My garlic butter steak bites are tossed in a savory seasoning blend and seared until perfectly tender and juicy. I use both fresh minced garlic and garlic powder to give this recipe a bold flavor and a rich, buttery aroma!
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My Easy Steak Bites Recipe
Garlic butter steak bites have been a favorite recipe in the house for as long as I can remember… and probably for as long as my kids can remember too!
When my kids were little, my husband, Ben, and I enjoyed this recipe multiple times every month. With how often I made it, it’s no surprise that the kids grew up to love it too.
My 6-year-old, Connor, calls my recipe “special steak dinner,” and while it’s actually pretty simple to make, I think he’s totally right that it tastes like something special!
One of the upsides of these steak bites with garlic butter is that they cook so much faster than whole steaks. Plus, I find that bite-sized pieces are more fun for the kids to eat… and don’t require cutting on my part!
Looking for more juicy steak bite recipes? Try my air fryer steak bites or my crock pot steak bites next!
Garlic Steak Bites Ingredients
- Boneless steak – I use 1½ to 2 pounds of New York strip, sirloin, or ribeye, and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
- Oil – To cook the steak and also help the seasoning stick.
- Salt and pepper – Enhance the overall recipe.
- Butter – I prefer using unsalted butter since the recipe already contains salt.
- Minced garlic cloves – For a bold, garlicky taste and an incredible aroma.
- Garlic powder – Coats the steak evenly with a savory flavor.
- Onion powder – I love the depth and earthy taste it brings to the recipe.
- Smoked paprika – Brings smoky notes and a subtle sweetness to balance out the seasoning mix.
- Italian seasoning – This mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme packs freshness into every bite. Store-bought or homemade seasoning will work just fine.
- Fresh parsley – An optional garnish that takes the dish to the next level!
How to Make Steak Bites
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place the steak cubes in a large bowl and drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil over them, then toss to coat the meat evenly. Next, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until all pieces are well seasoned.
STEP TWO: Cover the steak and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes (or overnight) to marinate. Bring the meat to room temperature before cooking.
STEP THREE: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the pan becomes hot. Add half the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
STEP FOUR: Cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the bites are browned and cooked to desired doneness. Transfer them to a plate and then repeat this step with the second batch.
STEP FIVE: Once all the meat is cooked and removed from the pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring for 30 to 60 seconds.
STEP FIVE: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter for about 30 seconds.
STEP SIX: Garnish the steak with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- I marinate the steak overnight whenever possible. This allows the flavor to soak in so that the final product is tender and delicious.
- Bringing the meat to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking is the magic trick to getting a beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cooking in batches will ensure that the meat sears rather than steams.
- Be sure to lower the heat before creating the garlic butter mixture. Too high a temperature could result in the fresh garlic or melted butter burning.
Garlic Steak Bites Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- To add some heat, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper flakes will do the trick. My husband loves all things spicy, so this is his preferred customization!
- A splash of lemon juice can be added to the garlic butter to brighten the overall flavor of the dish.
- I never skip the parsley garnish! While it’s optional, I love how it adds freshness and a tiny pop of color too.
- For a more subtle and slightly sweet taste, I roast the garlic before making the garlic butter mixture.
What to Serve with Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
My steak bites taste fabulous with simple veggie side dishes like roasted asparagus or garlic green beans.
For a hearty meal, I love pairing this garlic steak bites recipe with rosemary mashed potatoes, but when I want to keep things on the lighter side, a Caesar salad (without the chicken) completes the plate perfectly.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites FAQs
How should I store leftover garlic steak bites?
Leftover steak bites will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer, it will keep well for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat leftover steak bites?
My favorite way to reheat steak bites is in the air fryer! They turn out nice and crispy without drying out. With smaller portions, I like to reheat them on the stovetop, tossing them in a little bit of butter or oil until warmed through.
More Easy Steak Recipes
- Bottom round roast
- Tri tip in the oven
- Slow cooker pepper steak
- Round steak
- London broil
- Air fryer sirloin steak
Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Equipment
- cast iron skillet or other pan
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless steak New York strip, sirloin, or ribeye, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons oil divided: 2 tablespoon for coating steak, 2 tablespoons for cooking
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the steak cubes and 2 tablespoons of oil. Then add in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss them again until all the pieces are well seasoned. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight to marinate.
- Remove the steak about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add half the steak bites in a single layer. Cook them for 2–3 minutes per side. Flip each of them, and cook them for another 2–3 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer them to a plate and then repeat this step with the second batch.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir them for 30–60 seconds.
- Return the cooked steak bites back to the skillet and toss them to coat in the garlic butter for about 30 seconds.
Notes
- Marinate the steak overnight whenever possible. This allows the flavor to soak in so that the final product is tender and delicious.
- Bringing the meat to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking will help get the perfect sear on the steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cooking in batches will ensure that the meat sears rather than steams.
- Lower the heat before creating the garlic butter mixture. Too high a temperature could result in the fresh garlic or melted butter burning.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer preheated at 400 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
