Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are exactly what your weeknight dinners are missing: tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. As someone who loves experimenting with different cuts of beef, I can tell you that these delicious morsels can elevate any meal. In just a matter of minutes, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but is really easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender steak and rich garlic butter creates a taste explosion that is hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings with friends.
- Versatile: Steak bites can be served as an appetizer or paired with sides for a fulfilling meal. They’re perfect for game nights or as part of a festive spread.
- High in Protein: Enjoy a protein-packed dish that satisfies your hunger, making it great for anyone on a fitness journey.
- Personal Touch: I love this recipe for its simplicity; it allows the quality of the steak to shine through without overwhelming it with spices.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This recipe involves searing steak bites in a hot skillet and finishing them off with a rich garlic butter sauce.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried making steak bites, I was surprised at how quickly they cooked and how little seasoning was needed. I had a small hiccup with the butter browning too quickly, but once I adjusted the heat, I mastered the perfect garlic aroma that filled my kitchen.
How to Make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Cooking steak bites is straightforward yet demands attention to detail. Start by cutting your beef into uniform cubes for even cooking. Sear them in a hot skillet to achieve a nice crust, then toss them in a homemade garlic butter made with fresh herbs. Expect a sizzling sound as you cook the steak and a rich, savory aroma as the garlic releases its fragrance.
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cut: I recommend using sirloin or tenderloin for their tenderness and flavor, but any cut that’s well-marbled will work.
- Pat Dry the Steak: Before seasoning, pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve better caramelization.
- Rest After Cooking: Allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices.
- Control the Heat: Use medium-high heat to get a good sear without burning the garlic butter.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the garlic butter for an extra flavor boost.
How to Serve Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Serve your steak bites on a platter, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Pair them with crusty bread to soak up the leftover garlic butter or serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal. For a lighter option, consider zucchini noodles or a fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze them, do so in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a teaspoon of butter to retain moisture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Steak Bites: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Swap out traditional garlic for blue cheese and chives for a rich flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve these steak bites over gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Oven-Baked Bites: For a hands-off approach, roast the steak bites in the oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes before saucing.
Nutritional Highlights
Steak is a great source of iron, zinc, and protein, making this recipe not only satisfying but also nutritious. Each serving provides about 25 grams of protein, ideal for muscle building and repair. Keep in mind, if you’re watching calorie intake, moderation is key since steak can be higher in saturated fat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Overcooked Steak: If the bites turn out tough, it likely means they were cooked too long. Keep a close eye on them, as they cook quickly!
- Butter Burning: If your butter burns, lower the heat to medium before adding it to avoid a bitter flavor.
- Uneven Cooking: Ensure all pieces are of uniform size for even cooking, so none are undercooked or overly done.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the meat from cooking unevenly. -
What can I substitute for garlic?
If garlic isn’t to your liking, shallots or onions work nicely in butter for a milder flavor profile. -
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers or mushrooms can be sautéed alongside the steak bits for added nutrition. -
How do I know when the steak is done?
For medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
With this simple yet satisfying Steak Bites with Garlic Butter recipe, you’re sure to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
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Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or tenderloin steak, cut into cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak cubes in the hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Toss the cooked steak bites in the garlic butter and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Make sure to use medium-high heat to avoid burning the garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg