Craving a steakhouse dinner without firing up the grill? These Garlic Butter Steak Bites bring that seared, savory goodness right to your skillet in just minutes. Each bite is juicy, tender, and kissed with garlic butter and fresh herbs — it’s the perfect recipe when you’re short on time but not on appetite.
The beauty of steak bites is how quickly they come together, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. The garlic butter adds richness while the pan-seared crust locks in bold flavor. Whether you serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or toss them into a salad, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting steak bites just right starts with preparation and the proper tools. First, you’ll want to let your steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking—this ensures an even sear.
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Heavy Skillet or Cast Iron Pan — crucial for achieving that golden crust and high heat sear.
- Tongs — give you better control when flipping the steak bites.
- Meat Thermometer (optional) — great if you’re particular about doneness.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board — for trimming and cutting the steak into uniform cubes.
- Small Bowl & Whisk — to mix your garlic butter sauce and herbs evenly.
With everything in place, you can move seamlessly from prep to sizzle. And trust me, once you hear that first pop of steak on the hot skillet, you’ll know you’re in for something special.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Let’s talk ingredients—simple, but each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor.
- Sirloin Steak or Ribeye — These cuts are naturally tender and flavorful, perfect for quick high-heat cooking.
- Garlic Cloves — Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic depth.
- Unsalted Butter — Acts as a rich, creamy base that enhances every bite.
- Olive Oil — Helps the steak sear beautifully and prevents the butter from burning.
- Fresh Parsley — Adds a bright, herbal lift to balance the richness.
- Salt & Pepper — Simple but essential for bringing out the steak’s natural flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional) — Adds a subtle heat that complements the buttery garlic.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this helps with browning. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. In batches, add the steak bites to the pan, giving each piece space to sear. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley and optional crushed red pepper.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything warm together for about 1 minute. Serve immediately with a spoonful of that glorious pan sauce drizzled over the top.
How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are versatile enough to star in a fancy spread or anchor a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them hot right out of the skillet alongside roasted vegetables, over mashed potatoes, or paired with crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce.
For a lighter approach, toss them into a salad or grain bowl with a drizzle of the garlic butter for a flavorful protein punch. They also make a stunning appetizer when served on toothpicks with a garnish of parsley.
Storage Tips:
Let the steak bites cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to preserve their tenderness and avoid drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the steak bites tender?
Avoid overcrowding the pan so each piece gets a good sear. Overcooking is the fastest route to tough steak bites, so stick to about 2 minutes per side.
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Sirloin is a popular choice for its balance of tenderness and price. Ribeye offers more marbling and flavor if you want to splurge.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can sear the steak bites in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the garlic butter just before serving to revive the flavor.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for its rich aroma and depth. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same punch.
Can I freeze steak bites?
Yes, cooked steak bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with butter.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, rice pilaf, or even a buttery pasta make excellent pairings.
Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?
You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a hearty one-pan meal that combines tender beef with rich tomato sauce. Or give Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce a try—it delivers creamy, garlicky comfort with every bite.
For something spicy and indulgent, check out the One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice, which adds bold flavor to your weeknight lineup. If you’re craving a twist on tradition, the Hearty One Pot Beef Stew Recipe brings deep, slow-cooked richness in a fraction of the time.
And don’t miss the savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells—a perfect creamy pairing that levels up the original steak bites.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add extra garlic? Try a different herb? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how you make it your own.
For more weeknight hits and everyday eats, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate and never run out of dinner inspiration.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner. Tender cubes of seared steak are tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with fresh herbs, making them a perfect meal or appetizer. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is both comforting and versatile—great over mashed potatoes, in salads, or as a party bite.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut steak into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. In batches, sear steak bites for 2 minutes per side without overcrowding. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and let it melt.
5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add parsley and crushed red pepper, if using.
7. Return steak bites to the pan and toss in garlic butter. Warm for 1 minute and serve immediately.
Notes
Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking for a better sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the steak in batches to avoid steaming.
For extra flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg


