Garlic Butter Steak Bites seem like one of those magic tricks for dinner that shouldn’t be as easy as they are. Ever have a day where you want a restaurant meal but honestly, can’t spend more than 20 minutes in the kitchen? That’s why I first tried making these and wow, total game-changer. Plus, they’re way easier than something like zesty lemon garlic chicken bites if you’re short on time. If you love classic flavors (and a bit of buttery goodness), these might just dethrone your Amish hamburger steak bake for quick, hearty meals.
Choosing the Right Steak for Steak Bites
Okay, I won’t lie to you, picking the right steak actually matters. Tried using stewing beef once? Chewy as tire rubber, never again. You’re looking for something tender right from the start. I usually grab sirloin since it’s not crazy expensive but still super flavorful. Wanna go all out? Ribeye’s the five-star fuss. Strip steak works too if that’s what you picked up at the store sale. Just slice away any big fat chunks since you want your steak bites to taste like steak, not just fat. If you’re lucky enough to have a local butcher, ask for suggestions! They always know what’s fresh. I promise, good meat at the start makes a world of difference here.
How To Make My 3-Ingredient Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Alright, here’s where things get almost suspiciously simple. Moon-landing level simple. I use steak, butter, and fresh garlic. That’s it, honestly. Cube up your steak while your pan gets super hot—even smoky. Toss the steak in, don’t crowd the pan, and let it sear without moving for a minute or two. (Patience! You want that brown bit from the heat.) Flip them until all sides get color. Turn the heat way down, throw in a chunk of butter and minced garlic, and stir until you want to eat your hands from the smell. Everything’s fast. Everything’s loud. But in less than 20 minutes, you’ve got steak bites coated in garlicky, buttery goodness. My family usually crowds around before I even plate it, just forkfuls from the pan.
Tips for Serving These Steak Bites
- Serve over fluffy rice or throw them in a salad for a lighter meal.
- Garlic cheese bombs with pizza dough on the side? Total crowd-pleaser.
- Drizzle extra pan juices over mashed potatoes, trust me.
- Excellent for game night, just grab skewers or toothpicks.
Steak Bites Ingredients
Wanna keep it totally classic? You really only need those three basics—steak, butter, garlic—but here’s a secret: a dash of salt and pepper goes a heck of a long way. Sometimes I mess with the formula. Paprika, bit of dried thyme, even a splash of Worcestershire sauce if I want to get a little wild. You can swap out butter for olive oil, but it just isn’t the same kind of comfort. But, hey, there are no steak-bite police, so shake in some extra flavor if you like living dangerously. I’ve had friends debate whether big, chunky garlic or super-fine mincing is best. I say, the chunkier, the dreamier.
I made these for my kids and my husband last week, and there were no leftovers—first time that’s happened in months! Easy, fast, and they gobbled them up like candy. —Sarah L, actual family-cook, not a professional chef
Storage Tips
So, let’s be real. If, and that’s a big if, you have leftovers, steak bites keep in the fridge for about three days. Use a shallow container with a tight lid so they stay juicy. I found out (the hard way) that reheating them in a regular pan—not the microwave—brings them almost back to day-one flavor. Pop them back in a skillet with a dab more butter. If you’re packing lunch, toss them cold over salad greens—the buttery garlic sauce solidifies a bit but it’s still fab. Also, if you’re making a double batch for meal prep, these freeze pretty well in small portions. Beef flavor gets a little more mellow after thawing but honestly, they’re still impressive.
Common Questions
How big should I cut my steak for bites?
Go for 1-inch cubes. That way they cook fast but don’t dry out.
Can I make garlic butter steak bites ahead?
Sort of. Sear them, but add the garlic butter when reheating so everything stays fresh-tasting.
What sides go best with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, garlic cheese bombs pillsbury, or even pasta. Pretty much anything carby and comforting works.
Are steak bites kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The garlic isn’t too strong, and you control the salt. My picky eater calls them “meat nuggets.”
Can I use frozen steak?
Better to thaw first. Frosty steak will steam, not brown.
Ready For Steakhouse At Home?
There you have it. This is my “I don’t want to cook” dinner and wow, it never gets old. Quick, crowd-pleasing, way cheaper than eating out, plus feels special. Steak bites with gooey, garlicky butter, done in no time. If you want more weeknight dinner inspiration, I love this easy parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe too. Once you’ve tried these, check out other favorites like honey garlic turkey meatballs recipe for even more garlic goodness. And hey, if you want in-depth tips and ideas, try the Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites guide at All the Healthy Things. It’s packed with great pointers if you’re a steak-bite superfan already. Try it and let me know—did you eat them right from the pan? Or is that just me?
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Quick and easy garlic butter steak bites, perfect for a satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: Paprika, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a pan over high heat until hot.
- Add the cubed steak in a single layer; do not crowd the pan.
- Sear the steak without moving it for 1-2 minutes until browned.
- Flip the steak bites to sear all sides.
- Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve over rice or salad for a lighter meal. Excellent for game night, use skewers for easy serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: steak, garlic, butter, quick meal, easy dinner, family-friendly