Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pound sirloin steak (cut into bite size pieces, or strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak or rib eye); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about these tender, juicy bites coated in rich garlic butter. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is one of those dishes you make over and over because it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for almost any occasion—trust me, you’ll want to keep it in your weeknight arsenal.

A black cast iron pan filled with many small pieces of cooked brown meat, each piece showing a slightly crispy texture on the edges. The meat is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and light golden garlic pieces. A woman's hand with dark gray nails is holding a silver fork, picking up one piece of the meat from the pan. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, I’ve tried plenty of steak recipes, but this one just hits all the right notes. It’s not only flavorful but ridiculously quick and simple to pull together, making it my go-to for busy nights or when I want to impress friends without the hassle.

Speedy Cooking: You get tender steak bites in about 15 minutes start to finish, no long marinades needed.
Bold Flavor: Garlic, butter, and just a touch of heat from red pepper flakes create an addictive sauce that clings to every bite.
Versatile and Easy: Perfect as a main, appetizer, or party snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to customize.
No Fancy Equipment Required: All you need is a skillet and a stovetop, no grill or special tools.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, and together they create that crave-worthy flavor combo you’ll find yourself reminiscing about.

Flat lay of a handful of bite-sized raw sirloin steak pieces with rich marbling, a small mound of coarse salt crystals, freshly ground black peppercorns scattered nearby, four whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs beside four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a few perfect pats of creamy unsalted butter, a pinch of bright red chili flakes resting neatly on the surface, and a small bunch of fresh curly parsley sprigs—all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Helps sear the steak perfectly while adding a mild fruitiness without overpowering the butter and garlic.
Sirloin steak: I use sirloin because it’s affordable and tender, but rib eye or tenderloin work well too if you want to splurge.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the beef. Don’t skimp here!
Butter (unsalted): Adds richness and helps create that silky, garlicky sauce that coats the steak bites luxuriously.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is key — it infuses the butter with that unmistakable savory punch.
Red pepper flakes: A pinch wakes up the dish with just the right amount of heat to balance the richness.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens everything up with a subtle herbaceous note and looks pretty on the plate too.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so have fun making it your own. I sometimes toss in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist or swap parsley for fresh thyme when I’m feeling fancy. You’ll find your favorite version in no time.

Variation: Try adding chopped mushrooms or seared onions for extra texture and flavor—I've done this for casual weekend dinners and it’s always a hit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

This image shows a white bowl with blue and white zigzag and dot patterns on the inside, filled with small pieces of cooked beef. The beef is dark brown with a shiny texture from sauce or oil, and it is sprinkled with small green herb pieces, likely parsley. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth napkin and some green herbs near the bowl's edge. The beef pieces are uneven in size and look well cooked with some charred edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat up your skillet and oil

I start by heating a large skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. The key here is that the oil should be really hot before the steak touches it—you want that immediate sizzle to lock in juices and get a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Sear the steak bites

Once the oil is shimmering, I add the steak pieces in a single layer (do this in batches if your pan is small). Season generously with salt and pepper. Resist the urge to stir right away—let them cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to get that golden sear, then toss and cook for another 2 minutes. The goal is a nicely browned crust while keeping the centers juicy.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce

Transfer the steak bites to a plate and turn the heat down to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet—you want to capture all those browned bits left behind. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. This is where all that garlic magic happens.

Step 4: Toss and serve

Pour the garlicky butter right over the steak bites and give everything a good toss so every piece shines with buttery goodness. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a lovely freshness and color contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy the applause!

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the difference between good and great steak bites is all in the sear and timing. This recipe thrives on high heat and patience, so don’t rush flipping the steak—it pays off with deeper flavor and juicier meat.

Get Your Pan Hot: A hot skillet ensures you get a proper crust without steaming the beef.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and helps maintain that coveted sear.
Fresh Garlic Works Best: Pre-minced garlic just doesn’t give that vibrant punch I love.
Use Unsalted Butter: This gives you control over saltiness and keeps the sauce silky.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so I almost always garnish my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with freshly chopped parsley. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. It adds that little crunch and extra flavor punch that really elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these steak bites with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette. On casual nights, I’ll serve them alongside crusty bread to mop up all that buttery garlic sauce—never waste those delicious drippings!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes skewer the steak bites with a toothpick and display them on a wooden platter surrounded by dipping sauces like blue cheese or horseradish. It’s easy for guests to grab and tastes even better when served warm straight off the skillet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (and sometimes I do, but rarely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating gently on the stove keeps the texture nice and doesn’t dry out the steak like the microwave sometimes does.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t my go-to for this recipe, you can freeze cooked steak bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover steak bites in a hot skillet with a little splash of water or butter to revive them. This quick trick refreshes the meat and brings back that garlicky buttery coating without overcooking anything.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of sirloin?

Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe works great with rib eye, tenderloin, strip steak, or even strip loin. Just ensure you cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and a nice sear.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?

To keep the steak juicy, make sure your skillet is hot enough for a quick sear and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary, and don’t stir too soon—let the crust form first, then toss gently. Removing from heat as soon as the steak turns medium rare to medium helps as well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since it uses just steak, butter, garlic, and spices. Just be sure that any additional sides or sauces you serve with it are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a party?

For parties, skewering steak bites with toothpicks and placing them on a platter with dipping sauces is a winner. It keeps things casual and fun, plus your guests can easily nibble without needing utensils. Keep the bites warm by covering the platter or using warming trays.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is one of my kitchen staples because it’s incredibly quick and reliably delicious. I love how the garlic butter just wraps every bite in flavor, making it an easy crowd-pleaser whether it’s a simple family dinner or a casual get-together. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it slipping onto your meal rotation just like it did mine!