What Makes These Garlic Butter Steak Bites So Special?
Let’s be honest, there are tons of steak bite recipes out there. But what sets *these* Garlic Butter Steak Bites apart is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. We’re not just throwing steak and butter together; we’re building layers of deliciousness. A good sear is key to developing that rich, crusty exterior, while the garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with a savory, aromatic punch. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer, a main course over rice or pasta, or even as a topping for a salad. And if you’re a fan of Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Spaghetti, you’ll love how easily this recipe can be adapted to create that amazing dish.Choosing the Right Steak
Selecting the right cut of steak is crucial for achieving tender, juicy Steak Bites. While you can use more expensive cuts like filet mignon, I find that sirloin or ribeye work beautifully and are more budget-friendly.
- Sirloin: Offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness and is relatively lean.
- Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling, which translates to incredible flavor and juicy tenderness.
- New York Strip: Another great option, offering a firm texture and robust flavor.
The Secret to Perfect Sear
Achieving that perfect sear is all about heat and patience. Here are a few tips to ensure your Steak Bites turn out golden brown and delicious:- Pat the steak dry: Before searing, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, allowing the steak to brown properly.
- Use a hot pan: Make sure your pan is screaming hot before adding the steak. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing because it retains heat well.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than seared, steak.
- Resist the urge to move the steak: Let the steak sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a beautiful crust.
Elevate with Cream Sauce
Looking to take these Garlic Butter Steak Bites to the next level? Consider adding a luscious cream sauce! A simple Cream Sauce can transform this dish into a truly decadent experience. You can easily whip up a basic cream sauce with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of richness, try a Parmesan Cream Sauce. If you want to try something a little different, consider adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a splash of white wine to your Cream Sauce.Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started:
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Set aside.
Cooking the Steak Bites:
- Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute. Add the steak bites back to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Perfection
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the pan. It’s always better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it.
- Adjust the Garlic Butter Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
- Serve Immediately: These Steak Bites are best served immediately, while they’re still hot and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:- Appetizer: Serve them on skewers or with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Main Course: Serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. They’re also delicious with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Salad Topping: Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. They would pair perfectly with a creamy dressing and some crumbled blue cheese.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Mushroom Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites: Try using beef tenderloin instead of steak for extra tender bites. If you’re looking for a simple way to make them, check out Garlic Butter Beef Bites. For a slow cooker option, see Garlic Butter Beef Bites (slow Cooker Prep!).
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as juicy.Enjoy Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
There you have it – a simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a salad topping, these Steak Bites are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try Juicy Steak With Creamy Garlic Perfect for another delightful steak recipe. Happy cooking!What are the best cuts of steak to use for these steak bites?
While you can use more expensive cuts like filet mignon, sirloin or ribeye work beautifully and are more budget-friendly. Sirloin offers a balance of flavor and tenderness, while ribeye is known for its rich marbling and flavor.
What is the key to getting a good sear on the steak bites?
The key to a perfect sear is heat and patience. Pat the steak dry, use a hot pan (cast iron is ideal), don’t overcrowd the pan, and let the steak sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side.
How should I store and reheat leftover garlic butter steak bites?
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook.
What are some ways I can serve these garlic butter steak bites?
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer on skewers, as a main course over rice or pasta, or even as a topping for a salad.
ULTIMATE GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender steak cubes are seared to perfection and then tossed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. They’re incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Paper towels
- Large cast-iron skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the steak bites back to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook the steak; it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the pan. Adjust the garlic butter sauce to your taste by varying the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice. These steak bites are best served immediately, while they’re still hot and juicy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a skillet or microwave. For variations, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for spicy steak bites, or add a tablespoon of honey for honey garlic butter steak bites. Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic butter sauce for a mushroom version.
