Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Are you craving something flavorful, juicy, and absolutely satisfying? This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is the perfect answer to your cravings. With tender steak pieces seared to perfection and tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or serving guests at a special occasion, Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a must-try! Follow along as we take you through every step to make this dish an absolute success. Let’s dive in!

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What are Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are bite-sized pieces of steak that are quickly seared in a hot skillet and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The combination of garlic and butter creates a luxurious flavor that enhances the juicy, tender steak. This dish is not only simple and fast to prepare but also versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even alongside your favorite sides.

Now, let’s explore how to make the most mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak Bites, starting with the ingredients.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

1. 1 ½ pounds of steak – Sirloin or ribeye steak works best, but you can also use tenderloin for a more luxurious cut.
2. 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter – This forms the base of your garlic butter sauce, so high-quality butter is ideal.
3. 4 cloves of garlic – Minced for maximum flavor. Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor.
4. 2 tablespoons of olive oil – For searing the steak, olive oil helps create a nice crust.
5. Salt and pepper – To season the steak before cooking.
6. 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley – Finely chopped for garnish, adding color and freshness to the dish.
7. Optional: Red pepper flakes – For a bit of heat, if you like things spicy.
8. Optional: Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the dish.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Sauce

To make the perfect garlic butter sauce, you'll need the following:

1. Butter – As mentioned above, butter is the base of the sauce. Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
2. Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor.
3. Fresh herbs – Parsley is a classic choice, but you can also use thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
4. Salt and pepper – To taste.
5. Lemon juice – Just a squeeze to add brightness and balance the richness of the butter.

Substitutions and Variations

Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations you might want to consider:

• Different cuts of steak: While sirloin and ribeye are recommended, you can substitute with New York strip, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just be aware that leaner cuts like flank steak may require a little more care to avoid overcooking.
• Butter substitutes: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or olive oil instead of butter. Ghee is another option if you want a more intense buttery flavor while keeping it lactose-free.
• Herbs and spices: You can switch out parsley for other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro, depending on your flavor preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• Keto-friendly: This dish is naturally low-carb, making it perfect for keto diets. Just ensure you’re using butter without added sugars or carbs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the steak: Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot—this is crucial for getting a nice crust on the steak bites.
3. Cook the steak bites: Once the skillet is hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the steak in batches. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
4. Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine the steak and butter sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Allow the steak to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes in the sauce to soak up all the flavors.
6. Garnish: Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the steak bites with fresh parsley. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the right steak – Use a tender, flavorful cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for the best results.
2. Cut steak into uniform pieces – This ensures even cooking and helps every piece have a perfect sear.
3. Sear over high heat – This creates a beautiful caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
4. Make sure the pan is hot enough – Before adding the steak, ensure the skillet is smoking slightly. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the steak will steam rather than sear.
5. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor – Jarred garlic can have a bitter, metallic taste. Freshly minced garlic will provide that vibrant, bold flavor.
6. Toss steak in butter sauce – Don’t forget to coat the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many steak bites to the skillet at once, they will steam instead of sear, resulting in a lackluster crust.
2. Using cold steak: Make sure your steak has come to room temperature before cooking. Cold steak will lower the temperature of the skillet, leading to uneven cooking.
3. Overcooking the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic will ruin the flavor of your sauce. Keep a close eye on it and cook it just until fragrant.
4. Overcooking the steak: Steak bites cook quickly, so keep a close watch to avoid turning your tender steak into tough, dry pieces.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. They are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve as an appetizer: Stick toothpicks into each steak bite and serve them on a platter for an easy-to-eat appetizer at parties.
• Main course: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
• Low-carb option: Serve alongside cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a keto-friendly meal.
• Elegant touch: Plate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites on a bed of arugula or spinach and drizzle with extra garlic butter for an impressive, restaurant-style presentation.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Appetizer: Serve on a wooden board with dipping sauces, like a spicy aioli or chimichurri.
• Over rice or pasta: Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over the rice or pasta for added flavor.
• With crusty bread: Soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce with a side of warm, crusty bread.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or thyme to add a pop of color.
• Add lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional zesty twist.
• Fancy serving plates: Present the steak bites in a cast iron skillet or on a stylish serving dish for an elegant touch.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Tips

1. Preheat the pan: For a perfect sear, your skillet should be hot before you add the steak.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a huge difference in flavor.
3. Rest the steak: Allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen steak?
A: It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak for the best sear. Frozen steak will release water and may not develop the desired crust.

Q: Can I cook this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat the steak bites gently to avoid overcooking.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a simple yet luxurious dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. From the perfectly seared steak to the rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is a burst of savory goodness. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Be sure to try it out and let the compliments roll in!

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