If you’re after a quick dinner that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying, garlic butter steak bites might just become your new favorite go-to.

This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels special.

These steak bites are perfect for weeknights when time is tight or when you want to impress someone with minimal effort.

The bite-sized pieces of steak cook quickly, leaving them perfectly seared on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of spice, they’re packed with flavor in every bite. Pair them with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

In this recipe, I use mayonnaise to coat the steak before cooking—it helps create a golden crust and locks in the juiciness.

The garlic butter is made in the same pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Feel free to get creative with herbs or spices to make it your own.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g steak (sirloin, flat iron, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or egg-free mayo for a vegan substitute)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp butter (substitute with vegan butter for a plant-based option)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 20g fresh parsley or coriander, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the steak into small cubes and season them with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Toss the cubes in mayonnaise until evenly coated.
3. Heat a large skillet or pan over high heat.
4. Add the steak cubes and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the cubes from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Return the steak cubes to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter for about a minute.
8. Stir in the chopped parsley or coriander and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
9. Transfer the steak bites to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Tricks

To make the most of your garlic butter steak bites, here are truly helpful tips:

• Cut uniform pieces: Ensure all steak cubes are the same size to cook evenly.
• Use room-temperature steak: Take the steak out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better searing.
• Preheat your pan properly: A hot pan creates the perfect golden crust without overcooking the inside. Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best heat distribution.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Cook the cubes to your preferred doneness, but medium-rare to medium works best for tender and juicy bites. Use a meat thermometer if needed (135°F for medium-rare).
• Deglaze the pan: After removing the steak bites, add a splash of beef broth, water, or lemon juice to the pan before making the garlic butter. This enhances the flavor with the browned bits from the steak.
• Finish with herbs: Add fresh parsley or coriander at the very end for a burst of freshness.

What To Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Here are some versatile side dishes that pair perfectly with garlic butter steak bites:

• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic butter rice
• Sautéed green beans
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Buttered egg noodles
• Grilled zucchini
• Simple garden salad
• Crusty french bread

How To Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Follow these steps to keep your steak bites fresh for later:

1. Cool first: Let the steak bites cool completely at room temperature.
2. Store in an airtight container: Use a container or resealable bag to maintain freshness.
3. Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Freeze if needed: For longer storage, place the steak bites in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan with a small amount of butter or oil over low-medium heat for the best texture.
• Oven: Warm in an oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Avoid microwave reheating: Microwaving can make the steak tough and dry, so it’s better to use the stovetop or oven methods.

How Do You Know When Steak Bites Are Cooked?

It’s easy to tell if your steak bites are done by using a combination of color, texture, and temperature:

• Check the color: For medium-rare, the inside should be warm and pink. Medium steak has a light pink center, while well-done steak has no pink at all.
• Use a meat thermometer: For accuracy, insert a thermometer into the thickest piece:
  • Medium-rare: 135°F
  • Medium: 145°F
  • Well-done: 160°F
• Feel the texture: Gently press on a piece. A medium-rare steak feels soft but slightly springy, while a well-done steak is firmer.

Why Are My Steak Bites Tough?

If your steak bites turn out tough, here are the most common reasons:

• Overcooking: Cooking steak bites for too long dries them out, making them chewy. Always keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Wrong cut of meat: Tougher cuts like chuck or round aren’t ideal for quick cooking. Choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron.
• Not letting the meat rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking causes the juices to escape, making the meat dry and tough.
• Cooking cold meat: Cooking steak straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Let the meat sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
• Skipping tenderizing: If using a tougher cut, marinate it or use a meat mallet to break down the fibers.

Does Cooking Steak Bites In Butter Make It Tender?

Cooking steak in butter doesn’t make it tender, but it does add flavor and moisture. Tenderness mainly depends on:

• The cut of steak: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best results.
• Cooking technique: High heat ensures a quick sear without overcooking. Butter helps enhance the flavor and gives the steak a golden crust.

How Do You Keep Steak Bites From Getting Chewy?

To prevent chewy steak, follow these simple tips:

• Use the right cut of steak: Opt for tender cuts such as sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon.
• Avoid overcooking: Stick to the desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
• Rest the meat: Let the steak bites rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Cut against the grain: Slicing the steak against the direction of the muscle fibers shortens them, making each bite tender.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steak bites in batches to ensure even searing and avoid steaming.