Looking for a quick but impressive dish that tastes like a restaurant favorite? These garlic butter steak bites deliver on flavor, texture, and speed. Tender cubes of sirloin (or ribeye) are seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and a hint of Worcestershire. The result is juicy, savory morsels that make an ideal appetizer, salad topping, or main course.
- What cut of steak do you think works best for bite-sized pieces and why?
- How does letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking affect the final result?
- Would you customize the sauce (e.g., adding herbs, spice, wine) or keep it simple?
- What side dishes pair best with garlic butter steak bites for a balanced weekly meal?
- Do you prefer serving these as an appetizer, or as a richer dinner with starch and vegetables?
Full Recipe (Serves 2–3)
Ingredients
- 400–500 g beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch (about 2.5 cm) cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (or another neutral vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the steak
- Remove the steak cubes from the fridge about 20–30 minutes before cooking so they come closer to room temperature. This helps ensure more even searing.
- Pat the cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels; removing moisture is key to getting a good sear.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Sear the steak bites
- Heat a large skillet (cast-iron preferred for good heat retention) over high heat.
- Add the oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary so the meat browns instead of steams.
- Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes (or until golden brown), depending on how done you like them.
- Once seared, remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside (tent them loosely with foil to keep warm).
- Make the garlic butter sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt gently.
- Add the minced garlic (and herbs if using) and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned (garlic burns quickly).
- If using, stir in the Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
- Finish & coat
- Return the seared steak bites back into the skillet.
- Toss them in the garlic butter sauce until every piece is coated and warmed through (about 1 minute).
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish & rest
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
- Let the steak bites rest for a minute or two so the juices redistribute.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, acidic finish if desired.
Professional Serving Suggestions
- Serve the steak bites on a warmed platter to maintain their heat.
- For a more elevated presentation, arrange them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes, allowing the butter sauce to mingle with the mash.
- Alternatively, serve over a light salad (e.g., arugula or mixed greens) — the warm steak slightly wilts the greens, giving a sophisticated warm salad.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
- Offer alongside crusty bread or garlic bread so your guests can soak up every drop of the buttery garlic sauce.
“Indulge in restaurant-style luxury in less than 20 minutes with these garlic butter steak bites. Tender cubes of steak, seared to perfection, then tossed in a fragrant garlic-herb butter sauce — simple ingredients, maximum flavor. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a comforting weeknight dinner. Ready in a flash, yet undeniably gourmet.”