Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Your Go-To 30-Minute Dinner Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredibly simple yet extraordinarily flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites. This recipe transforms tender cubes of sirloin steak into a buttery, garlicky sensation, ready to serve in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that consistently earns rave reviews, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Works So Well
Garlic butter steak bites are a culinary marvel of simplicity and immense flavor. The name itself hints at the ease: tender, perfectly seared cubes of steak, enveloped in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. It’s a dish that punches above its weight, offering gourmet taste with minimal effort.
What makes this recipe a standout for any home cook? Firstly, the incredibly short preparation and cooking time. In just 30 minutes on your stovetop, you can go from raw ingredients to a delicious, satisfying meal. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you don’t want to compromise on flavor or quality. Secondly, the versatility of these steak bites is unmatched. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes, comforting noodles, or a vibrant roasted vegetable. Finally, it’s an excellent way to elevate a more affordable cut of meat, like sirloin, into something truly special and impressive, without breaking the bank. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together and how much everyone will love them!
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This recipe relies on a handful of common ingredients to create an explosion of flavor. While the full list with precise measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a closer look at the key components you’ll need to gather:
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitution Options
Understanding your ingredients and knowing when and how to make substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and adapt this recipe to your pantry and preferences.
Choosing Your Steak
STEAK – For truly tender and succulent steak bites, selecting the right cut of beef is paramount. Sirloin tip roast is an excellent choice due to its balance of flavor and tenderness, and it’s often available at a great value. Other fantastic options include tenderloin (for ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture) or ribeye (for rich marbling and deep flavor). When preparing the roast, our culinary expert, Chef Antoine, offers a crucial tip: focus on cutting along the natural fat lines and then trim away any excess fat or tough connective tissue. This meticulous approach ensures that each 2-inch cube of meat is as tender as possible, free from any chewy bits that could detract from the experience. Patting the steak dry before seasoning is also key for achieving that perfect, crispy sear.
Garlic Choices
GARLIC – The heart of “garlic butter” lies, naturally, in the garlic! For convenience and speed, especially in a 30-minute recipe, jarred minced garlic is a fantastic shortcut. It saves precious prep time without sacrificing much flavor. However, if you prefer the robust, pungent aroma and taste of freshly minced garlic, you can absolutely use it. Just be aware that the intensity of fresh garlic is typically stronger, so you might need to adjust the quantity based on your preference. A general rule of thumb is that one clove of fresh garlic yields about half a teaspoon of minced garlic, so adjust your measurements accordingly to achieve your desired garlic punch.
Butter Basics
BUTTER – Butter is essential for both searing the steak and creating the luxurious sauce. In savory recipes, we typically lean towards salted butter, while unsalted butter is reserved for our sweet dessert creations. For these steak bites, you have the flexibility to use either salted or unsalted butter. If you opt for salted butter, remember to be mindful of the other salty components in the dish, such as garlic salt and Montreal steak seasoning. You may want to slightly reduce the amount of additional salt you incorporate to ensure the dish isn’t overly seasoned. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness, allowing you to season precisely to your taste.
Other Flavor Enhancers
Beyond the core ingredients, onion powder, garlic salt, and Montreal steak seasoning contribute depth and complexity. Onion powder adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor, while garlic salt reinforces the garlic profile with a touch of salinity. Montreal steak seasoning, with its coarse blend of pepper, garlic, and other spices, provides a classic steakhouse finish. Olive oil is used for its higher smoke point, ensuring a beautiful sear on the steak bites without burning.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Steak: Begin by carefully trimming any excess fat or gristle from your sirloin roast. Precision in this step ensures every bite is tender. Once trimmed, cut the roast into uniform 2-inch cubes. Uniformity is key for even cooking.
- Season and Coat: Transfer the cubed steak into a large mixing bowl. Add the onion powder, garlic salt, and Montreal steak seasoning. Pour in half of the olive oil. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each steak cube is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet, preferably a heavy-bottomed one like cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil and let it heat until it’s shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for searing. A properly hot pan is crucial for a good crust.
- Sear the Steak: Add the seasoned beef cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain high heat. Allow the steak to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust. This is where much of the flavor comes from. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the minced garlic and butter. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the butter is almost completely melted and the garlic is fragrant, but not browned. Then, sprinkle in the cornstarch. Continue whisking for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. This quick whisking ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Return the seared beef cubes to the skillet, immersing them in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of steak is thoroughly coated. Cook for just another minute or two, allowing the steak to warm through and absorb the incredible flavors of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
Leftover garlic butter steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly reheat them. Reheating steak bites can be a bit tricky due to their small size and the ease with which they can overcook and become tough. Your best strategy is to reheat them “low and slow” in the oven at around 275°F (135°C) until they are just warmed through. This gentle heat helps prevent them from drying out or becoming chewy. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a lightly oiled pan over medium-low heat can work, or even a few short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst, but be very cautious with the latter to avoid overcooking.
To achieve truly tender and delicious steak bites, you’ll want to opt for lean, tender cuts of beef. Sirloin tip roast is an excellent and often economical choice for this recipe. However, if you’re looking for an even more luxurious experience, tenderloin (also known as filet mignon) is exceptionally tender and will melt in your mouth. Ribeye is another fantastic option, offering rich marbling and deep, beefy flavor that stands up beautifully to the garlic butter sauce. Whichever cut you choose, ensure it’s fresh and of good quality for the best results.
A crucial step for flavorful steak bites is achieving a beautiful sear. First, ensure your steak cubes are patted completely dry with paper towels; moisture on the surface will steam rather than sear. Second, preheat your skillet (preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pan) over medium-high heat until it’s very hot, and the oil is shimmering. Third, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the steak in batches if necessary, leaving space between each piece. This allows the heat to stay high and encourages browning (the Maillard reaction) rather than steaming. Finally, resist the urge to move the steak for the first 2-3 minutes on each side; let it develop that golden-brown crust.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your palate. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary added with the butter and garlic can introduce wonderful aromatic notes. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten the flavors, or a splash of white wine can be used to deglaze the pan after searing the steak, adding another layer of complexity to the sauce.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
The beauty of these garlic butter steak bites lies not only in their incredible flavor but also in their remarkable versatility. They can be the star of a hearty dinner or an elegant appetizer, depending on how you choose to serve them.
Main Course Pairings
For a satisfying main meal, these savory bites are a dream alongside your favorite starchy accompaniments. Imagine them nestled atop a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up all that glorious garlic butter sauce. They’re equally delightful served with fluffy white rice or a hearty brown rice for a more wholesome option. If pasta is your preference, consider tossing them with a simple garlic butter pasta (like linguine or fettuccine) for a truly decadent dish. The rich sauce from the steak bites will perfectly complement the noodles.
To round out the meal and add some vibrant color and nutrients, pair them with a side of roasted vegetables. Think crisp-tender green beans, perfectly charred broccoli, sweet bell peppers, caramelized Brussels sprouts, delicate asparagus, or even some savory roasted sweet potatoes. A light, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would also offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
Appetizer Perfection
Looking for an impressive yet easy appetizer for your next gathering? Garlic butter steak bites fit the bill perfectly. Simply stick a toothpick into each tender steak bite and arrange them artfully on a platter. You can even offer a few dipping sauces on the side, such as a creamy horseradish sauce, a tangy BBQ sauce, or an extra ramekin of the garlic butter sauce itself for an added indulgence. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly!
More Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of garlic and butter, you’re in luck! This dynamic duo can elevate so many dishes. Here are a few more recipes featuring this beloved flavor profile that you might enjoy:
- Garlic Butter Rice
- Garlic Butter Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Pork Chops
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
butter steak bites are quick, easy, and insanely flavorful. Pair with rice, pasta, or
mashed potatoes!
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked
Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read
them!
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going dark
Dinner
American
6 servings
(3 cups total)
minutes
368
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
- 2
pounds sirloin tip roast - ½
teaspoon onion powder - garlic
salt to
taste - Montreal steak seasoning to
taste - 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- ⅓
cup minced garlic - 5 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Things You’ll Need
-
Chef’s knife
-
Mixing bowls
-
Large heavy
bottomed skillet
Before You Begin
- You’ll want to stick to lean, tender cuts when making steak bites. Sirloin is your
best bet for this, however, tenderloin and ribeye are other great options. - Chef Antoine suggests when cutting and trimming the roast, try to cut along the fat
lines then trim. This will give you the most tender cubes without fat or connective
tissue running through your cubes of meat. - We use salted butter in our savory recipes and unsalted butter in our sweet dessert
recipes. For savory recipes you can use either one. If you want to use salted
butter, we suggest using a small amount of garlic salt in the recipe.
Instructions
-
Trim roast of fat and cut into 2-inch
cubes. -
Place cubed meat into a large mixing bowl, add onion
powder, garlic salt, and Montreal steak seasoning. Add half of the olive oil
and toss to coat. -
Heat remaining olive oil in skillet over
medium-high heat until shimmering. -
A beef cubes and brown on all sides, cooking for 2-3
minutes per side undisturbed to allow them to brown nicely. Remove beef from
skillet and set aside. -
Add garlic and butter to skillet, cooking until
butter is almost melted. Whisk constantly, sprinkle in cornstarch. -
Add beef cubes back to the skillet, toss to coat and
warm through.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Steak bites can be tricky to reheat because of their size and how easy they are to
overcook in the process. I would recommend reheating them in the oven at 275F until
warmed through. Low and slow is your best bet!
Nutrition
(1/2 cup) | Calories: 368cal |
Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 292IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg
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with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens,
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