My family has always been a big fan of steak, and anytime a dish combines butter and garlic, you can bet it’s going to be a hit. There’s something heavenly about the aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with the richness of butter, coating tender cubes of ribeye steak. It’s an irresistible combination that I discovered can charm even the pickiest of eaters, relatives or not. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that these steak bites are super simple to make, which gives you more time to enjoy with your loved ones rather than spending all day in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I cooked these Garlic Butter Steak Bites, I could hardly keep up with everyone going back for seconds, thirds, and fourths. It was kind of chaotic, but in the best way possible. When you find something that pleases a crowd like that, you know you’ve stumbled upon treasure. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet feels elegant enough to be served on special occasions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a birthday celebration, or just a casual weekend dinner, these little steak heroes are bound to steal the show every single time.
So, if you’re looking to impress your guests or just want to treat yourself to a bold and buttery dish, why not give these Garlic Butter Steak Bites a whirl? All it takes is a quick fry up in your favorite skillet, a toss with some fragrant garlic and rosemary, and you’ve got a dish that’s absolutely scrumptious. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness before serving. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple at your table too.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Ingredients:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ribeye steak, cut into 1.5″ cubes (pounded to 1/2″ thickness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Season the steak cubes evenly with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add olive oil and let it heat for another minute.
- Introduce the steak cubes to the skillet. Cook them for around 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally for even browning.
- Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter and deglaze by scraping up any remaining bits on the bottom with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and dried rosemary, stirring constantly for 30 seconds without burning the garlic.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet, coating them with the garlic butter for 1 to 2 minutes. Cook longer if you prefer them more done.
- Remove the pan from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Customizing Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Alternative Ingredients
If you’re running low on certain ingredients, feel free to get creative! Swap out ribeye with sirloin or another favorite steak cut. Don’t have rosemary? Thyme or oregano will add a different, yet delightful flavor. Need a garlic substitute? Garlic powder works in a pinch. You can also experiment with herb butter if you like a twist on the classic garlic butter.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites
To store any leftover steak bites, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, store them in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When reheating, using a skillet over medium heat will help maintain the texture and flavor without overcooking the steak.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These delicious bites pair excellently with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. For drinks, consider serving with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a light, crisp ale. These sides and beverages balance the savory flavors of the steak and enhance your dining experience.
Secrets to Perfecting Garlic Butter Steak Bites
For the perfect steak bite, ensure the pan is sufficiently hot before adding the steak to achieve a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the steak in batches if necessary. Butter can burn quickly, so keep a close eye during the cooking process. For added depth of flavor, let the butter lightly brown before adding the garlic and rosemary. Lastly, garnish with parsley right before serving to keep its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Seasonal Twists for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Incorporate seasonal produce by serving the steak bites with grilled asparagus in the spring or a warm root vegetable medley in the autumn. Fresh summer herbs like basil can replace rosemary for a refreshing touch, while a sprinkle of cozy spices like nutmeg or cinnamon in the butter can give a wintery twist. Adjusting the accompaniments to the season can breathe new life into this classic dish all year round.
FAQs:
How do I make these steak bites spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat to your steak bites, try sprinkling in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. Alternatively, a dash of cayenne pepper can also do the trick. This burst of spice will complement the buttery garlic and create a delightful kick in each bite.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
Absolutely! Pre-minced garlic is a convenient option if you’re short on time. Although fresh garlic has a stronger flavor that enhances the dish, pre-minced garlic will still deliver a solid garlic aroma and taste. Just be mindful that it might cook slightly faster than fresh garlic, so keep a close watch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Sure thing! You can use hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini as a steak substitute. They absorb flavors well and develop a rich, umami taste when cooked. Simply prepare them in the same buttery garlic sauce, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian dish to enjoy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to cook these steak bites right before serving. However, you can cube and season the steak up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. This way, the seasoning has time to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste when you finally cook them.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Burnt garlic can lend a bitter taste to your dish. To prevent this, make sure to cook the garlic and rosemary on medium heat after browning the steak. Stir constantly and add the garlic after the butter has melted and turned slightly brown for maximum flavor without burning.
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Ribeye is an excellent choice due to its marbling, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful. However, sirloin or tenderloin also work wonderfully. Choose a cut that you enjoy the most and make sure it’s marbled enough for optimal tenderness and taste once cooked.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Equipment
- Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ribeye steak cut into 1.5" cubes (pounded to 1/2" thickness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the cubed steak.
- Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until hot. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat for another minute.
- Add the cubed steak and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter and allow it to melt completely. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom as it melts. Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the minced garlic and dried rosemary. Cook while constantly stirring for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Put the cooked steak bites back into the pan and baste them in the garlic butter for 1 to 2 minutes for a medium-rare finish. If you prefer your steak a bit more well-done, feel free to baste for an extra minute!
- Take the skillet off the heat and check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
