Juicy steak bites, seared to perfection and drenched in garlicky herb butter—what’s not to love? This 15-minute garlic butter steak recipe delivers all the rich, bold flavor of a high-end steakhouse dish but with none of the fuss. It’s a simple one-skillet recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or an impromptu date night at home.
The beauty of this recipe? Speed and flavor. Using ribeye or entrecôte, these bite-sized pieces get a gorgeous sear, stay tender and juicy inside, and soak up every drop of that savory garlic-herb butter. Serve them alongside roasted potatoes, a crisp salad, or crusty bread to mop up the sauce—you really can’t go wrong.
Let’s dive into the details of how to nail these garlic butter steak bites every single time.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This isn’t just another steak recipe. These sizzling steak bites are:
- Ready in just 15 minutes start to finish
- Cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup
- Perfectly seared on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside
- Drenched in a buttery, garlicky, herb-infused sauce
- Low carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly—ideal for many diets
- Customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, and sides
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish has something for everyone.
The Best Cut of Beef for Steak Bites
To get that perfect tenderness and flavor, choose a well-marbled cut like:
- Ribeye – Rich, buttery, and incredibly juicy. Our #1 pick.
- Entrecôte (sirloin steak) – Leaner but still flavorful and tender.
- Striploin or New York Strip – Another great option with solid flavor.
- Avoid overly lean cuts like round steak or flank unless you marinate first.
Tip: Cut your steak into 2 cm cubes for ideal bite-size pieces that sear quickly without overcooking.
Mastering the Sear: Key Techniques
The secret to perfect steak bites is a proper sear. Here’s how to get it right:
- Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. Moisture = steam = no crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary so each piece gets space to brown.
- Use a hot pan and high smoke-point oil like vegetable or avocado oil.
- Don’t stir constantly. Let the steak sit and sear before flipping. You want that golden-brown crust!
Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. The inside will stay tender and slightly pink—perfect!
Flavor Boost: Garlic Herb Butter
After searing, it’s time for the magic: a rich garlic butter sauce that coats every steak bite in flavor.
You’ll need:
- Unsalted butter – Adds creamy richness
- Fresh garlic – Adds that bold, aromatic punch
- Fresh thyme – Earthy and savory
- Parsley – For a fresh, herby finish
Let the butter bubble, then add garlic and thyme just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss your steak back in, swirl to coat, and top with chopped parsley.
Pro tip: Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the pan for extra brightness.
Ingredient Checklist
Here’s everything you need for the base recipe (serves 2–3):
- 500g ribeye or entrecôte steak, cut into 2 cm cubes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
- 75g unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: Lemon wedges, chili flakes, or parmesan for topping.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are as versatile as they are delicious. Try them:
- Over mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- With roasted or air-fried veggies (broccoli, carrots, green beans)
- Tossed with pasta or creamy polenta
- With crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter
- On skewers for a party appetizer
- In wraps, tacos, or lettuce cups for a handheld option
Or just serve them straight from the skillet—no judgment here.
Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is a blank canvas for flavor. Customize it your way:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter
- Cheesy Upgrade: Top with crumbled blue cheese or shaved parmesan
- Asian Twist: Swap herbs for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil
- Creamy Sauce: Finish with a splash of cream or crème fraîche
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary, oregano, or chives in place of thyme
Tips for Success
- Use a cast iron skillet for maximum sear and even cooking
- Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking
- Don’t skip the butter step—it’s where all the flavor lives
- If doubling the recipe, cook in batches to keep that crispy edge
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end before serving
Storage & Reheating
These steak bites are best fresh, but leftovers still shine:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a touch of butter or microwave in short bursts
- Freeze: Not ideal—steak can toughen—but possible if sealed well and consumed within 1 month
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, hearty, and flavor-packed, these garlic butter steak bites hit all the marks. They’re rich without being heavy, fast without being boring, and easy enough for any home cook to master.
Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, this dish will become a go-to favorite you return to again and again. Just don’t forget the bread—that garlic butter is gold.
Let us know how you served yours or which variation you tried!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 grams ribeye or entrecôte steak cut into 2 cm cubes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or other high smoke-point oil
- 75 grams unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
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Get It Now!Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the steak evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes without stirring.
- Flip the steak bites and sear the other side for another 2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add the butter and let it melt until it begins to bubble.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter to coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best sear, make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the steak.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Use a cast iron skillet for maximum browning and flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness if desired.
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