What's the best cut of steak to use for steak bites?

The best cuts are tender steaks like sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. These cuts have good marbling and tenderness that work perfectly when cut into bite-sized pieces. Sirloin offers the best balance of flavor, tenderness, and value, making it my top recommendation for everyday cooking.

How do I know when the steak bites are done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer: 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, and 165°F for well-done. Without a thermometer, you can gauge by appearance - medium steak bites will be pink in the center with a well-browned exterior. Remember that smaller pieces cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them!

Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?

You can cut and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. However, for best results, I recommend cooking just before serving. The actual cooking takes just minutes, and freshly-cooked steak bites have unbeatable texture and flavor that doesn't quite survive long storage.

What can I add to the garlic butter for more flavor?

The beautiful thing about this recipe is how customizable it is! Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley in the last minute of cooking. A splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a tablespoon of bourbon can add tremendous depth. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup creates a delicious glaze when added at the end.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Steak; 1 pound steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (such as sirloin, filet mignon, flank, or skirt steak); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; Garlic Butter; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate weeknight dinner hero – ready in just 10 minutes but packed with incredible flavor! Tender, juicy pieces of steak sizzled to perfection in a rich garlic butter that creates an irresistible golden crust. The simplicity of this dish is almost criminal considering how impressive the results are – perfect for those nights when you want something special without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning-Fast: From pan to plate in just 10 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have time to fuss.
Restaurant-Quality: These steak bites taste like something you’d get at a fancy steakhouse, but at a fraction of the cost and effort.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters fall in love with these savory bites – they’re impossible to resist and disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Versatile: Works as an impressive appetizer, protein-packed main dish, or even as a topping for salads and bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steak: The star of the show! Any tender cut works beautifully – sirloin gives great flavor while remaining budget-friendly, filet mignon offers supreme tenderness, and flank or skirt steak bring robust beef flavor. Cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Salt and Pepper: The classic duo that enhances the natural flavor of the beef. Don’t skimp here – proper seasoning makes all the difference.
Butter: Creates that luxurious, rich coating and helps form a beautiful crust on the steak. Use unsalted butter if you want more control over the salt level.
Garlic: Brings that aromatic punch that makes this dish irresistible. Fresh is best for the brightest flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch when you’re short on time.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your steak bites:

Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley during the last minute of cooking for a fragrant twist.
Spice Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat that complements the rich buttery flavor.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of honey during the last minute of cooking, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Steakhouse Style: Toss in sliced mushrooms with the garlic and finish with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that classic steakhouse flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1: Season the Steak

Season your bite-sized steak pieces generously with salt and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. The garlic infuses the butter with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Increase the heat to high and add your seasoned steak bites to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – if necessary, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets proper searing space. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach your desired doneness.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and let the steak bites rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Serve hot with the garlic butter from the pan spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat Steak Dry: Before seasoning, pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels for better browning and crust formation.
Hot Pan is Key: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the steak to achieve that perfect sear.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed – overcrowding the pan will steam the meat rather than sear it.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness every time, use an instant-read thermometer (145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, 165°F for well-done).
Cast Iron Magic: A cast-iron skillet provides excellent heat retention and creates an unbeatable crust on the steak.

How to Serve

These versatile steak bites can be the star of countless delicious meals:

Main Dish Pairings

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that amazing garlic butter sauce!

Appetizer Style

Place toothpicks alongside these bites for an impressive party appetizer that will disappear in minutes.

Bowl Creations

Use as a protein topper for grain bowls, mashed cauliflower, or even mac and cheese for an indulgent twist.

Breakfast Addition

Add to breakfast potatoes with a fried egg on top for a hearty weekend brunch that will fuel your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. They make excellent leftovers for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

These steak bites freeze surprisingly well! Cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. You can add a small pat of butter to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments until heated to your liking, though the skillet method preserves the texture better.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak to use for steak bites?

The best cuts are tender steaks like sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. These cuts have good marbling and tenderness that work perfectly when cut into bite-sized pieces. Sirloin offers the best balance of flavor, tenderness, and value, making it my top recommendation for everyday cooking.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer: 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, and 165°F for well-done. Without a thermometer, you can gauge by appearance – medium steak bites will be pink in the center with a well-browned exterior. Remember that smaller pieces cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them!
Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?

You can cut and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. However, for best results, I recommend cooking just before serving. The actual cooking takes just minutes, and freshly-cooked steak bites have unbeatable texture and flavor that doesn’t quite survive long storage.
What can I add to the garlic butter for more flavor?

The beautiful thing about this recipe is how customizable it is! Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley in the last minute of cooking. A splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a tablespoon of bourbon can add tremendous depth. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup creates a delicious glaze when added at the end.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are proof that incredible food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In just 10 minutes, you can create a dish that delivers big on flavor while keeping stress levels low. Whether you’re serving a quick family dinner, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something special after a long day, these steak bites never disappoint. Give them a try tonight – I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!