Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pound sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

There’s something incredibly satisfying about these rich, buttery morsels that melt in your mouth. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe delivers juicy, perfectly seared steak pieces drenched with garlicky, buttery goodness—making it a simple yet show-stopping dish you’ll want again and again.

A black cast iron pan is filled with many small, square pieces of browned meat, each piece with a dark crust and sprinkled with bright green herbs and bits of garlic. A woman's hand holding a silver fork with dark gray nail polish lifts one small piece in the center of the pan. The cooked meat pieces look juicy and well-seasoned, showing texture with some charred edges. The background is blurred with green leaves, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface. 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

I’ve made this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe countless times, and I keep coming back because it strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and quick prep. It’s one of those recipes where you feel like a pro chef, even if you just pulled it together in 15 minutes.

Super quick: From stove to table in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Intense garlic flavor: The garlic butter sauce elevates every bite with a rich, aromatic punch.
Perfectly seared steak: You get that beautiful caramelized crust on every tender piece.
Versatile to customize: Easy to tweak with spice levels, herbs, or dipping sauces to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has a role to play. The olive oil helps you get a proper sear, butter adds richness, fresh garlic provides that signature flavor punch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes brings just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a portion of raw sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces with rich red marbling, a pair of uncracked brown eggs beside a small white ceramic bowl of pale unsalted butter cubes, four whole fresh garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of bright green fresh parsley, and two small white ceramic bowls holding fine white salt and coarse black peppercorns 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: Use a good quality oil with a high smoke point for a nice sear without burning.
Sirloin steak (or similar cuts): I love sirloin for its balance of flavor and tenderness, but strip loin or rib eye work beautifully too.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets the steak's natural flavors shine through.
Butter (unsalted): Adds that silky richness perfect for melding garlic and heat.
Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic is key—don't use powder here. The aroma when it hits the hot butter is irresistible.
Red pepper flakes: Just a dash to give a subtle kick; you can adjust to taste.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal pop that brightens the whole dish.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you like it extra garlicky, spicier, or with a fresh herb twist, it’s adaptable to whatever you’re craving.

Variation: I sometimes swap out parsley for thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that pairs beautifully with steak.
Heat it up: For a spicy boost, I add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce—still delicious but lighter.
Protein swap: Tried it with chicken chunks before, and while the steak flavor is unique, chicken works well with the garlic butter sauce too.

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

The image shows a large white bowl with blue and white zigzag and dot patterns inside, filled with many small, browned meat cubes. Each meat piece looks juicy and grilled, with small bits of green herbs scattered all over. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some light grey fabric partially visible underneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Sear with Confidence

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet on high until it’s shimmering hot—this is crucial to get that perfect sear. Add your bite-sized steak pieces, then generously season with salt and pepper. Resist the urge to stir immediately; let them cook untouched for about 2 minutes so a golden crust forms. Then, flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.

Step 2: Garlic Butter Magic

After searing, transfer the steak bites to a plate to rest. Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown—be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the garlicky butter sauce right over the steak bites and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving immediately. This final step is where all those flavors marry beautifully.

Top Tip

I learned the hard way that rushing the sear and crowding the pan can make your steak bites steam instead of caramelize. Here’s what helped me nail it every time:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak bites in batches if needed. A crowded pan means the pieces release moisture and won’t get that golden crust.
Use high heat and patience: Let the steak sit for at least 2 minutes before stirring to develop a proper sear.
Fresh garlic only: Minced fresh garlic added late in the cooking prevents bitterness and keeps flavors bright.
Butter timing: Add butter after steak is done, so it doesn’t burn and instead forms a luscious sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top the steak bites with fresh chopped parsley—its bright green color just makes the whole plate pop. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to boost the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. For a lighter option, my go-to is sautéed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I love skewering the steak bites on cocktail sticks and serving with a garlic aioli dip. Another time, I layered them over toasted baguette slices with some melted mozzarella for an easy appetizer everyone adored.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They still taste great but are best gently reheated to maintain tenderness.

Freezing

I don’t freeze steak bites often because they’re best fresh, but if needed, flash freeze them on a tray then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of butter or oil to recreate that fresh sear rather than the microwave, which can dry the meat out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin is my favorite for Garlic Butter Steak Bites because it balances flavor, tenderness, and cost. However, you can successfully use strip loin, tenderloin, rib eye, or strip steak as well. Just make sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh steak for the best sear and flavor in this recipe. Frozen steak can release extra moisture, making it harder to achieve that golden crust. If you use frozen, thaw completely in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic butter. You can also serve with a hot sauce on the side for dipping if you want to control the heat at the table.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Cook the steak bites and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet to bring back the fresh sear. Avoid microwaving to keep the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s so approachable yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, these steak bites offer that cozy, satisfying bite every time. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is, and I bet it’ll become a staple on your menu too.