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If you are looking for a dish that bursts with rich, juicy flavor and a buttery, garlicky punch, then this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Each tender bite of perfectly seared sirloin is coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, creating an irresistible combination guaranteed to satisfy any steak lover’s cravings. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, these steak bites are simple, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, high-impact ingredients that make all the difference. From the juicy sirloin steak to the fragrant fresh herbs and zesty lemon, each item plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and a beautiful presentation.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Choose tender and flavorful sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect sear and juicy interior.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak generously and bringing out its natural taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the ideal medium for searing steak bites to a golden crust without sticking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky sauce that coats the steak and carries the garlic’s aroma beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the flavor show, adding warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Offers an earthy, subtle herbaceous note that balances the butter and garlic.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma that complements the savory steak perfectly.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens and lifts the dish, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a garnish to add a burst of color and herbal freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Steak
Start with a pound of sirloin steak, thoughtfully cut into one-inch bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly. Season them generously with salt and pepper in a large bowl, making sure every piece is fully coated. This upfront seasoning is what seals in the steak’s juicy flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Adding the steak bites in a single layer, let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes to achieve medium-rare doneness—or adjust for your preferred level of doneness.
Step 3: Rest and Set Aside Steak Bites
Once cooked to perfection, remove the steak bites from the pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, carefully scraping the browned bits left behind for added depth. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Then stir in fresh thyme and rosemary, letting the herbs release their essence for another 30 seconds. Finish the sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice, letting it simmer gently for a minute to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Return the rested steak bites back to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Let them simmer for an additional minute so all those wonderful flavors fully cling to the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer everything to a serving platter, allowing the sauce to pool enticingly around the steak bites.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful contrast in color and a burst of fresh herbal brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their juicy, buttery best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped parsley is a classic touch that brings a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor, cutting through the richness. You can also sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt or a dash of cracked black pepper for an extra layer of seasoning and texture just before serving.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread work wonderfully too, soaking up the buttery sauce and elevating the meal to restaurant-quality level in seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive appetizer setup, serve these steak bites on a wooden board with toothpicks and a small bowl of the garlic butter sauce for dipping. Alternatively, create a steak and veggie bowl by plating them over quinoa or cauliflower rice with sautéed greens, adding both nutrition and a feast for the eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and steak bites together to retain all that buttery goodness and flavor.
Freezing
While freshly made steak bites are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftover steak bites in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your steak bites gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the steak from becoming tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Although sirloin is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or tenderloin are excellent alternatives if you want an even richer, more tender result.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Searing the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side generally yields medium-rare, which is juicy and tender. Adjust the cooking time up or down depending on your preferred doneness, keeping in mind that smaller pieces cook quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil, but the richness and texture will differ slightly. Garlic and herbs will still provide fantastic flavor.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs for the sauce?
Fresh herbs add brightness and aroma that elevate this recipe, but dried thyme and rosemary can be used in smaller amounts if fresh are unavailable. Just remember to crush them lightly to release their flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have lemon juice on hand?
If you don’t have lemon juice, a small splash of white wine vinegar or a tiny amount of zest from a lemon can provide a similar brightness and acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together in a flash to create a dish bursting with flavor and sophistication. It’s the perfect recipe to impress guests or treat yourself to a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Trust me, once you try these juicy, herb-infused steak bites, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful morsels of tender sirloin steak quickly seared and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and a bright lemon finish. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying main dish, this easy stovetop recipe combines simple ingredients for maximum taste in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Choose the Right Cut: Select sirloin steak for its tenderness and flavor; alternatively, ribeye or tenderloin can be used for an even more tender result.
- Cut the Steak: Slice the steak into 1-inch bite-sized pieces to ensure even and quick cooking.
- Season the Steak: In a large bowl, season the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Heat the Pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak bites in a single layer in the skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the steak bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes to reach medium-rare doneness; adjust cooking time if preferred differently.
- Remove and Rest: Take the steak bites out of the skillet and loosely cover them with aluminum foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Melt the Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom for extra flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Herbs: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for approximately one minute to blend flavors.
- Return the Steak to the Skillet: Put the cooked steak bites back into the skillet, tossing them thoroughly to coat with the garlic herb butter sauce.
- Heat Through: Allow the steak bites to simmer in the sauce for another minute to absorb the flavors fully.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Plate the Dish: Transfer the steak bites to a serving platter, letting the flavorful sauce pool around them.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve while hot as a delicious appetizer or alongside sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak cuts for best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust cooking times based on your preferred steak doneness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing.
- Fresh herbs provide the best aroma, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
