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 butter (unsalted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sizzling tender steak pieces in rich garlic butter—this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is exactly that. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and hits all those savory notes that make dinner feel like a treat.

A close-up of many brown cooked meat cubes with a textured, slightly crispy surface and green herb bits on them, all inside a black pan. The meat pieces look juicy and are mixed with small bits of garlic or seasoning. A woman's hand with dark grey nails is holding a silver fork, picking up one piece of the meat from the pan. The background is blurred green leaves, adding natural contrast. 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

Honestly, this recipe has become a go-to when I want something that’s both quick and impressive. The garlic butter glaze gives the steak bites a juicy, cozy richness that’s downright addictive. Plus, it’s super forgiving and easy to master, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.

Speedy Cooking: You’ll have tender, flavorful steak bites on the table in just about 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter and a hint of red pepper flake bring layers of savory and a little heat without overwhelming the steak.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required—just steak, butter, garlic, and a few basic seasonings you probably already have.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you want a quick dinner, appetizer for guests, or something to snack on, these steak bites deliver every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is all about showcasing quality beef with bold, simple flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role to create juicy, caramelized bites with a luscious garlicky finish.

Flat lay of a small pile of raw sirloin steak bites with rich red marbling, a few whole uncracked brown eggs with smooth shells, four fresh garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding several pats of pale creamy unsalted butter, a neat pile of fresh bright green parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, and two small white ceramic bowls containing fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper placed symmetrically around the ingredients, 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 get that beautiful sear on the steak bites without burning, thanks to its relatively high smoke point.
Sirloin steak (or alternatives): I like sirloin for flavor and tenderness, but rib eye or tenderloin work wonderfully too—just make sure it’s fresh and cut into uniform bite-size pieces.
Salt & Pepper: These basics elevate the natural beef flavor and help form a crust during searing.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor without overpowering the steak.
Garlic (minced): Essential for that aromatic punch—fresh garlic browns quickly and infuses the butter with its signature taste.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up with a fresh, herbal note and makes a pretty garnish.

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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

I love customizing this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in season. It’s one of those recipes where small tweaks make a big difference, so don’t be shy about experimenting.

Variation: Once, I tossed the cooked steak bites with a splash of lemon juice and extra parsley for a fresh twist—it totally lifted the dish and made it feel lighter yet still indulgent.
Heat Level: If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne for extra bite.
Butter Swap: I’ve used herb butter instead of plain for holidays—it adds a lovely festive flair.
Protein Swap: Feel free to try chicken or shrimp if you want to shake things up but keep that garlicky butter magic.

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

The image shows a bowl filled with cooked beef pieces. The beef is cut into small, uneven cubes with a rich brown color, showing some charred edges. Green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The bowl is white with blue zigzag and dot patterns inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herb leaves visible at the edge. The beef looks juicy and seasoned with small bits of spices visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get the Pan Sizzling Hot

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. This step is crucial to achieve that gorgeous sear. I usually see faint wisps of smoke or the oil rippling when it’s ready.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Add the steak pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Resist the urge to stir immediately—let them sit for about 2 minutes to form a caramelized crust. Then stir and cook another 2 minutes until golden brown. If your skillet is small, do this in batches to avoid steaming the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Transfer steak bites to a plate, then reduce heat to medium. Into the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just about 30 seconds until garlic gets fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter fast!

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Pour the garlicky butter over the steak bites, tossing them gently to coat every succulent piece. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately while warm.

Top Tip

Having made this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really up your game. These tips helped me go from “just okay” to restaurant-quality bites in my own kitchen.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking steak bites in batches is key—crowding traps moisture and prevents that perfect sear.
High Heat Love: Use the highest heat your pan allows—this quick sear locks in juices and keeps the meat tender.
Garlic Timing: Add garlic only after reducing the heat and melting butter to avoid burning, which happens faster than you think!
Use Fresh Parsley: It’s more than a garnish—it balances the richness and freshens every bite.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always finish these steak bites with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a lovely, bright contrast to the rich garlic butter. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top too for that extra pop of texture and flavor. For a special touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can really elevate the whole dish.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a big fan of pairing this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted veggies. A simple green salad with a crisp vinaigrette also works beautifully to cut through the richness. And don’t overlook crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up all that buttery garlic goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served these steak bites on a gorgeous wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces—like horseradish mayo and chimichurri—for a casual party spread. It turned into a fun, interactive dinner everyone loved. They also make fantastic toppings for loaded baked potatoes or even steak tacos if you’re looking for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually place leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They tend to keep well for up to 3 days, but I recommend reheating gently to maintain their tenderness.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen these often, the times I did, I wrapped them tightly in foil and then sealed them in a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they still maintain good flavor and texture. Just avoid freezing for longer than a month to keep them tasting fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy while warming through. You can also heat them briefly in the microwave but watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to, you can also use strip loin, tenderloin, rib eye, or even strip steak. The key is to cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

How do I get the steak bites to have a good sear?

Make sure your skillet and oil are really hot before adding the steak. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Avoid stirring the steak pieces during the first couple of minutes to let a crust form.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the steak pieces ahead by cutting and seasoning them, but it’s best to cook the bites fresh to maintain juiciness and texture. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.

What sides go best with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or crusty bread all complement these steak bites beautifully. They help balance the richness and round out the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe truly feels like a little luxury without the hassle. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich, juicy, and simple enough to whip up any day of the week. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes one of your favorite quick steak dinners to share with friends and family.