These garlic butter steak bites are designed for maximum browning and a juicy centre in about 15 minutes. Dry, evenly cut sirloin goes into a properly heated skillet in uncrowded batches, then finishes briefly in garlic-herb butter. The method prevents the steak from steaming and protects the garlic from burning while giving every bite a glossy, savoury coating.
Dietary labels are based on the listed ingredients. For allergies or celiac disease, verify every packaged ingredient and guard against cross-contamination.
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Why this recipe works
Dry steak and a hot pan create a deep crust before the centre overcooks.
Batch cooking keeps the skillet hot enough to sear rather than steam.
Adding garlic with the butter over lower heat prevents bitterness.
Ingredient notes
Sirloin
Choose a steak at least one inch thick and cut it into even 1-inch cubes.
Butter
Unsalted butter gives better control over seasoning.
Garlic
Finely mince it so it flavours the butter quickly, but lower the heat before adding it.
Practical substitutions
These are conservative alternatives based on standard kitchen practice; results may vary from the original recipe.
Strip loin can replace sirloin; trim excessive exterior fat before cubing.
Rosemary can replace thyme, but use it sparingly because it is stronger.
Troubleshooting
The steak turns grey
Pat it very dry, heat the pan longer and cook fewer pieces at once.
The garlic burns
Move the pan off high heat before adding butter and garlic.
The steak is tough
Cut evenly, avoid overcooking and slice larger pieces across the grain before serving.
Storage and freezing
Refrigerate within two hours and use within three days.
Reheat briefly in a hot skillet; prolonged reheating will cook the centres further.
THE BUTTER & BLOOM RECIPE
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Print-friendly layout
Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
4 min
Total time
51 min
Yield
4 servings
Cuisine
North American
Updated
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb sirloin steak
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon oil
4 tablespoons butter
5 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon parsley
Detailed directions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Cut it into even 1-inch cubes, blot every surface dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Cut the steak into even 1-inch cubes and blot every surface dry so the meat sears instead of steaming
Place a large heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the oil; it should shimmer immediately without smoking heavily.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Heat the skillet first, then add the oil; it should shimmer immediately without producing heavy smoke
Add only enough steak to leave space between the pieces. Sear without moving for about 1 1/2 minutes, turn and brown the remaining sides for another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the batch to a clean plate and repeat.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Leave clear space between the pieces and let the first side brown undisturbed before turning
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, minced garlic and thyme. Stir for 30 to 45 seconds, just until fragrant; do not let the garlic turn dark brown.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Lower the heat before adding the butter, garlic and thyme; the garlic should stay pale and fragrant
Return the steak and any juices to the skillet. Toss and spoon the foaming garlic butter over the pieces for about 1 minute.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Return the steak and spoon the foaming garlic butter over every piece for about 1 minute
Check the largest piece with an instant-read thermometer. For whole cuts of beef, 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest is the USDA minimum; cook further if preferred.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Check the centre of the largest piece; 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest is the USDA minimum for whole-cut beef
Remove from the heat, scatter with parsley and rest for 3 minutes before serving.Garlic Butter Steak Bites · Finish with parsley and rest the steak bites for 3 minutes before serving