Garlic Butter Steak Bites

The smell of garlic hitting hot butter still stops me in my tracks every single time. I stumbled onto this recipe during one of those frantic weeknights when takeout felt easier than cooking but the fridge had other plans. Something about searing steak in small, bite-sized pieces makes it feel fancy without the fuss. My husband now requests this whenever he has had an especially long day at work.

Last summer my sister came over exhausted from a new job, and I made this while she vented on the couch. She took one bite, closed her eyes mid-sentence, and just said oh wow. That moment of watching food instantly shift someones mood is exactly why I keep coming back to this recipe. It has become our comfort meal whenever life feels overwhelming.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: Cut into uniform cubes so everything sears evenly at the same rate
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling and creates a beautiful crust on the meat
• Kosher salt: Coarse salt sticks better than table salt and seasons more thoroughly
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the rich butter sauce
• Cremini mushrooms: Quartered so they get tender edges and stay meaty in the middle
• Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level while building that silky sauce
• Fresh garlic: Minced right before cooking for the most potent aromatic punch
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors and makes everything look restaurant worthy

Instructions

Prep the steak:

Pat the cubes completely dry with paper towels, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated

Sear the mushrooms:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden and tender

Crisp the steak:

Crank the heat to high, add steak in a single layer without crowding the pan, and turn frequently until browned on all sides

Build the sauce:

Lower the heat to medium, push steak aside, melt butter with garlic in the empty space, then stir everything together

Bring it together:

Toss the mushrooms back in along with parsley and herbs, cook for just a minute to coat everything in that garlic butter

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This recipe has become my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly because it looks impressive but takes almost no effort. Everyone assumes it requires some secret technique, but really it just respects good ingredients and high heat.

Choosing the Right Cut

I have tried cheaper cuts thinking the butter sauce would compensate, but honestly a well-marbled sirloin or ribeye makes this sing. The fat renders down and mixes with that garlic butter into something magical. Spend a little extra here and you will taste the difference immediately.

Getting the Sear Right

The mistake I made early on was constantly moving the meat around the pan. Let the steak cubes make contact with the hot surface undisturbed for a minute before flipping. That golden crust is where all the flavor lives, and it cannot form if you are too fussy with the tongs.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower rice soaks up the extra butter sauce without overwhelming the dish, but crusty bread works too if you are not watching carbs. Sometimes I just serve it straight from the pan with forks because honestly, no one wants to wait.

• A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving cuts through the richness beautifully
• Red pepper flakes turn the heat up just enough to make it interesting
• Extra parsley on top makes it look like you tried harder than you actually did

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Something this simple should not taste this good, but here we are. Make it once and you will understand exactly why it has earned permanent rotation in my kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin or ribeye with good marbling delivers tender, flavorful bites ideal for quick searing.

→ Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, button or cremini mushrooms work well, providing a tender texture and earthiness.

→ How do I achieve the perfect sear on steak bites?

Pat steak dry, avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

→ What enhances the flavor of the garlic butter sauce?

Fresh minced garlic sautéed briefly in butter with parsley and thyme infuses rich, aromatic notes.

→ Are there recommended side dishes to serve with this meal?

Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or cauliflower rice for complementary textures and flavors.

→ Can I add a spicy element to the dish?

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the garlic butter richness.