Endlessly versatile: Fancy enough for date night, simple enough for game day, and my personal favorite—tossed with pasta the next day.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying that garlicky goodness (and maybe a glass of red wine).

Ingredients for Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Grab these simple ingredients—you might already have most in your kitchen! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 1 lb sirloin steak – cut into 1-inch cubes (see how I pick the perfect cut in the tips section)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect sear
• 3 tbsp butter – because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 4 cloves garlic – minced (fresh is best—no jars here!)
• 1 tsp salt – I use kosher, but table salt works too
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (the pop of green makes it pretty!)

That’s it! No fancy ingredients—just good, honest flavors that let the steak shine. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Ready to make magic happen? Follow these simple steps—I promise, it’s easier than you think! Just watch that garlic butter sauce; you’ll want to lick the pan (I won’t judge).

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

First, grab your sharpest knife and cut that beautiful sirloin into 1-inch cubes—big enough to feel substantial, small enough to cook fast. Pro tip: Pat the steak dry with paper towels first; this helps get that perfect sear. Then, toss the bites with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp—this is your only chance to season the meat itself!

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot—test it by flicking a drop of water in; if it sizzles, you’re golden. Add the oil, then the steak bites in a single layer (crowding = steaming, and we want caramelization!). Let them sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to form that gorgeous crust, then flip and cook another 2 minutes for medium-rare. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t overdo it!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now the fun part! Reduce heat to medium and add butter. When it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the garlic—you’ll smell that heavenly aroma in seconds. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds (burnt garlic is sad garlic), then add the parsley. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly while keeping that vibrant green color.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately—these babies wait for no one! I love them over mashed potatoes with a crisp salad, but honestly? Straight from the pan with crusty bread to mop up the sauce is totally acceptable.

Tips for Perfect Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

After making these steak bites more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for getting them just right:

First, splurge on good steak—I look for sirloin with even marbling, but ribeye works beautifully too. Keep your steak cold until cutting; it makes those cubes so much easier to slice neatly. And when cooking, don’t move the bites for the first 2 minutes—that undisturbed time builds the best crust. For the garlic butter, pull the pan off the heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant (about 30 seconds); burnt garlic is the only way to ruin this dish. Lastly, taste and adjust salt at the end—sometimes that extra pinch makes all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient—this recipe is super flexible! If sirloin isn’t available, ribeye or strip steak works just as well (and adds extra richness). Out of fresh parsley? A teaspoon of dried parsley will do in a pinch, though fresh is my go-to for that bright pop of flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great high-heat alternative. And for the butter, margarine can work, but trust me, real butter makes all the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Oh, the possibilities! These steak bites are like the perfect party guest—they get along with everyone. My absolute favorite way? Piled high over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes so they can soak up all that garlic butter goodness. For something lighter, try them with roasted asparagus or garlic green beans—the flavors just sing together. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve them with crusty bread for sauce-dipping duty (because wasting that garlic butter should be illegal). And for a complete meal, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy. Avoid the microwave—it can dry out the steak and make the garlic bitter. Trust me, a quick stovetop reheat keeps that garlic butter magic alive!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact nutrition facts might vary depending on your ingredients and portion sizes. But here’s the general scoop per serving: about 320 calories, with 24g fat (10g saturated), 25g protein, and just 2g carbs. Not too shabby for something this delicious! Remember, the better quality your steak and butter, the more nutritious (and flavorful) your bites will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

I’ve gotten so many questions about these steak bites over the years—here are the ones that come up most often with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for its balance of flavor and affordability, ribeye makes extra-juicy bites, and filet mignon turns it into a special occasion dish. Just remember—the better the marbling, the more flavorful your bites will be. Even flank steak works if you slice it extra thin against the grain after cooking.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Two secrets: First, don’t overcook it—those bites cook fast! Pull them at medium-rare (they’ll carry over to perfect doneness). Second, always cut against the grain, which shortens those muscle fibers so each piece stays tender. If your steak still feels tough, try marinating it for 30 minutes in olive oil with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before cooking.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
You sure can! Cook the steak bites through step 2, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Right before serving, reheat them gently in the skillet and proceed with the garlic butter sauce—this keeps everything fresh and prevents that garlic from getting bitter. They’re best eaten within 20 minutes of saucing though!

What if I’m out of fresh garlic?
In a pinch, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove, but add it with the salt in step 1 so it doesn’t burn. That said—fresh garlic makes all the difference in that buttery sauce, so I always recommend keeping a few extra bulbs on hand!

Share Your Experience

Made these steak bites? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social—your feedback helps other home cooks discover this delicious recipe too. For more great recipes, check out Pinch of Yum.

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