Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Your Go-To 30-Minute Dinner Solution
Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seared, tender bites of sirloin steak, each piece luxuriating in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s exactly what you get with these incredible garlic butter steak bites, and the best part? They come together in under 30 minutes! This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights, offering gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick and impressive meal for yourself, these buttery, savory morsels are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved through a few key steps. From perfectly searing the steak to crafting that irresistible garlic butter, every element is designed for maximum deliciousness and minimal fuss. Get ready to transform a simple sirloin into a show-stopping meal that everyone will rave about!
Why This Recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Works Wonders
Garlic butter steak bites are a culinary marvel, proving that gourmet flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly effective for several reasons, making it a staple for anyone who loves delicious food fast:
- Speed and Simplicity: As the name suggests, this dish is wonderfully straightforward. Tender cubes of steak are quickly seared to perfection, then enveloped in a luscious, savory garlic butter sauce. The entire process, from prep to plate, takes a mere 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you still crave something satisfying and flavorful.
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The trio of juicy steak, pungent garlic, and rich butter creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. The searing process locks in the steak’s natural juices, while the garlic butter infuses every bite with incredible depth.
- Versatility: These steak bites are incredibly adaptable. They shine as the star of a meal alongside creamy mashed potatoes, hearty noodles, or a fresh, crisp roasted vegetable. They can also be transformed into a fantastic appetizer for entertaining. This versatility ensures they fit seamlessly into various meal plans and occasions.
- Budget-Friendly Potential: This recipe is perfect for capitalizing on sales. When you find a good deal on sirloin or another lean cut of steak, these bites offer an easy yet impressive way to utilize it, turning an economical cut into a luxurious meal.
In essence, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, proving that quality, delicious meals can indeed be made quickly and easily.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Crafting these delectable garlic butter steak bites starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, savory flavors that make this dish a favorite. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with helpful insights and substitution suggestions to ensure your success. Remember, for precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, always refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
Understanding your ingredients is key to culinary success. Here’s a deeper dive into the essential components of our garlic butter steak bites, including expert tips and smart substitutions:
- STEAK: For steak bites, the cut of meat is paramount. You want something lean yet tender, capable of cooking quickly to avoid toughness. Sirloin tip roast is our top recommendation for its excellent balance of flavor and tenderness when cut into smaller pieces. However, other fantastic options include beef tenderloin for an extra luxurious feel, or even ribeye, which offers a rich, buttery texture due to its marbling. When preparing your roast, Chef Antoine’s advice is invaluable: aim to cut along the natural fat lines and trim meticulously. This method ensures you achieve the most tender, succulent cubes, free from gristle or tough connective tissue, which can detract from the eating experience. Consistent 2-inch cubes are also crucial for even cooking.
- GARLIC: This is “garlic butter steak bites,” so garlic is a star! We often opt for jarred minced garlic for its unparalleled convenience, especially on busy evenings. If you prefer the vibrant, pungent flavor of fresh garlic, it’s an excellent substitute. Just remember that fresh garlic tends to be more potent, so you might need to adjust the quantity to taste. A good rule of thumb is that 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic is roughly equivalent to 1 clove of fresh minced garlic.
- BUTTER: Butter provides richness and helps create that beautiful golden crust on your steak, in addition to forming the base of our savory sauce. In savory recipes like this, you have the flexibility to use either salted or unsalted butter. Our preference is salted butter for savory dishes, and unsalted for baking, to better control the overall salt content. If you choose salted butter, we recommend being mindful of the additional salt you incorporate from seasonings like garlic salt or Montreal steak seasoning, adjusting them to your taste to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
- OLIVE OIL: Used for searing, olive oil helps achieve a beautiful brown crust on the steak and can withstand higher heat than butter alone, preventing the butter from burning during the initial sear. Divided use ensures both the steak is coated and the skillet is properly greased for searing.
- SEASONINGS:
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet, and savory depth to the steak without the moisture of fresh onions.
- Garlic Salt: Enhances the garlic flavor while contributing to the overall seasoning of the meat. Use sparingly if you’re already using salted butter.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: A robust blend of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and various spices, it’s a classic choice for steak, providing a bold and complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the garlic butter.
- CORNSTARCH: This acts as a gentle thickening agent for the garlic butter sauce, ensuring it beautifully coats each steak bite rather than being watery. It helps create that luscious, restaurant-quality sheen and texture.
Mastering the Art of Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this incredibly delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with exact measurements and ingredients, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Steak: Begin by carefully trimming any excess fat or connective tissue from your sirloin tip roast. Once trimmed, cut the roast into uniform 2-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here, as it ensures all your steak bites cook evenly. Smaller, consistent pieces mean tender results every time.
- Season the Steak: Transfer the cubed steak into a large mixing bowl. Add the onion powder, garlic salt, and Montreal steak seasoning. These spices will create a flavorful crust. Next, drizzle half of the olive oil over the seasoned steak. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece of meat is beautifully and evenly coated with the seasoning blend. This preliminary seasoning is crucial for building deep flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil and let it heat until it begins to shimmer. A properly hot skillet is essential for achieving a perfect sear on your steak bites, which creates that desirable browned crust and locks in moisture.
- Sear the Steak: Carefully add the beef cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the steak in batches to ensure proper searing rather than steaming. Allow the beef to brown nicely on all sides, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side without disturbing them. This undisturbed cooking time is key to developing a rich, caramelized crust. Once beautifully browned, remove the seared beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly if needed, then add the minced garlic and butter to the same skillet (no need to clean it – the fond adds extra flavor!). Cook, whisking constantly, until the butter is almost completely melted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned or burnt. Immediately sprinkle in the cornstarch while continuing to whisk vigorously. The cornstarch will quickly dissolve and begin to thicken the butter and garlic into a luscious, velvety sauce that will perfectly coat the steak.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared beef cubes to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of steak is thoroughly coated in the rich, fragrant sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, just long enough to warm the steak bites through and allow them to absorb the incredible flavors of the garlic butter. Be careful not to overcook the steak at this stage. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
To store leftovers, transfer the steak bites to an air-tight container and keep them refrigerated for 3-4 days. 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 bet is to reheat them “low and slow” in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until just warmed through. You can also add a tiny splash of beef broth or water to the pan to help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out during reheating.
The key to great steak bites is choosing lean, tender cuts that cook quickly and remain succulent. Sirloin is a fantastic choice, especially sirloin tip roast, as it offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness. Other excellent options include beef tenderloin, known for its buttery texture and extreme tenderness, or even ribeye, which boasts rich marbling for maximum flavor. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times, as they won’t tenderize adequately in this quick-cooking method.
There are a few critical steps to ensure your steak bites remain wonderfully tender:
- Don’t Overcook: This is the most common culprit. Steak bites cook very quickly due to their small size. Aim for medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.
- High Heat, Quick Sear: Ensure your skillet is screaming hot before adding the steak. This creates a quick, flavorful crust without overcooking the interior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, causing the steak to steam rather than sear, which leads to a gray, tough exterior.
- Cut Against the Grain: Always cut the steak against the grain before cubing it. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew and more tender.
Absolutely! Freshly minced garlic will provide an even more vibrant and pungent flavor. While the recipe calls for ⅓ cup of jarred minced garlic, which is quite generous, if you’re using fresh, you might want to start with 8-10 cloves, finely minced, and adjust to your personal taste. Remember that fresh garlic tends to brown faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning and bitterness.
Delightful 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 versatility. They can be the star of a hearty meal or a sophisticated appetizer. Here are some fantastic ways to serve them:
- Classic Starchy Sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect canvas for soaking up all that glorious garlic butter sauce.
- Fluffy Rice: Whether white rice, brown rice, or even a fragrant jasmine rice, its neutral flavor perfectly complements the rich steak bites.
- Buttery Pasta: Toss with al dente pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, allowing the garlic butter sauce to cling to every noodle for a truly satisfying dish.
- Healthy Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter, balanced meal, pair the steak bites with a medley of roasted vegetables. The sweetness and slight char of roasted veggies create a wonderful contrast. Consider:
- Crisp-Tender Green Beans: Roasted with a touch of garlic and olive oil.
- Broccoli or Asparagus: Simple and vibrant, roasted until slightly tender-crisp.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: Sautéed or roasted until caramelized, adding sweetness and crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a slightly bitter, earthy counterpoint.
- Carrots or Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Offering natural sweetness and a hearty texture.
- Elegant Appetizer: Transform these savory bites into an impressive appetizer for your next gathering. Simply stick a decorative toothpick into each steak bite and arrange them artfully on a platter. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Fresh Salad: Serve the warm steak bites over a bed of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette for a delicious and hearty steak salad.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that delicious garlic butter sauce go to waste! Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
More Garlic Butter Inspired Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of garlic and butter, you’re in luck! This dynamic duo can elevate countless dishes. Once you’ve mastered these steak bites, be sure to try these other fantastic garlic butter recipes:
- Garlic Butter Rice
- Garlic Butter Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Pork Chops
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Course: Dinner, Main Dish, Appetizer
Cuisine: American
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. Cut into uniform 2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 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 use salted butter, adjust the amount of garlic salt in the recipe to prevent over-salting.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear and not steam the meat.
Instructions
-
Trim roast of fat and cut into uniform 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 thoroughly.
-
Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
-
Add beef cubes (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) 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 the skillet, cooking until butter is almost melted and garlic is fragrant (do not burn). Whisk constantly, then sprinkle in cornstarch, whisking until dissolved and thickened into a sauce.
-
Add beef cubes back to the skillet, toss gently to coat and warm through for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
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 275°F (135°C) until warmed through. Low and slow is your best bet! Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep them moist.
- Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear and prevent steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Avoid overcooking the steak bites to ensure they remain tender.
Nutrition
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.