Garlic Butter Steak Bites – A 15-minute meal your family will love

Melt-in-your-mouth tender steak meets rich, buttery goodness. Garlic Butter Steak Bites – a quick and easy family-friendly meal. Ready in under 15 minutes!

I don’t know about you, but some nights, I just want to get a meal on the table before it’s off to the next event like sports practice, errands, or a weeknight game. Figuring out what to make for dinner so we can get back out the door in time can be exhausting. That’s why I love these Garlic Butter Steak Bites.

My family adores this recipe for its perfect blend of tender steak and buttery goodness. The juicy, flavorful bites are an adventure for the taste buds, making dinnertime a satisfying experience. I love it because I can have dinner ready in under 15 minutes – which is almost quicker than going through the drive-thru. There! I said what I said.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and easy busy any-night meal. The quick and simple preparation, along with the amazing taste, makes it a go-to favorite for busy nights when you want something delicious and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’ll need sirloin or ribeye steak, butter, garlic, herbs, and spices, and don’t forget the fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright and tasty finish!

• Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Provides rich, meaty flavor and tender texture, the core of this dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Infuses a luscious, buttery taste, enhancing the overall richness and juiciness of the steak.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor, elevating the dish with its savory essence.
• Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated and versatile onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. It contributes to the overall depth and complexity of the seasoning, enhancing the savory profile of the dish.
• Dried Thyme or Rosemary: Infuses herbal notes, complementing the steak’s natural taste, and adding depth to the seasoning.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a warm and appetizing reddish hue to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance and balance flavors, ensuring the perfect taste in every bite.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a burst of freshness and visual appeal, rounding off the dish.
• Fresh Lemon Squeeze: Adds a zesty brightness, cutting through the richness, providing a delightful contrast, and enhancing overall flavor complexity.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Season steak, sear in butter until cooked, sauté garlic, thyme, parsely, then toss steak in. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

1. Season: Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
2. Sear: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsleyto the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Finish: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter mixture until they are well coated.
5. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve hot.

Kitchen Hacks to make this recipe even easier

1. Herb Blend: Use your favorite steak seasoning or blackening seasoning blend.
2. Pre-cut Steak: Purchase pre-cut steak bites from your butcher for added convenience.
3. Instant Garlic Butter: Use store-bought garlic-infused butter for a shortcut in flavor.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Prep Ahead: Cut steak and mince garlic in advance for quicker assembly.
2. Proper Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding steak for a perfect sear and juicy interior.
3. Fresh Herbs: If available, use fresh thyme and rosemary for a more vibrant herbal taste.
4. Customize Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your family’s taste preferences. Kick up the spice level by adding red pepper flakes.

Why this Recipe Works

1. Flavor Harmony: The blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and butter creates a symphony of flavors, enhancing the steak’s taste.
2. Texture Contrast: Searing the steak provides a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender, offering a delightful texture contrast.
3. Simplicity and Speed: Quick preparation with common ingredients makes it an accessible, time-efficient, and delicious recipe for any home cook.

Family-Friendly Side Dishes

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the steak bites.
2. Corn on the Cob: A classic side that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
3. Garlic Bread: A simple and flavorful choice to soak up the delicious garlic butter from the steak bites.
4. Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: A kid-friendly favorite that complements the steak bites with its cheesy goodness.

Recipe Variations

• Teriyaki Twist: Marinate steak bites in a teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a sweet and tangy touch.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for a bold and tangy twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Infusion: Mix grated Parmesan with the garlic butter for a cheesy upgrade.

Serving Suggestions

1. Nested in a Caesar Salad Wrap: Create a flavorful wrap by combining the steak bites with Caesar salad in a tortilla.
2. As a Steak Bite Bowl: Build a hearty bowl with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and garlic butter steak bites.
3. On a Charcuterie Board: Feature the steak bites as a protein element on a charcuterie board with cheeses and olives.
4. Inside Soft Tortillas: Wrap the steak bites in soft tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a quick taco night.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing:

1. Allow leftover steak bites to cool to room temperature.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

1. Flash-freeze individual steak bites on a baking sheet.
2. Transfer frozen bites to a freezer bag, removing excess air.
3. Label and date the bag for up to 2-3 months of freezer storage.

Reheating:

1. For refrigerator-stored bites, microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
2. For frozen bites, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Heat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
4. To maintain tenderness, add a splash of broth or extra garlic butter while reheating.

Tips:

• Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent the steak from becoming tough.
• Refresh flavors with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Family-Friendly Drink Pairings

Your family’s personal preferences will play a role here, so feel free to explore and discover their favorite pairings!

1. Berry Lemonade: A refreshing and fruity option, the sweetness of berry lemonade complements the savory steak bites.
2. Iced Tea: Classic and versatile, iced tea is a family-friendly choice that pairs well with the richness of the dish.
3. Apple Cider: In cooler months, opt for warm apple cider or chilled apple juice for a fall-inspired beverage.

Wine, Cocktail, & Beer Pairings

Remember, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to explore and discover your favorite pairings! The following list will pair perfectly with your Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

Wine Pairings:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: The bold and robust flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon complement the richness of the steak, creating a perfect pairing.
2. Merlot: A medium-bodied Merlot with its soft tannins is a versatile choice that won’t overpower the dish.
3. Zinfandel: Zinfandel’s fruity and peppery notes can add a delightful contrast to the savory steak bites.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Classic Margarita: The citrusy notes of a margarita, whether classic or flavored, provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
2. Whiskey Sour: The sweet and sour elements of a whiskey sour can complement the richness of the steak bites.
3. Gin and Tonic: A crisp and effervescent gin and tonic with a slice of lime can be a refreshing choice to balance the flavors.

Beer Pairings:

1. Stout: A hearty stout with its coffee and chocolate undertones can stand up well to the robust flavors of the steak.
2. Pale Ale: The hoppy and citrusy notes of a pale ale can provide a nice contrast, refreshing the palate between bites.
3. Brown Ale: A malty and slightly sweet brown ale can complement the caramelization on the steak, enhancing the overall experience.