The sizzle of steak bites hitting a hot pan, the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the kitchen—this recipe is everything you want when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t have hours to spare. Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a game-changer. They’re tender, juicy, and drenched in a rich, garlicky sauce that coats every bite perfectly. And the best part? You’ll have this on the table in just 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your weeknight rotation!
Honestly, this dish is pure comfort food. I first whipped it up when I wanted something restaurant-worthy but didn’t feel like leaving the house. It’s now my go-to recipe for date nights, family dinners, or when I just need a little pick-me-up. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep bookmarked forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Rich & Flavorful: The creamy garlic butter sauce elevates the steak bites to decadent levels without any complicated steps.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry basics and fresh steak.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish always gets rave reviews.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for your dietary needs or flavor preferences with simple swaps.
What truly sets these steak bites apart is the sauce. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just a little indulgent without being overly heavy. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly super simple.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe comes together with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering bold flavor and perfect texture.
- Steak: 1 pound of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for extra tenderness).
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (adds richness and helps create the sauce).
- Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor).
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup heavy cream (creates the luscious, creamy sauce).
- Beef Broth: ⅓ cup beef broth (enhances the flavor and balances the creaminess).
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and a pop of freshness).
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the steak and sauce.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for searing the steak bites (optional, but helps with browning).
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use chicken broth instead of beef broth. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make this recipe, and most of the tools are basic kitchen staples:
- Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan works best for even searing and sauce preparation.
- Tongs: For turning the steak bites without piercing them.
- Knife: A sharp knife for cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting Board: For prepping the steak and garlic.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
If you don’t have a heavy skillet, a cast-iron pan is a great alternative—it holds heat well and gives the steak a nice sear. Just be sure to preheat it properly before cooking.
Preparation Method
Follow these simple steps to make your Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Prep the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (this adds flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Pro tip: If your sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer for an additional minute or two, stirring constantly. You can also add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water if needed.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak bites in batches to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor—avoid using pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
- Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak bites sit for a minute before adding them to the sauce. This helps retain their juices.
- Scrape the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with broth—it’s crucial for building a flavorful sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and tweak the salt and pepper as needed.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or some grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Variations & Adaptations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak bites over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Herb Swap: Try thyme or rosemary in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free while still creamy.
- Seasonal Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
One of my favorite twists? Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for added complexity. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These steak bites are best served hot and fresh, but they’re surprisingly versatile:
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttered noodles. Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
The flavors deepen as the dish sits, so leftovers taste just as amazing—if not better!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s an estimate for one serving (based on four servings total):
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
This recipe is naturally low-carb and packed with protein, making it a great option for keto diets or anyone looking to balance indulgence with nutrition. While it is rich, the high-quality fats from butter and cream can be part of a healthy, balanced meal.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines indulgence with simplicity, these Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the answer. They’re rich, flavorful, and ready in no time—ideal for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress. I love how customizable this dish is, letting you tweak it to suit your mood or pantry.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Share your variations, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s swap ideas. I can’t wait to hear how you’ve made it your own. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Sirloin is great, but ribeye, tenderloin, or even flank steak work well. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
What sides pair best with this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles are perfect. A crisp green salad works well too!
Can I freeze leftovers?
While the steak bites are best fresh, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce isn’t thickening, simmer it longer or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Tender, juicy steak bites drenched in a rich, garlicky, creamy butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Cook steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If the sauce isn’t thickening, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter steak, quick dinner, creamy steak recipe, low-carb steak