Looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that takes minimal effort and absolutely stuns on the plate? These Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan are bite-sized bursts of juicy, seared beef topped with rich garlic butter and a generous snowfall of parmesan. It’s a fast-track route to steakhouse satisfaction right in your own kitchen.

Perfect for entertaining or weeknight indulgence, these bites turn basic sirloin into a savory, craveable masterpiece. Each cube is pan-seared to caramelized perfection, then bathed in garlicky butter and finished with a touch of sharp parmesan. Serve them with crusty bread to mop up that glorious sauce, and you’ll have a meal that disappears faster than you can plate it.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making perfect steak bites is more about precision and technique than time. Here are the essential tools you’ll want to have on hand:

Heavy-Bottomed Skillet (Cast Iron preferred): Retains heat and creates that deep, flavorful sear you want on each side of the steak.
Tongs: Essential for quickly flipping the bites without piercing the meat and losing juices.
Garlic Press or Microplane: Ensures finely minced or grated garlic to fully infuse the butter.
Grater or Microplane Zester: For shaving fresh parmesan over the hot steak so it melts beautifully.
Mixing Bowl (for resting butter): Combine garlic, parsley, and butter while the steak cooks to avoid delay.

Using the right tools enhances the flavor and texture, and cuts down on cleanup. The cast iron skillet especially plays a vital role, giving you that steakhouse crust that a nonstick pan simply can’t replicate.

Ingredients for the Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: This cut strikes the ideal balance between tenderness and flavor. It sears beautifully and remains juicy in bite-sized portions.
Unsalted Butter: Used as the base for the garlic butter sauce. It allows you to control the salt level.
Fresh Garlic: Essential for the punchy, aromatic butter that coats the steak. Go fresh, not jarred.
Parmesan Cheese: A bold finish with nutty, salty richness that balances the garlic and beef flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and color contrast to the rich steak and cheese.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden-brown sear without burning the butter.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning and bringing out the natural beefiness.

How To Make the Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Cut your steak into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until smoking hot. Add olive oil. Lay the steak cubes in a single layer, leaving space between them. Sear without moving for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

While the steak rests, melt butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 4: Coat and Finish

Return the steak bites to the pan or place in a serving dish. Drizzle generously with garlic butter and immediately top with freshly grated parmesan. Let the cheese melt slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve hot, garnished with more parsley if desired. These are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet while the cheese is melty and the butter is warm.

How to Serve and Store Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

These steak bites are best served hot and immediately, straight from the skillet to the plate. Pair them with crusty bread to soak up that luscious garlic butter or serve over creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or a bed of roasted veggies.

If you plan to serve them as appetizers, consider skewering them with toothpicks for easy, mess-free bites. For a main dish, round it out with a side of garlic green beans or a hearty salad.

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent the meat from drying out. Avoid the microwave as it can overcook the steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin is the most commonly used, but ribeye offers more marbling and tenderness. Filet mignon can work for a fancier touch, but it’s less flavorful.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated parmesan melts better and offers a richer flavor. Pre-shredded versions often have anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the steak cubes and garlic butter ahead. Cook the steak and assemble just before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or season the steak with a bit of cayenne.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Use the heaviest pan you have. Stainless steel is a good alternative. Just make sure it gets hot enough to sear.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it great for keto diets.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold, beefy flavors like these garlic butter steak bites, you’re in for a treat. Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a comforting pasta-meets-steak vibe that’s both hearty and creamy. Or mix up your next taco night with this flavorful Taco Bake Casserole — it’s cheesy, saucy, and built for family-style serving.

Need something a bit more elevated? You’ll love the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta — it’s like a full meal version of these steak bites. For cozy nights, the Hearty One Pot Beef Stew delivers that slow-simmered comfort with chunks of tender beef.

For a twist, don’t miss the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce — another garlic-parm duo that blends beautifully with pasta.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear what you paired it with. Did you try mashed potatoes? Add extra parmesan? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how these bites show up on your table.

And if you’re hungry for more daily recipes and visuals, come hang with me over on Pinterest @LadyPlate. I share new meals and ideas there all the time.

Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan are juicy, seared chunks of steak coated in rich garlic butter and topped with freshly grated parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an appetizer that vanishes quickly at parties. Quick to make and full of flavor, they bring the steakhouse vibe right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the steak into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.

2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until very hot. Add olive oil.

3. Place steak cubes in the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Work in batches if needed.

4. While steak rests, melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

5. Return steak bites to pan or serving dish. Drizzle with garlic butter and top immediately with grated parmesan.

6. Serve hot, optionally garnished with more parsley.