How long it takes: 20 minutes Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, large skillet Servings: 4 But wait! They’re not just for dinner. A skillet of garlic butter steak bites also makes a mouthwatering appetizer for a get-together with friends or family. Serve them with toothpicks alongside other party favorites like corn ribs and seasoned air fryer potato wedges. Because steak benefits from a fast cooking time over higher heat, these steak bites take just 10 minutes to cook, with only 5 to 10 minutes of prep time. Just like air fryer meatballs and Instant Pot pasta, this is the kind of easy weeknight staple that ends up in heavy rotation in my house, especially when we’re juggling everyone’s school, work, and activity schedules! You have to admit, most people’s eyes light up when you say dinner tonight is going to be steak. And bite-sized steak? Yeah man, bring it on: no steak knives on the table, no sawing through tough cuts, just tender bits of garlicky steak ready to pop into your mouth!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Tender and juicy. The high heat in the skillet sears (and seals) in all the juices, and the short cooking time ensures that these steak bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender. No tough steak here! So much flavor. Whether it’s smashed potatoes or sautéed mushrooms, garlic butter adds irresistible flavor to just about any savory food, and these garlic butter steak bites are no exception! Practically effortless. Steak bites are incredibly easy to prepare and quick to cook. In total, it will take just 15 to 20 minutes to get this dish on the table. It’s exactly what you want for a weeknight dinner or game day snack! (If you own an air fryer, cooking air fryer steak bites is even faster.)
Ingredient Notes
Sirloin Steak – Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. The idea here is to cut the steak before cooking so you don’t have to cut it on the plate! Kosher Salt – Kosher salt is my preferred choice for cooking. Coarse Ground Black Pepper – Freshly ground coarse black pepper is best, although if you’re making these garlic butter steak bites for picky eaters, you may want to grind the pepper more finely. Olive Oil – No need for a fancy bottle of extra-virgin olive oil here since you’re cooking with it. Unsalted Butter – Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning of this recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use that, but I recommend using a very light hand with the kosher salt to keep the finished dish from being too salty. Garlic – Mince the garlic with a knife or push it through a garlic press. Add garlic according to your taste. If you like a lighter garlic flavor, garlic powder can be substituted. Dried Crushed Rosemary – Rosemary pairs well with beef and garlic, adding woodsy flavor to the steak bites. If you happen to have fresh rosemary in your garden, by all means use that instead! Fresh Parsley – Parsley adds color and herbaceous flavor, brightening up the final dish.
How to make Steak Bites
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and season the cubes with with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the steak bites to the pan in an even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. The steak bites should be in a single layer with a little space between. Sear the steak in batches if necessary. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes, then stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and tent them with foil to keep warm. Return the pan to the stovetop and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, garlic, and rosemary and sauté for a minute or two, or until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted. Turn off the heat, then return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter. Season to taste, add parsley, and serve.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right size skillet. It’s best if the steak bites aren’t crowded. They should be in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If necessary, sear the steak in batches. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. This initial sear from adding the steak to a sizzling hot pan is what locks the juices in and keeps the steak bites tender. Know when they’re done. For medium-rare steak bites, cook them until they’re browned on the outside, but still slightly pink in the center. If you’re using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should be 130 to 135°F. Let the steak rest before serving. This also helps make sure your steak bites are tender and juicy. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly while the meat rests because of residual heat.
Serving Ideas
Main Dish: Garlic butter steak bites pair well with a side of vegetables like air fryer broccoli, oven roasted sweet potatoes, or green beans almondine, If you enjoy steak and potato dinners, try potato recipes like air fryer potato wedges, baked potatoes, or crispy roasted potatoes. Mashed red potatoes are great with steak, too. Appetizer: Garlic butter steak bites are a hearty appetizer choice. Tangy marinated mushrooms or marinated tomatoes contrast with the rich steak. Pickled cauliflower or spicy pickled vegetables go well, too. Serve crisp toasted crostini with warm creamy goat cheese dip, or tomato bruschetta.
Storage & Reheating
Garlic butter steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak bites can be reheated in a skillet set over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at my Meal Plan #45. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. Let me do the planning for you this week! We add a new meal plan weekly.
