Picture this: sizzling steak bites infused with garlic butter, hitting the pan like fireworks on a summer night. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, much like your favorite cozy sweater on an unexpected chilly morning (remember that unexpected cold snap last April?
). These steak bites are a quick rescue from hunger’s clutches, ready in no time, bursting with flavor, and—dare I say—impossibly addictive.
Steps
- Begin by cutting the steak into 1 1/2-inch cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season all sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, then add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is sizzling and beginning to brown, place the steak pieces in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Allow the steak bites to sear for approximately 3 minutes without moving them. Flip them using tongs or a spatula and continue to sear until they reach medium doneness, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is cooked through but not browned, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and return the steak bites to the pan. Toss them in the garlic butter until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the steak bites to a serving dish, optionally garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/4 pounds of top sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or strip steak
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- What type of steak is best for making steak bites?
- The most recommended cuts for steak bites are top sirloin, tri-tip, strip steak, and ribeye. Top sirloin is a popular choice due to its balance of cost, tenderness, and flavor. Tri-tip is a great option when it’s on sale, offering more marbling. Strip steak and ribeye are fancier choices, with ribeye being the richest due to its fat content.
- How much garlic should I use for the recipe?
- The recipe calls for using a lot of garlic to ensure it flavors every bite. Use four cloves if they are large, and increase to six if they are smaller. Fresh garlic is recommended over jarred for the best flavor impact.
- Can I use pre-cut meat for this recipe?
- Yes, you can opt for pre-cut meat labeled as “steak tips” or “steak bites” available in many grocery stores. However, avoid cuts labeled as “stew meat,” as they tend to be tougher and need longer cooking times.
- What are some serving suggestions for these steak bites?
- A balanced meal with steak bites typically includes a starchy side like crispy potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles, along with a vegetable side such as air-fried or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. For convenience, you can also serve microwaved frozen peas or mixed vegetables.
- How can I enhance the flavor of these steak bites?
- While the dish is delicious on its own, you can experiment with additional flavors. Adding a bit of Dijon mustard at the end gives a tangy twist, deglazing the pan with red wine adds depth, and a sprinkle of rosemary provides a herby aroma.
Tips
- Prepare the garlic and steak in advance to streamline cooking time, allowing you to have the dish ready in about 10 minutes.
- Use fresh garlic instead of jarred for a more robust flavor, as garlic is one of the key ingredients in this recipe.
- Choose top sirloin or tri-tip for a balance of tenderness and affordability, but avoid cuts labeled as “stew meat,” which require longer cooking times.
- Enhance the dish by adding a small amount of Dijon mustard for tanginess or deglazing the pan with red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Equipment
- Ingredient Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe if you don’t already have them at home:
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Useful for checking the doneness of the steak.
- 12-inch Stainless Steel or Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for searing the steak bites properly.
- Tongs – Handy for flipping the steak bites.
- Wooden Spatula – Useful for stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
