Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. Packed with rich, savory flavor, these tender steak bites are seared to perfection and drenched in a heavenly garlic butter sauce that brings out the best in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or craving a protein-packed snack, this dish is guaranteed to please meat lovers and foodies alike.
Garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main course with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, or toss them into a salad or rice bowl. Best of all, they come together in just 15 minutes with minimal cleanup. Let’s dive into how to make this simple, mouthwatering steak recipe from scratch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Fat: 22g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 85mg
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Sodium: 380mg
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 0g
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Active Time (Cook Time): 15 minutes
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Resting Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Cuisine: American
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Course: Main Course
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Servings: 4
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Calories Per Serving: 310 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
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Tongs or spatula
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Small bowl (for butter mixture)
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Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1.5 pounds (680g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear properly and develop that irresistible golden-brown crust. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. The pan should be very hot before you add the steak to achieve a good sear.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Add the steak cubes in a single layer without crowding the pan. You may need to cook in batches. Let them sear for about 1-2 minutes per side without stirring too much, to develop a crust. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak.
Once the steak bites are nicely browned and cooked to your preference (medium rare to medium is ideal), remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate to rest.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Coat the Steak in Garlic Butter
Return the cooked steak bites to the pan. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated and warmed through, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter steak bites pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes:
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Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
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Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus balance the richness of the meat.
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Rice or Quinoa – Great for a quick steak bowl.
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Crusty Bread – Perfect for mopping up extra garlic butter.
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Salad – For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of mixed greens with vinaigrette.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness, but ribeye will give you a more luxurious, fatty bite.
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Dry the Meat: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Pat your steak dry before seasoning and cooking.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
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Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers much better flavor than pre-minced.
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Let it Rest: Resting the steak bites after cooking keeps them juicy and tender.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples needed.
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Rich Flavor: Garlic and butter take ordinary steak to extraordinary.
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Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Great for high-protein, low-carb diets.
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Versatile: Serve as a main, appetizer, or snack.
Make Ahead & Storage
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Make Ahead: You can cube and season the steak a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking.
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Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the steak.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a flavorful, protein-rich meal that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a simple solo dinner, these steak bites are sure to satisfy. The luscious garlic butter sauce, crispy seared edges, and tender meat make this a repeat-worthy recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.