Garlic Butter Steak Bites

In our household, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk – balancing speed, simplicity, and, most importantly, deliciousness. We’ve tried countless recipes promising quick and tasty meals, but so many fall short on the flavor front. That was until we stumbled upon Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Let me tell you, these little morsels of meaty perfection have become a family favorite, and for good reason. From the moment the sizzling garlic butter hits your nose to the satisfyingly tender steak melting in your mouth, this recipe is a winner. Even my pickiest eater, who usually approaches anything beyond chicken nuggets with suspicion, devoured these steak bites with gusto. They are incredibly versatile – perfect as a quick appetizer for guests, a satisfying main course served alongside your favorite sides, or even a delightful addition to salads or pasta dishes. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor, look no further. Garlic Butter Steak Bites are about to become your new go-to for a fast, fantastic, and family-approved meal.

Ingredients

• Steak: 1.5 lbs of sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Butter: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, adding richness and creating the luscious sauce.
• Garlic: 6 cloves of garlic, minced, providing that pungent and aromatic garlic flavor that complements the steak perfectly.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, used for searing the steak and preventing the butter from burning.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, adding a subtle earthy and herbaceous note.
• Fresh Rosemary: 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, contributing a piney and aromatic flavor that enhances the steak.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), adding a touch of heat to balance the richness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste, essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out its natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste, adding another layer of flavor and a bit of spice.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing and adding a fresh, bright finish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak: Begin by patting the steak bites dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a good sear and prevents steaming. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2. Melt Butter and Oil: In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat. The olive oil raises the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from burning and adding a subtle fruity note.
3. Sear the Steak Bites: Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned and have a beautiful crust. The searing process is key to developing flavor and locking in the juices.
4. Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned or burnt. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. The garlic infuses the butter with its aromatic flavor, and the herbs release their essential oils into the sauce.
5. Baste with Garlic Butter: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting the steak bites constantly with the garlic butter sauce. Use a spoon to scoop the melted butter and garlic mixture from the pan and drizzle it over the steak bites, ensuring they are coated in the flavorful sauce. This basting process helps to cook the steak evenly and keeps it incredibly moist and tender.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C); and for medium-well, 140-145°F (60-63°C). Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as the steak rests. Cooking to the desired internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked steak bites every time.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the steak bites rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Discard the thyme and rosemary sprigs. Garnish the steak bites with fresh chopped parsley.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic butter steak bites immediately while they are hot and juicy. They are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, estimate based on 4 servings, nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and steak cut used)

• Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz steak bites
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Iron: 4mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. It is always best to consult with a registered dietitian or use a nutrition calculator for precise values.

Preparation Time

Get ready for a delicious and quick meal! The beauty of Garlic Butter Steak Bites lies in their speed and simplicity. Prep time is minimal, taking only about 10-15 minutes to cube the steak and mince the garlic. Cooking time is even faster, clocking in at just around 10 minutes in the skillet. In total, from start to finish, you can have these mouthwatering steak bites on your table in approximately 20-25 minutes. This makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer:
  • Toothpick Skewers: Thread steak bites onto toothpicks or small skewers for an easy-to-eat and elegant appetizer. Perfect for parties or gatherings.
  • Mini Crostini: Top toasted baguette slices or crostini with a garlic butter steak bite and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavorful bite-sized appetizer.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Serve steak bites in crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer, ideal for those watching their carb intake.
• As a Main Course:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. A classic and comforting pairing.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for a balanced and nutritious meal.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to absorb the flavorful sauce and create a satisfying and complete meal.
  • Pasta: Toss steak bites with your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne, and the leftover garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful pasta dish.
  • Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with garlic butter steak bites for a protein-packed and flavorful salad. Add your favorite salad dressing.
• Other Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Steak Bite Bowls: Create customizable bowls with a base of rice or quinoa, topped with steak bites, your favorite vegetables, and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce.
  • Tacos or Burritos: Use garlic butter steak bites as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos, adding your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
  • Philly Cheesesteak Inspired: Slice the steak bites and serve them on hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese and sautéed onions and peppers for a gourmet twist on a Philly cheesesteak.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites

To ensure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites are absolutely perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak: For the best results, opt for tender and flavorful cuts of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts have good marbling, which renders during cooking and keeps the steak bites juicy and tender. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times, as steak bites cook quickly.
2. Pat the Steak Bites Dry: Before seasoning and searing, always pat the steak bites thoroughly dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and allows for a beautiful, golden-brown sear to develop. Moisture hinders browning and can lead to steamed steak instead of seared steak.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steak bites, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents proper searing. Work in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve a good sear on all sides.
4. Use High Heat for Searing: Searing requires high heat to create that flavorful crust. Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the steak bites. You should hear a sizzle as soon as the steak hits the hot pan.
5. Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Add the minced garlic to the skillet after searing the steak bites and cook it for just about a minute until fragrant. Keep a close eye on it and avoid browning it too much.
6. Baste Generously: Basting the steak bites with the garlic butter sauce throughout the cooking process is key to keeping them moist, flavorful, and evenly cooked. Continuously spoon the melted butter and garlic mixture over the steak bites as they cook.
7. Rest the Steak Bites: Allow the steak bites to rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful steak bites. Cover loosely with foil while resting to keep them warm.
8. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the garlic butter sauce and steak bites after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference. Fresh herbs can also be added at the end for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are some common questions people ask about making garlic butter steak bites:

Q1: What is the best cut of steak to use for steak bites?
A: The best cuts of steak for steak bites are tender and well-marbled options like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy when cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use filet mignon for extra tenderness, but it is a more expensive option.

Q2: Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use thawed steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Frozen steak can release excess moisture when cooked, which can hinder searing and affect the overall texture. If you must use frozen steak, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking and pat it extra dry.

Q3: How do I know when the steak bites are cooked to my desired doneness?
A: The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C); and for medium-well, 140-145°F (60-63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a steak bite to get an accurate reading.

Q4: Can I make garlic butter steak bites ahead of time?
A: Garlic Butter Steak Bites are best served immediately for optimal tenderness and juiciness. However, you can prepare the steak bites up to a few hours in advance and reheat them gently in a skillet with a little extra butter over low heat. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating, as they can become dry.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to the skillet alongside the steak bites. Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini are all great additions. Add them to the skillet after searing the steak bites and cook them until tender before adding the garlic and herbs.

Q6: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if fresh are not available. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of the fresh sprigs. Add dried herbs along with the minced garlic.

Q7: What if I don’t have red pepper flakes?
A: Red pepper flakes are optional and add just a touch of heat. If you don’t have them or prefer a milder flavor, simply omit them from the recipe. The steak bites will still be delicious without them.

Q8: How do I store leftover garlic butter steak bites?
A: Store leftover garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little extra butter or olive oil when reheating to prevent them from drying out.

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