Tasty Garlic Butter Steak Bites

As seen in Small Bites, Big Flavors.

Big flavor meets quick cooking with these garlic butter steak bites. Start with nicely seasoned sirloin cubes and toss them into a hot pan for a tasty crust and a juicy inside. Set those aside, melt butter with garlic till it smells amazing, then swirl the steak back in so everything gets coated. Chop a little fresh parsley over the top and you’re good to go. These are awesome for parties, pairing with your favorite sides, or when you need dinner in a hurry. Just remember to watch your timing and keep the heat up to keep each bite soft. Great for busy days or hanging out with friends.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:41:07 GMT
Close shot of beef bites with fresh herbs on top. Save Pin
Close shot of beef bites with fresh herbs on top. | foodthingle.com

Whenever I need something fast for dinner or a tasty appetizer to impress friends, garlic butter steak bites are what I make. Each little steak chunk sizzles away in buttery garlic goodness, all done in under twenty minutes with just one pan. It’s an easy treat that’s both fancy and flexible. You can whip it up for busy weeknights or a special gathering.

Once I tried this method, grilling seemed like way more effort than it was worth. This is my secret hack for last minute guests because no one turns down garlicky buttery steak.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley: Add on top for color and a bright fresh taste. Flat leaf works best since it’s less bitter.
  • Fresh garlic: Chop up real garlic cloves for the boldest flavor and sweetness. Skip the jarred kind it just doesn’t match.
  • Butter: Butter makes everything rich and helps the sauce look shiny. Use unsalted if you want to pick your own salt level.
  • Olive oil: Go with good extra virgin for max flavor and a speedy sear.
  • Salt and black pepper: Salt and lots of cracked pepper bring out the steak’s best flavors.
  • Sirloin steak or ribeye or strip steak: Look for steaks that have some white fat marbling and a nice even red color—that’s the secret to super juicy bites.

Easy Step by Step

Add It All Together:
Put the steak cubes and any juices back into the pan. Swirl them around so each bit gets covered in buttery garlic sauce. Scatter parsley over the top and serve right away.
Sizzle the Steak Chunks:
Spread cubes out in the hot pan so they don’t crowd each other. Don’t touch them for a couple of minutes so the bottoms turn deep brown. Give them a flip and let them go two more minutes for a perfect pink center. Cook in batches and rest the finished steak pieces on a plate.
Prepping Steak:
Let your steak sit on the counter for half an hour so it cooks evenly. Cut it into bite sized pieces then season each chunk all over with salt and pepper.
Whip Up Garlic Butter:
Turn the heat down low, drop in butter and chopped garlic. Keep stirring for a minute or two—don’t let the garlic brown. Just get it fragrant and soft.
Heat Your Skillet:
Set a skillet on the stove and crank the heat to medium high. After a few minutes, pour in olive oil and add a little butter. You want a really hot pan so the steak browns fast outside.
Steak cubes in a pan with green herbs. Save Pin
Steak cubes in a pan with green herbs. | foodthingle.com

Nothing beats the crispy edges you get using a heavy cast iron skillet. The whole kitchen fills with an awesome garlic smell. My family can’t ever wait and grabs steak right from the pan. This is what cozy food is all about for me.

How to Store

Tuck any extras into a sealed container and chill in the fridge for three days max. Rewarm gently in a skillet over low so they stay juicy. Steer clear of the microwave or they’ll dry out fast.

Ingredient Swaps

If you’re feeling fancy use filet mignon instead. Ribeye and strip steak are both tasty too. Add a splash of cream when you melt the butter for even more richness. Try fresh thyme or rosemary if you want a different herbal twist instead of parsley.

A pan of beef with green herbs. Save Pin
A pan of beef with green herbs. | foodthingle.com

Serving Ideas

Stick toothpicks in these for a shareable snack at get togethers. Or go classic and dish them over buttery mashed potatoes, crispy veggies or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of sauce. Goes amazing with a fresh salad or sliced bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Fun Backstory

American steakhouses first came up with steak bites, making steakhouse flavors quick to whip up at home. Garlic and butter have always been the dream team for beef, showing up in classic French sauces that make everything taste more comforting and rich.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of steak should I pick for this?

Sirloin is always a solid pick since it's tender and has good taste. Ribeye and strip work really well, too, thanks to their extra fat.

→ How do I get steak cubes with a nice brown crust?

Heat your pan hot before dropping the steak in, give them space so they sear instead of steam, and let them cook where they are before flipping.

→ Can I just use store-bought minced garlic?

Freshly chopped garlic has the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic is fine if you’re short on time—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

→ What should I serve on the side?

You can pair these bites with salads, roasted veggies, rice, or potatoes. Any of them will round things out nicely.

→ How do I keep the steak soft and not chewy?

Try not to overcook the pieces—pull them off once they’re browned outside and juicy inside, then give them a quick rest before eating.

→ Do I have to cook this in a cast iron pan?

Cast iron holds heat really well for searing, but if you don’t have one, any heavy frying pan works just fine.

Steak Bites Garlic Butter

Enjoy juicy steak chunks bathed in warm garlicky butter, prepped in a flash for a sure-hit main or party snack.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
10 Minutes
Overall Time
20 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Appetizers & Snacks

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Low Carbohydrate, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ For Searing and Sauce

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
03 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, split up
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, diced

→ Steak Bites

05 1.5 pounds sirloin, ribeye, strip, or another steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
06 Seasoned black pepper, as needed
07 Salt, as much as you like

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Put the steak pieces and any juices back in your pan. Stir everything around in that garlic butter and let it warm up. Add parsley on top, then dive in while it's hot.

Step 02

Turn the heat lower. Melt the last 3 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, then toss in your chopped garlic. Keep stirring for about a minute or two until you smell the garlic and it's just a little golden, but don't let it get dark.

Step 03

Crank up the heat to medium-high and add olive oil and one tablespoon butter to a big skillet. Once it’s sizzling, put in half your steak pieces (don't pile them up). Don’t touch them for 2 minutes, then flip and sear another 2 minutes to hit medium. Move those bites to a plate while you finish up the rest.

Step 04

Chop your steak into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle a bunch of salt and black pepper all over.

Step 05

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit for about half an hour so it warms up before you get started.

Additional Tips

  1. For juicy steak bites, don’t cook them too long. Leaving them alone in the pan helps them brown up right.
  2. A cast iron pan gets and stays really hot, so it’s great for a yummy, crispy edge.
  3. How many it feeds depends: You’ll get 4 to 6 folks if it’s a snack, but if it’s your whole meal, plan on 2 to 4.

Essential Tools

  • Big skillet (cast iron if you got it)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk from butter.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 366
  • Fat Content: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g