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Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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These garlic butter steak bites are easy to make and come together in under 20 minutes. You can serve them as a main meal or an appetizer for game night. This recipe is an absolute crowd pleaser.

Garlic steak bites in a skillet.

I like garlic butter on just about everything, and steak is no exception. It adds a rich, decadent flavor that’s hard to beat!

The Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Tender, juicy cubes of steak get seared to perfection and served with a savory garlic sauce, making them extra flavorful and irresistible. It is a steakhouse-style experience in the comfort of your own home! Serve with a baked potato or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. 

If you want to serve them as an appetizer, set out some toothpicks so guests can use them to spear the steak bites. 

Here is Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: The best part about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy to make. You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up these delicious steak tips. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you have a dish that’s sure to impress.

Versatile: This recipe can serve as a main dish or an appetizer, depending on the occasion. Whether you’re setting up for game night or preparing a family dinner, these steak bites fit right in.

Flavor-packed: Each steak bite is seared to perfection and coated with a rich, savory garlic sauce. Not only are they incredibly tender, but they pack a punch when it comes to flavor. It’s like bringing the steakhouse experience right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed For Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this butter steak bites recipe. I usually have these ingredients on hand (with the exception of the steak). They are staples in my kitchen.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details. 

  • Steak. You can use just about any type of beef steak and cut them into 1-inch cubes
  • Garlic. I recommend using fresh garlic. Garlic powder has less flavor.
  • Butter. Adds richness and helps the garlic flavor shine.
  • Herbs and seasoning. Salt, Pepper, thyme, and parsley.
  • White wine. Adds a subtle, acidic flavor that helps cut through the richness of the butter.
  • Worcestershire sauce. Adds depth of flavor and helps to bring out the umami in the steak.
Ingredients to make garlic butter steak bites and the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find or don’t have some of the ingredients mentioned above, here are some possible substitutions:

  • Butter: For a dairy-free version, you can replace butter with olive oil or margarine.
  • White Wine: You can substitute white wine for red wine. Or use chicken broth or beef stock for a non-alcoholic version. 
  • Worcestershire: If this is unavailable, you can use soy or a splash of balsamic.

Choosing the Best Steak for This Recipe

When choosing the best steak for your steak bites, here are some things to consider:

  1. Quality of the meat: Always opt for high-quality, fresh steak. Check the color of the meat. It should be a bright, cherry-red, and not gray or brown. 
  2. Tenderness: Some cuts of steak are more tender than others. Tender cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and sirloin are ideal for steak cubes as they can be cooked quickly and still remain juicy and tender.
  3. Marbling: This refers to the white flecks of fat within the meat. A good amount of marbling throughout the steak adds flavor and helps keep the steak moist during cooking. 
  4. Thickness: Choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. This will allow you to cut substantial cubes for your steak tips, and the thickness helps in achieving a desirable seared crust without overcooking the cubes of steak. 

Tip: When I choose steak for this recipe, I like to get boneless steaks to make it easier to cut them into chunks.

How To Make Garlic Steak Bites with Sauce

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of what to expect with the recipe for garlic butter steak bites. Grab a heavy-duty pan. A cast iron skillet works well here because it retains heat well and cooks evenly. Since this recipe uses high heat to sear the steak, I don’t like to use pans with non-stick coating because high temperatures will break down the coating and release chemicals.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

NY Steak on a cutting board with a knife, being cut into bite size pieces. A plate of steak bites on the side.

  1. Cut the steak into bite-size cubes.
  2. Heat some oil in a skillet over high heat, then sear the steak tips until a rich brown crust is visible. 
  3. Add the butter, garlic, and thyme, and cook until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the wine and Worcestershire. 
  4. Return the beef cubes to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter to coat. 
  5. Transfer the garlic butter-coated steaks to a plate and cover to keep warm while you make the sauce.

A skillet with a portion of steak bites being seared. A fork lifting one bite.
  1. Use the same pan to heat the olive oil, then saute the garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to loosen the bits in the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the mustard and cook until slightly reduced.
  3. Combine the butter and flour in a small dish and mash into a paste. 
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk the paste into the liquid, stirring to make a light gravy. Taste and season with salt and Pepper if needed. 

If you like your steak cooked less, try our medium rare steak appetizer bites. The cooking technique is a bit different for a rare or medium-rare steak. 

Recipe Variations for Butter Steak Bites

Here are a few variations that you can try:

  1. Rosemary Garlic Steak Bites: Add a tablespoon of freshly chopped rosemary.
  2. Spicy Steak Bites: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or a dash of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
  3. Cheese-topped Steak Bites: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese over the steak bites just before serving. 
  4. Vegetable and Steak Bites: Add some vegetables to the mix. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions would work great with the steak bites.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If the steak cubes are too close together, they will steam instead of sear. You want to get a golden brown crust on the steak tips, which will make them more flavorful. 
  2. Let the Meat Rest: Always let your steak bites rest for a few minutes after cooking and before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
  3. Deglaze the skillet. Do not clean the pan after you cook the steak bites. When you add the broth, it will deglaze the pan and pick up all of the delicious brown bits. This will give your gravy more flavor.
  4. Adjust Heat as Needed: Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the size of the steak bites and your stove’s heat settings. Be sure to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking.
A serving of steak bites on a mound of mashed potatoes with broccolini and a dinner fork. A side salad in the background.

What to Serve with Steak Bites

Steak bites are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

For dessert, try our white chocolate cupcakes, mini cherry tarts, or mint chocolate loaf cake.

⏲ How to Store Leftover Steak Cubes

Let the steak bites cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container.

In the fridge: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

In the freezer: If you want to keep the steak bites longer, you can put them in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Leftovers

You can zap the leftovers in the microwave in 15 to 20-second bursts until warm. Stir them frequently so they heat evenly. 

You can also reheat your steak bites in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes or an air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes. Or use a skillet on the stovetop and cook them over medium heat until fully heated. 

More Steak Recipes 

We have more steak recipes on this site that will take your dinner entrees up a notch! Try our steak fajitas or our tri tip steak salad for a lighter meal. Here are some more ideas.

A serving of steak bites on a plate. Pouring sauce on a serving of steak bites on a mound of potatoes. A side salad in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak is best for steak bites?

Some great options are sirloin, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and New York strip. Regardless of the cut, how you cook your steak bites plays a crucial role in their final taste and texture.

Can you coat a steak in butter?

Yes, you can definitely coat a steak in butter. While it may not be the healthiest option, coating your steak in butter is an easy way to add a luxurious flavor and extra richness. I like to use a flavorful compound butter, as I did in my beef tenderloin steaks. Try using truffle butter or preserved lemon butter for an elevated taste. 

These garlic butter steak bites are a perfect blend of simplicity, versatility, and flavor. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner or looking for a delicious appetizer for game night, I know you will love this recipe. 

More Beef Recipes You Will Love:

Garlic steak bites in a skillet.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Choose your favorite cut of steak for these garlic butter steak bites. Just a quick sear in a hot skillet then tossed in garlic butter produces tender, juicy steak bites. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.
4.75 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 529kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef steak trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon oil high smoke point
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Sauce (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt/Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Set a large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat, and when it is screaming hot, brush it with 1 tablespoon of oil and add ⅓ of the beef cubes.  Sear for about 1 to 1-½ minutes on each side or until a rich brown crust is visible. 
  • Do not crowd the pan. They will be easier to manage in small batches.
  • Transfer to a plate and repeat until all the beef cubes are seared.
  • Add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet and cook until the garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds.  Stir in the wine and Worcestershire sauce.  Stir to deglaze the skillet and cook until the wine has reduced slightly.  
  • Return the beef cubes to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter to coat. 
  • Transfer the garlic butter-coated steak bites to a plate and cover to keep warm while you make the sauce.

For the Sauce: (Optional)

  • Do not clean the skillet after you cook the steak bites. Use the same skillet to heat the olive oil, then saute the garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Add the beef broth to the skillet stirring to loosen the bits in the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the mustard. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Combine the butter and flour in a small dish and mash into a paste with the back of a tablespoon.  
  • Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low and whisk the butter/flour paste into the liquid, stirring to make a light sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. 
  • Transfer the sauce to a pitcher and serve with the garlic butter steak.

Notes

  • Choose a good cut of beef that you know will be tender and juicy. We used NY steaks for these steak bites., other choices would be ribeye, T-bone, porterhouse, or tenderloin.
  • Since these steak bites will be searing in a super-hot skillet, you will need a high-smoke point oil such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil.
  • Be sure to turn on the vent fan while searing the steak bites.
  • These steak bites will cook very quickly, and it is easy to overcook.  Once removed from the skillet, they will continue to cook about another 5° from residual heat. We suggest removing the steak bites at a target of 5° below your desired doneness.  Example:  For medium rare of 130°F,  remove the steak bites from the skillet at 125°F.

Cooking temperatures:

  • Rare: very red center—120-130°F
  • Medium Rare:  red center— 130-135°F
  • Medium:  pink center—135-145°F
  • Medium Well—slightly pink center—145-155°F
  • Well done 155-165°F

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 503mg

Pat Nyswonger

Pat is a wife, mom of four adult children, and grandmother to seventeen beautiful children. She is a self-taught home cook and loves creating delicious meals for her family and friends. Her kitchen is the hub of activity in her home, and she loves to entertain.

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angiesrecipes

Monday 3rd of July 2023

Steak and butter...this makes my mouth water terribly!

Dahn Boquist

Monday 3rd of July 2023

Yes, it is a great combination :)

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