If you're craving a fast, flavorful dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe might just become your new go-to. Tender chunks of steak tossed in buttery garlic and fresh herbs come together in just 20 minutes flat—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a little indulgence at the table.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe takes something as simple as steak and transforms it into something bursting with flavor and juiciness. It’s never dry or boring, and it’s adaptable if you want to tweak it for your diet or spice preferences.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic butter and fresh parsley give it a rich, savory kick you’ll crave.
- Flexible: Easily made dairy-free or Whole30 by swapping butter for ghee.
- Perfectly Tender: Bite-size steak pieces cook up juicy and tender every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When shopping for this recipe, pick a good quality steak with some marbling for the best tenderness and flavor. Fresh herbs and garlic really elevate the dish without complicating things.

- Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for searing steak to get that beautiful crust without burning.
- Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye and cut it into small bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth that complements the garlic and butter.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For when you want a little extra kick and some warm spice.
- Butter or ghee: Butter gives richness and a luscious sauce, while ghee is a fantastic dairy-free alternative ideal for Whole30 or Paleo diets.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, it infuses the butter with that signature savory warmth and aroma.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a bright, fresh flavor and lovely color contrast to the steak bites.
- Green onion (for garnish): Not only pretty but provides a mild, oniony bite as a final touch.
Make It Your Way
The beautiful thing about this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want it spicier, dairy-free, or with a fresh twist, there’s a simple way to make it your own.
- Dairy-Free & Whole30: Swap out the butter with ghee for a rich, buttery taste without the dairy. I’ve tried this many times and it works perfectly, keeping the bites juicy and flavorful while staying Whole30 friendly.
- Spice it up: If you love a bit more heat, I like to add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the garlic and butter flavors.
- Herb Variations: Parsley is great, but feel free to add fresh thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor profile. I once added rosemary and it gave the steak bites a wonderful aromatic touch.
- Serving Ideas: For a low-carb meal, serve these steak bites over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted veggies. They also make a fantastic protein-packed salad topping for a quick lunch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steak Bites
Start by tossing your bite-sized steak pieces in a bowl with 2 teaspoons of salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Make sure every piece is well coated – this seasoning is what builds that incredible flavor crust as the steak cooks.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon of avocado oil. Once shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally so each piece gets a beautiful brown crust. You might need to do this in batches depending on your pan size. When browned, remove the steak bites and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter or Ghee
Before adding the butter, wipe out any excess water or residue from the skillet to avoid splattering. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee over medium heat, then add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned — you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly and the garlic gently bubbles in the butter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlicky butter. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the steak soaks up all that buttery, garlicky goodness. Remove the pan from heat and stir in ¼ cup of fresh chopped parsley — this adds a burst of color and freshness that really elevates the dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Transfer the steak bites to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions for a bit of crisp, fresh flavor. Serve hot to enjoy the tender, juicy steak in all its garlicky buttery glory. Trust me, these disappear fast!
Top Tip
These tips will help you make your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe even more delicious and ensure a perfect cook every time. A few simple tricks can take this easy weeknight dish to the next level.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking steak bites in batches allows each piece to sear properly, creating that beautiful crust and locking in juices. Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and flavor. Adding it while melting the butter for just a minute boosts that rich garlic butter taste without burning the garlic.
- Rest Your Steak Bites: After cooking, letting the steak rest just a couple of minutes helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and juicy.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—it’s the foundation of flavor. I learned this the hard way by under-seasoning and missing out on that savory punch.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions add a bright, fresh pop that complements the rich garlic butter beautifully. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra red pepper flakes on top if you like a bit more heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the dish up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter asparagus, or cauliflower rice work wonderfully and soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and prevent condensation.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your steak bites, lay them out flat on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying them out. Add a little extra butter or ghee to refresh the sauce while reheating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover and heat in short intervals to keep them tender and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work best for quick cooking and tender bites. Just be sure to cut the steak into uniform small pieces for even cooking.
Simply swap the butter for ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative, which keeps the rich, buttery flavor but makes the dish suitable for Whole30 and Paleo diets.
You can season the steak bites a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. However, for the best texture and flavor, cook them fresh just before serving.
Use a hot skillet with enough oil, and don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed, stirring occasionally but allowing the steak bites enough time in contact with the pan to develop a golden-brown crust.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something savory, comforting, and quick. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you can have juicy, flavorful steak bites that feel special without the fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish delivers every time. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender steak bites seasoned with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. This simple recipe takes only 20 minutes and can be adapted to be Paleo, Whole30, and dairy-free by substituting butter with ghee.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 pounds steak, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steak: In a bowl, combine the steak bites with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil to the hot skillet and spread it evenly. Add the steak pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Remove the browned steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Remove any excess water or residue left in the skillet. Add butter or ghee to the pan and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak thoroughly in the butter sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the garlic butter steak bites to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy hot and juicy steak bites.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free or Whole30 compliant, substitute butter with ghee or a suitable dairy-free butter alternative.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure the steak sears properly and develops a nice crust.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for optimal taste.
- Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking if you want juicier bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg



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