Juicy, tender, and sizzling in garlic butter—this garlic butter herb steak bites recipe is a quick, flavor-packed dish perfect for dinner or party appetizers.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich garlic butter sauce enhances the steak’s flavor beautifully.
- Versatile dish—serve as a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor with minimal effort.
- Pairs well with veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites is all in their simplicity. With just a handful of high-impact ingredients, each element plays a starring role in layering flavor, keeping the steak tender, and making this dish utterly irresistible.
- Sirloin steak: Tender and flavorful, sirloin is perfect for bite-sized pieces that sear beautifully without overcooking.
- Butter: Rich, creamy butter not only adds flavor but also helps create that luscious, irresistible sauce for the steak bites.
- Garlic: Minced garlic delivers warmth and unmistakable depth, infusing each bite with bold aroma.
- Olive oil: Helps the steak sear evenly at high heat and prevents the butter from burning.
- Fresh thyme: Adds subtle, earthy notes that pair wonderfully with beef and butter.
- Fresh rosemary: Its piney aroma gives the garlic butter an herby punch and uplifts the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a burst of color and fresh, peppery flavor to finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in this easy weeknight hit.
How to Make Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by patting your sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels; this little step is what guarantees that sizzling, crusty sear. Generously sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the steak pieces, making sure all sides get coated—seasoning is key to flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, arrange the steak cubes in a single layer. If they’re crowded, work in batches to make sure every piece browns evenly. Sear the steak bites for 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, then transfer them to a plate to rest while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Herb Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Stir everything together for about one minute—just long enough for the garlic to turn fragrant and the herbs to release their oils, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Step 4: Coat Steak in Garlic Herb Butter
Return the seared steak bites and any juices to the skillet. Toss everything with the herbaceous, garlicky butter, making sure each steak bite is generously coated and glistening. Your Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites are now ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites
Garnishes
Scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites just before serving for an extra touch of brightness and color. A squeeze of lemon or a gentle crack of black pepper also adds a fresh finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Try them with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. For something a little fancier, roasted vegetables or a tangy chimichurri make exceptional companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites into skewered party appetizers, tuck them into warm rolls for steak sliders, or serve atop a bed of fluffy rice for an easy weeknight bowl. Their bite-sized charm means they’re versatile for any gathering or mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store any remaining Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the herbaceous butter flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, for best texture, freeze the cooked steak bites separately from the butter sauce. Let everything cool, then place the steak in a freezer bag and the sauce in a small container. Thaw in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra butter or a splash of beef broth to keep things juicy. Avoid microwaving, as that can sometimes toughen the steak.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites?
Sirloin is an excellent choice for this recipe because it’s flavorful and tender, but you can also try ribeye or New York strip if you prefer an even richer taste. Just be sure to trim off excess fat and cut the steak into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
Can I make Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with dried herbs?
Yes, if fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute with about one-third the amount of dried herbs. While the flavor will be slightly different, dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley still give that lovely aromatic lift.
How do I make the steak bites extra tender?
Patting the steak dry before searing is crucial, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning. For an even more tender bite, try marinating the steak in a touch of olive oil and garlic for 30 minutes beforehand.
Can I use pre-cut stew beef?
While pre-cut stew beef is convenient, it’s usually tougher than sirloin. If you use it, cook just until browned and don’t overcook, or try tenderizing the beef with a marinade for extra softness.
What wines pair well with Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites?
A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the savory, garlicky butter sauce beautifully, but for something lighter, a chilled Pinot Noir is also lovely.
Final Thoughts
Give Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites a try and you’ll see just how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. It’s a little bit fancy, a whole lot of fun, and absolutely delicious—so gather your loved ones and dig in!
More Savory Steak & Garlic-Inspired Favorites
Loved the bold flavors of these Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites? Don’t miss out on our Garlic Parmesan Steak with Roasted Veggies for another satisfying skillet meal. If you’re into creamy and cheesy comfort, try the Creamy Boursin Garlic Herb Chicken or dig into the Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole. Fans of garlic-forward dishes will love the Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders and the family-favorite Cowboy Butter Steak.
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Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, tender steak pieces seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter herb sauce. A quick, flavorful dinner or irresistible appetizer ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
- Stir in garlic and fresh herbs, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic herb butter.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- For the juiciest steak bites, avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred doneness.
- Try swapping sirloin for ribeye or strip steak for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg