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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

4.5 from 142 reviews

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy cubes of ribeye steak seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and spices. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers a restaurant-quality, savory main dish perfect for any meal, complemented by optional caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

  • pounds ribeye steak, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes, at room temperature and patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (olive oil may be substituted)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnishing)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chives, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon dried chives)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional: add some lemon zest for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste if desired
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste if desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare Caramelized Onions (Optional): If using, start caramelizing sliced onions about 45-60 minutes prior to cooking the steak to allow time for slow caramelization.
  2. Prepare Steak Bites: Slice the ribeye steak into large bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Pat the pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly for optimal flavor and searing.
  3. Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Allow the seasoned steak bites to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking and better searing results.
  4. Preheat Skillet and Sear Steak: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and heat for 30-60 seconds. Add steak bites evenly spaced in a single layer. Sear the steak on each side for 1-2 minutes without crowding the pan to develop a flavorful crust.
  5. Remove Steak from Skillet: Remove the browned steak bites from the skillet when lightly browned on the outside but still pink inside. Set aside while you prepare the butter sauce in the same skillet.
  6. Make the Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low or low. Add unsalted butter to the skillet and melt it, swirling the pan or stirring with a wooden spoon. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  7. Add Herbs and Seasonings: For full butter sauce, add fresh parsley, chives, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes if needed.
  8. Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss continuously to coat in the butter sauce. Cook together for about 1 minute, until steak reaches desired doneness and is fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
  9. Add Caramelized Onions (Optional): If prepared, add caramelized onions to the skillet and toss gently to combine with steak bites. Heat through and serve immediately.
  10. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with extra fresh parsley for brightness and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites!

Notes

  • Use ribeye steak for best flavor and tenderness; sirloin or filet mignon can be used as substitutes.
  • Patting the steak dry before searing is essential for a good crust; moisture causes steaming instead of searing.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
  • Room temperature steak cooks more evenly and sears better.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to personal spice preference — start with less and add more.
  • If the butter sauce tastes flat, add a pinch more salt and a splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed or cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and superior searing.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Bites, steak bites, ribeye steak recipe, skillet steak, seared steak, garlic butter sauce, quick steak recipe