Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Juicy, Buttery, 30-Minute Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again)

Let me guess. You want steak, want butter, want garlic. And you definitely don’t want to spend all night cooking.

That’s exactly where Garlic Butter Steak Bites come in.

These little nuggets of beef are pan-seared until golden and crusty on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, then tossed in sizzling garlic herb butter. The result? A quick steak dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a steakhouse—but you made it in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes.

If you’ve ever searched for easy steak bites recipe, garlic butter beef bites, or best steak bites with garlic, you’re in the right place. This is the kind of meal that works on a busy weeknight, but still feels special enough for a date night at home.

And trust me, once you learn how to pan-sear steak bites the right way, you’ll be making them on repeat.

Close-up of creamy garlic steak bite lifted on a fork over mashed potatoes with asparagus on the side.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Are the Ultimate Quick Steak Dinner

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are exactly what they sound like: bite-size chunks of steak, seared in a hot skillet, then coated in rich, melted garlic butter. Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero fuss.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

  • It cooks fast. Like, really fast.
  • You don’t need fancy equipment (just a heavy skillet—cast iron is ideal).
  • It’s flexible. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even alongside roasted veggies.
  • It’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight steak dinner ideas.

Meanwhile, the small size of the steak pieces means you get more surface area for that golden crust. And that crust? That’s where the magic lives.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Ingredients (Simple but Powerful)

Garlic Butter Steak Bites don’t need a long ingredient list. What they need is the right combination.

Here’s what you’ll use:

For the Steak Bites

  • 1½–2 pounds steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional Cajun seasoning for blackened steak bites
  • 1–2 tablespoons high-smoke-point oil (like avocado oil)

For the Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Optional: chopped parsley or thyme
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½–¾ cup freshly grated parmesan
  • Extra cracked pepper

If you’re wondering about the best steak cuts for steak bites, here’s the thing:

  • Sirloin – affordable, lean, and reliable.
  • Ribeye – rich and juicy with beautiful marbling.
  • Filet – ultra tender and luxurious.

You can’t go wrong, but ribeye and sirloin are especially popular for juicy steak bite recipes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Step-by-Step (How to Pan-Sear Steak Bites Perfectly)

This is where people overthink things. Don’t.

We’re keeping it straightforward.

Step 1: Cut and Season

Pat your steak dry. That’s important. Moisture kills crust.

Cut into 1½-inch cubes. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Season generously with salt and pepper. If you want bold flavor, sprinkle on Cajun seasoning for steak bites with a little kick.

Let the meat sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat your skillet.

Step 2: Get That Pan Hot

Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it preheat for several minutes.

Add oil. It should shimmer immediately.

This is how you get that golden exterior when you sear steak bites in butter later.

Step 3: Sear Without Crowding

Add steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed.

Sear 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t move them around constantly. Let them develop a crust.

You’re looking for:

  • Deep brown edges
  • Juicy center
  • Medium-rare to medium doneness (or cook longer if preferred)

Remove steak bites and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Lower heat slightly.

Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic.

Stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we’re not doing that today.

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until fully coated.

At this point, you already have incredible garlic butter beef bites.

But if you want to go further…

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are amazing on their own. But if you want a creamy, steakhouse-style finish, this parmesan cream sauce takes it up several notches.

After removing the steak:

  1. Leave the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
  2. Pour in heavy cream.
  3. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in freshly grated parmesan.
  5. Add cracked black pepper.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, splash in a little more cream.

Spoon this over your steak bites and try not to immediately eat it straight from the pan.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Serving Ideas

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile. That’s why they’re such a popular weeknight steak dinner option.

Here are a few ways to serve them:

  • Over creamy mashed potatoes
  • Alongside roasted asparagus
  • On top of buttery rice
  • Tossed with pasta and extra parmesan
  • Wrapped in warm tortillas for steak tacos

If you want something more elegant, you can pair them with

Potsticker Noodle Bowl (Better Than Takeout and Ready in 30 Minutes)

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Slow Cooker Comfort Food Done Right)

No matter how you plate it, steak bites with garlic always steal the show.

Close-up of garlic butter steak bites served over creamy mashed potatoes with roasted asparagus on the side.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Tips for Tender, Juicy Results

Want truly tender steak bites every time? Keep these tips in mind:

  1. Choose well-marbled beef for better flavor.
  2. Dry the meat before cooking.
  3. Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
  4. Let the pan get properly hot before adding steak.
  5. Rest the steak bites briefly before serving.

And here’s a small but important detail: add garlic after searing, not before. Garlic burns quickly at high heat.

That’s the difference between garlic butter steak bites that taste incredible… and ones that taste bitter.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites FAQs

What’s the best cut for steak bites?

Sirloin and ribeye are the most popular. They balance tenderness and flavor beautifully.

Can I make steak bites without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, but a heavy skillet works best for achieving a proper crust.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small pat of butter.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can skip the parmesan cream sauce and use olive oil instead of butter, though the classic garlic butter flavor will be different.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Seared steak medallions topped with creamy garlic pepper sauce served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Juicy, Buttery, 30-Minute Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Description

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, pan-seared cubes of steak tossed in sizzling garlic herb butter. Ready in about 30 minutes, this quick steak dinner delivers bold, buttery flavor with a golden crust and tender center—perfect for busy weeknights or date night at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/22 pounds sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon steak
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Cajun seasoning
  • 12 tablespoons avocado oil or high-smoke-point oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 46 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional chopped parsley or thyme
  • Optional: 1 cup heavy cream
  • Optional: 1/23/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pat steak dry and cut into 1½-inch cubes.
  2. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
  4. Add oil and place steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding.
  5. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness.
  6. Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside.
  7. Reduce heat slightly and add butter to the same skillet.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Return steak bites to skillet and toss in garlic butter until coated.
  10. Optional: Remove steak again, add heavy cream, simmer 3–5 minutes, stir in parmesan until thickened, then spoon sauce over steak bites.
  11. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding for the best crust. Add garlic after searing to prevent burning. Let steak rest briefly before serving. Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet with butter.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Make Weeknight Cooking Feel Easy

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal.

You just need:

  • Good steak
  • Real butter
  • Fresh garlic
  • High heat
  • A little patience while that crust forms

From juicy steak bite recipes to rich steak bites with sauce, this dish hits every note. It’s comforting, bold, and fast enough for a Tuesday night.

Once you master this garlic butter beef bites recipe, you’ll always have a reliable answer when someone asks, “What’s for dinner?”

And honestly? You might start hoping they ask.

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star