Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce: Easy Recipe for a Perfect Appetizer or Main Dish

Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce

Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce: Easy Recipe for a Perfect Appetizer or Main Dish

If you’re looking for a flavorful way to serve steak, steak bites with garlic butter sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re preparing a fancy appetizer or a hearty main course, these juicy steak bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce will steal the show. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is better than what you’d get at a restaurant!

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, from selecting the best cuts of steak to perfecting the sear. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality steak bites at home. Plus, we’ve included tips for serving, storing, and reheating leftovers to make this dish a go-to for every occasion.

Ingredients for Perfect Steak Bites

Steak & Seasonings:

  • 2 lbs. top sirloin steak (or other cut options, see pro tips)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¾ tsp EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar
  • ½ tsp EACH: pepper, chili powder, mustard powder
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed

Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ¾ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if avoiding wine)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Skillet (large enough for searing)
  • Meat mallet (optional for tenderizing)
  • Tongs (for turning the meat)
  • Silicone spatula (for deglazing)

How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by cutting the steak into 1-inch cubes. For extra tenderness, cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently pound each side with a meat mallet. Once prepped, pat the steak cubes dry to ensure a good sear later on.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, pepper, chili powder, and mustard powder in a small bowl.

Sprinkle the steak cubes with salt and the seasoning mix, making sure to coat all sides. This seasoning will create a rich flavor that enhances both the steak and the sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Steak in Batches

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.

Sear for about 1 minute on each side, or until the steak is medium-rare. Transfer the seared steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining meat.

Pro Tip: Leave space around each piece of steak while searing to achieve a crisp exterior. If the skillet is overcrowded, the steak will steam instead of searing properly.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once all the steak has been seared, reduce the heat and deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine.

Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits (also known as fond) from the bottom of the pan. This step infuses the sauce with extra flavor. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half, which should take about 6 minutes.

Next, add the butter, sliced garlic, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3 minutes, letting the garlic and herbs infuse the butter with their rich, aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Return the Steak to the Skillet

Once the sauce is ready, return the seared steak cubes to the skillet, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the steak, and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.

Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Steak Bites

  • Best Cuts of Steak: For this recipe, we recommend using tender cuts like filet mignon, top sirloin, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin tips. These cuts offer the right balance of tenderness and flavor.
  • Wine Substitutes: If you prefer not to cook with wine, chicken broth is an excellent alternative. However, if you do use wine, dry varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio work best.
  • Cooking Mushrooms: For a fun twist, add mushrooms to the skillet when you reduce the wine. Their earthy flavor complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly.

Variations and Add-ons

While these garlic butter steak bites are delicious on their own, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste:

  • Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms in the skillet after deglazing with wine for an extra savory touch.
  • Swap Steak for Chicken: Not a fan of steak? Try chicken bites instead! The garlic butter sauce works just as well with tender chunks of chicken.
  • Side Dishes: Serve these steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even cheesy biscuits for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

  • Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: To freeze, store the steak bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

  • In a Skillet: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the steak bites until warmed through. This method keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
  • In the Oven: Place the steak bites in a lightly greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

What’s the best steak for steak bites?


Cuts like top sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon are ideal for steak bites because they are tender and flavorful. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round steak for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without wine?


Yes, chicken broth is a great substitute if you prefer not to cook with wine. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious!

How long can I store leftovers?


Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

How do I reheat steak bites?


You can reheat them in a skillet with a little oil or in the oven. The goal is to heat them through without overcooking the steak, so avoid using the microwave if possible.

Can I add other ingredients to the garlic butter sauce?


Absolutely! Mushrooms, onions, or even bell peppers make great additions. Simply sauté them in the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor

Reference Links:

By focusing on quality ingredients and careful cooking techniques, this steak bites recipe will impress your guests and make your next meal unforgettable!

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