Ever need a showstopping appetizer or protein boost in a flash? These garlic butter steak bites are my go-to – they explode with flavor and cook up faster than it takes to set the table! I first made them for a last-minute family gathering, and now they’re requested at every get-together (even my picky nephew licks the plate clean). Thanks to a viral TikTok trend, everyone’s obsessed with these juicy sirloin cubes seared in a scorching cast iron and swirled in bubbly garlic butter. The best part? They’re naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, ready from cutting board to mouthwatering finish in just 15 minutes flat.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Seriously, what’s not to love? These garlic butter steak bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser:
- Faster than takeout – Ready in just 15 minutes (I’ve timed it between soccer practices!)
- Keto magic – All that garlicky butter goodness fits perfectly into low-carb diets
- Meal prep MVP – Reheats like a dream for quick lunches all week
- Flavor bomb – That sizzling garlic-herb butter will have everyone hovering around the skillet
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself – these little flavor-packed cubes disappear every time I make them!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible steak bites. I always say good ingredients make all the difference – especially with something this simple!
- The star: 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (trust me, sirloin’s the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness)
- For searing: 2 tbsp olive oil (any high-smoke-point oil works, but I love the fruity notes of olive oil here)
- The magic sauce: 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted both work – I usually grab whatever’s in my fridge)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (don’t even think about jarred garlic for this one!)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (those little leaves pack such a punch)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (I crush them between my fingers first to release more aroma)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)
- Garnish (optional but pretty): 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Okay, let’s get sizzling! Making these garlic butter steak bites is so simple, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference:
- The drying game: Pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels – this is the secret to that perfect crust. Then generously season with salt and pepper. I like to do this right on the cutting board while my skillet heats up.
- Fire it up: Heat your olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. You want it smoking hot before those cubes hit the pan. (Careful, it might spit a little – I always wear an apron for this part!)
- Sear like you mean it: Add steak bites in a single layer – no overcrowding! Let them develop a gorgeous brown crust without moving them for 2 solid minutes per side. Resist the urge to poke them!
- Butter bath time: Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. The moment that butter melts, gently toss everything for just 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Finish with flair: Transfer to a plate immediately (we don’t want overcooked steak!), sprinkle with parsley if using, and prepare for compliments!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s my foolproof formula for steak bite success every time:
- A bone-dry steak means better browning – don’t skip the pat-down!
- Cast iron is king here – it holds heat perfectly for that restaurant-quality sear
- Leave ’em alone! Moving the cubes too soon prevents that gorgeous crust from forming.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these weekly like clockwork!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These little flavor bombs work magic however you serve them! For a keto feast, pile them over creamy mashed cauliflower or roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss them into salads for instant protein power. Or skewer them with toothpicks for the easiest, most addictive appetizer at your next party. (Trust me – they disappear faster than cookies at a bake sale!)
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
These garlic butter steak bites are practically made for meal prep! Here’s how I keep them tasting fresh-as-made all week long: Store cooled bites in an airtight container (I swear by glass ones) in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, toss them back in a hot skillet for just 1-2 minutes – the butter gets all melty and delicious again! For keto folks, they pair perfectly with meal-prepped roasted veggies or cauliflower rice. (Microwaving works in a pinch, but that cast-iron revival gives them back their magic!)
Garlic Butter Steak Bites FAQ
I get these questions all the time from friends who’ve tried my steak bites recipe (usually while licking their plates clean!) Here are the answers straight from my butter-splattered recipe notebook:
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin gives the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor for these steak bites, flank steak or ribeye work too. Just avoid super lean cuts like filet – you’ll want some marbling for juicy results. Cut against the grain no matter what steak you choose – it makes every cube impossibly tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! These garlic butter steak bites are naturally gluten-free – no thickeners or breading here. Just pure, sizzling steak and herb-infused butter. (Always check your spice blends though – some pre-mixed seasonings contain sneaky gluten contaminants!)
Can I freeze these steak bites?
I don’t recommend it. While technically possible, freezing changes the steak’s texture and makes the garlic butter separate oddly upon reheating. These cook so fast anyway – I promise fresh is worth it! For meal prep, they keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days (if they last that long in your house!)
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients. But here’s the tasty breakdown per serving of these garlic butter steak bites: 280 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated), 24g protein, and just 1g carb. Pretty perfect for keto, huh?
Pinterest PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites
Juicy sirloin cubes seared hot and tossed in sizzling garlic butter. Ready in 15 minutes—perfect as an appetizer or protein add-on. Keto-friendly and easy to reheat for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
- Sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Toss the steak in the garlic butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a hot skillet for a perfect sear.
- For meal prep, store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Find more recipes on our Pinterest account.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg